Do it yourself garages.

[Andrew Pawlisz <apawlisz@tufts.edu>]

To all Audiphiles,

Does anybody know whether such things as Do-it-yourself garages exist in the U.S.? When I lived in Ottawa (Canada), there was this one garage where you could rent a garage bay (with or without a lift) for $10CAD/hr. The owner would run the show and supervise your work. He or his helper would give you a hand, give hints, or for more difficult tasks, do it himself for free. Needless to say, the system was great for the tree-shade mechanics. First, you were doing the work away from elements (winters in Canada are a tad cold), second you had help of an experienced mechanic (however patronizing-"ex-military man"), and most importantly, if you screwed something up, something broke, the owner could call parts stores to have them send what you need at good prices. Not to mention a full access (for a fee) to tools you did not have, nuts and bolts, press, air tools, etc, etc, etc. In the worst case scenario, he would drive you home (he says he never had to as all the cars left his place under their own power).

Thanks to the garage, I have saved big bucks when changing struts, bearings, ball joints, tie rods, exhaust system, control arm bushings, and brakes,...items that might be hairy to do for the first time by yourself, in the open, and without a shop nearby.

Knowing how paranoid the U.S. is in terms of insurance and lawsuits, I do not think that such a places exist here. 

Perhaps, a few guys in the Boston area would like to get together, pitch-in to rent a heated garage, and start something similar (but strictly as a hobby group not as a business).  Maybe not as elaborate, but certainly as helpful in terms of helping each other out with a helpful hand, expertise, tools, and doing the work under a roof. 


Andrew
Boston, MA
84 4Ks
88 5KsQ