Do you know of a self help/ self service auto shop around you? For example, U-FIX-IT center is a self service shop in Phoenix Az. Do you use it?

 

Dave's garage - in my backyard.

 

There's a few pick a part places in Long Beach for both cars and motorcycles. You can save a few dollars if your familiar and can wrench..........

 

I've never heard of that, that's sick. I'm from New England, we don't have that stuff around here. I'm able to use my own lift at work whenever I want, it's kinda nice.

 

I wish! Never heard of them around here. I thought the UK had some. I remember the guys on Top Gear going to what appeared to be a self-service garage during their used Italian supercar for less than 1500 pounds challenge.

Really would be awesome to have some Rent-A-Shop's or something, with a full service lift, all the tools you need... hell yeah. Only question is how much would it really cost.

 

Being able to use a lift is one thing, but letting you use tools... I think they would have to be signed out or I feel like they would get stolen all the time.

 

Garage Hacks Racing, located in my garage. Paladin Advanced Automotive, great sponsor of mine, i turn wrenches there when they need a hand.

 

hmmm, thats pretty cool

 

I know some military bases have self help shops. they rent their bays out for cheap. they don't really have a tool accountability system because I accidentally ran off with one of their screwdrivers. I returned it the next time I used their box and they didn't even notice lol

 

About 20 years ago there was a place here in town that rented space on their lifts. Liability became too much for them to handle so it was shutdown. Considering that nobody will allow customers to enter the shop area, I find it amazing a place like this still exists.

 

i bet finding an insurance company would be hard,but not impossible.

 

Yeah most dealerships wont even let you UNDER the car when its on a lift, left alone into the shop area. So I agree the liability, waivers and insurances issues would be enough to kill this idea for most entrepreneurs i'm sure.

Sure would be nice to have access to a lift at the least. Those of you that do, consider yourselves very lucky. I'll tell you replacing a gearbox when you can only get the car a foot off the ground SUCKS!

 

They use to have one back on my Marine Corp base El Toro in So. Cal back in the 90's. It was very convenient...

 

We have one in MN, I haven't used them yet since I have enough tools at my house.

http://firstgeargarage.com/

 

Agree.

Aberdeen Proving Grounds - military base. Charge is minimal. Never went to Aberdeen but have used other bases.

Good for simple work like oil and filter. You can be in and out in less that a hour - and know that it is done right.

For more complicated work, the key is staff help. Forget weekends because the staff is overwhelmed. Weekdays are cool because the pace is slow, and staff is generally helpful.

 

I know all army bases have a car craft but you may need a military id, mine is like $3 and i have access to any tool even alignment rack.

 

I think more places should have shops like this, especially with the economy in the condition it's in. More people will appreciate shops like this.

 

It would be a great profit maker but like everyone is stating the liability would cost a fortune.

 

So far I have found 8 places throuought the country that are successfull. One of them is HUGE!!!! It's located in jacksonville florida and has 40 bays! Lucky you if you live near them.

 

Nellis AFB auto hobby shop is $5 an hour. The tools suck, i have a better selection of tools ar home. I did use the one on Kadena AB often, only because 3/4 of my tools were in storage