I went over to the driveway to put another coat of paint on some parts last night and maybe do some electrical troubleshooting. I was not looking forward to it at all. The driveway is too narrow to get the car doors open all the way, so they slowly swing shut on their own, usually just in time to close on your head. The "garage" has no doors and the windows are busted out, so it's almost as bad as working in the driveway when the weather's bad. It's full of junk and rotted leaves, and it's about a half mile to the nearest electrical outlet. Plus it was really cold out last night. I figured I'd bundle up, spray the paint, and head over to my new garage, but when I got to the driveway I didn't want to leave. I know all the neighbors here and don't feel like I need to keep everything under lock and key. I like hanging out with my friends (who let me use the driveway) while I take breaks. I complain about this place a lot, but it's comfortable. I've got my makeshift workspace cobbled together pretty well now and it feels weird working anywhere else. I know at least a couple of you are building something in less than ideal spaces. Let's see them.
Although I have a 2.5 car garage, in a perfect suburban ranch house in a perfect suburban neighborhood (sarcasm detector on high here) I often miss my old 1 car garage built in the 30's. To think of the things it's seen, much less been created there, wow. My new garage is so "sterile" compared to it. Even smells different. I am jealous. Jay
Yeah, I forgot about the smell. Ventilation's pretty good in the driveway. The new place has a whole new kind of mold that I'm not used to yet.
Some would call my space less than ideal. I was up until 1:30 this morning welding together a track nose insert and could see my breath the entire time. I love being out there though. I wonder if my car would look the way it does if I had built it in a spotless two car garage?
Andrew, I wouldn't advise spraying paint in cold temps if you want it to stick. I rebuilt my old Model A in that shed next to my garage. No door, gravel floor and bird shit everywhere. My dogs liked to go in there and "mark" their spots as well. If I had to work in those conditions again I would give it up and stay inside and watch TV. A garage is the best investment anyone with old cars can make. I am renting a stall to Matt for a hundred bucks a month plus I am working on his car more than mine. I think he is coming out ahead.
Here are a few shots of my optimistically sized one-car garage with lean-to. Remember that small houses (1200 sq ft) have small garages (320 sq ft with lean-to) and small properties (5600 sq ft). Zoning says I can build a garage up to 10% as large as my property, so I may construct a 560 sq ft one or just add another bay to the existing structure if money is tight. Still, it is my place of solace and mayhem, sometimes at the same time. Ed
I'm just stoked to have a detached garage. The next car is going to come together fast since I don't have to work quietly and plan cutting/hammering around nap and bed times. Rad canoe kit Jim. I think I have a trailer rounded up.
[ QUOTE ] Andrew, I wouldn't advise spraying paint in cold temps if you want it to stick. [/ QUOTE ] Yeah, I know. It's just primer though.
Ahotrod, what did you paint the floor white with? or is that an illusion. that looks like a lab. LOL I have a regular 2 slot 1978 vintage garage all to myself which is plenty big enough but I wish it was detached as to not wake up the kids when cutting and grinding. I need to paint the walls white for better light though.
The Jalopy Journal
