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I do most of my “hanging out” in the SD/HD forum & the Excursion & V10 forums I’ve gotten a feel for the main users there. I wanted to post this in those forums but decided at the last minute that it would be more subject appropriate to pose this question in the General Forum.
I think that most of us here do our own maintenance and those who don’t would at least like to try. Maybe you can’t because of the lack of tools, the space and the proper instruction and guidance to get started. There are also guys like me who always do their own maint. but have a truck that won’t fit in the garage (or maybe don’t have a garage) and even so, since it isn’t heated, wrenching on something when it’s 20 degrees outside just isn’t any fun. So I would like your opinion on an idea that I have that I would like to implement.
I would like to open a do-it-yourself auto center. It would have about 15-20 bays. Some would have lifts. Air lines and drop lights would be at each “station”. I would have a complete tool room with all the tools necessary, safety equipment & manuals. There would be a few computers for manuals on CD as well internet access to online information (like FTE!!). I would also incorporate a parts store right into the operation. One could buy parts there and install them. He could also order them and have them waiting and do the work when they show up. He could also order them online or from a catalog and have them delivered to the shop. This isn’t a new idea. I went to a place like this while in the Army. Just about every base has a “Car Care Center” just as I described above (but without the parts store). A certified mechanic(s) would always be running the show not some 5 bucks an hour kid. Of course profits are derived from the rental of tools and bays. I don’t want to get into the business aspect so I’m not posting startup, operating costs, projected earnings and stuff like that.

I want to find out simply;
1. Would YOU use a place like this if one were available in your area?
2. And second, do you have one in your area?
3. If so, what would change about it?

Thanks for responding!!

 

i have a truck which also doesnot fit in my garage where i live but i have a larger garage up at a cabin. in the city my baby sits ont eh street and i have really no place to do repairs without being bothered by neibours, even though i like my nebours a lot.

if something like what your suggesting was availible in the north west part of winnipeg manitoba, id be first in line to sign up for it. i think it's a totally awesome idea

 

I've thought of the same idea. I am in the Air Force and we have the same thing going. We call it the auto hobby shop. I don't see where it would not be a good idea. It would have to be located near or in a very urban area where there a lot of houses without garages. I wouldn't even hire a mechanic. That's the point of do-it-yourself. We do have so called (uncertified) mechanics at the shop on base and mostly they just hand out tools. Have someone that can install brakes and turn rotors along with tire mounting capabilities. I think it would be a great job for a high schooler. You could go broke fast paying a certified mechanic. The starting cost would be astronomical though. Figure 20 bays at $7.50 an hour would be $150 dollars an hour if they were full at all times which they won't be. Incorporating a parts store would be a great idea. Having a great deal of knowledge about mechanics yourself is going to be a big factor.

 

I think your liability insurance would be very high. The military craft shops are not there to make a profit, just as a support benifit. There main funding comes from Moral,Welfare and Recreation. The craft shop at Ft. Wainwright has three ASE mechanics on duty. They will assist with a question on how to do a task but no hands on assistance.

 

I've often thought about starting something like this myself. My problem is that I have the tools and the know-how, but my garage is too small, I could really use a lift, and my driveway is gravel, and therefore no good for alot of repairs, if only because it's a pain in my Scottish **** to get my creeper to move around on the stuff.
I spoke with my father, who is in the insurance business, and he agrees that your biggest hurdle will be getting somebody to insure you. Once you're past that though, I think the concept is worth a try.

The Law

 

We have them in the military, they are called Self-Help/ Auto Skills Centers. You have to pay a small fee for bays and some tools. Alot of people like myself use them extensively, and when I work there I always try to help the others as best I can on their problems. I have showed my wife how to do basic maintenance(brakes plugs, oil, etc), it is a nice feeling to help other folks who are new at it how to fix things. They always have a smile when they figure it out, even with a little help. I also do work for other people(restored a totalled Cabrolet VW for my wifes friend). Point is they are great. When I retire from the Army I planned on doing something similar to it for the community.

cpnhgnjnky

 

Awesome idea! I wish we had this close to where I live!

 

We have one where I live called U-Wrench It ,
It can get Very busy or be completely empty.
The cost is reasonable although it requires you to have a second vehicle /person to run for parts(especially un-for-seen parts.

Luckily for myself,I only have to drive for an hour to use a Fully-equipped automotive shop for free(I usually buy dinner for the owner and wife though).

Under the right conditions,it could work out though.
I would think the start-up costs would be astronomical though then the insurance part.$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$

Dennis
Please Don't Ask Me Any Tough Questions As:
"I'm Saving Up MY Memory For When I Develop Alzheimer's"







78 F-150 429CJ C6 ,Silver w/Explorer Pkge
641/2 Mustang,Pre-World's Fair Car #8092
64 Fairlane S/C waiting for a 390-4spd.
68-Mustang.Sunlit Gold 80,000 miles

 

I have to agree that insurance would be the killer of the idea BUT I am going to talk to my lawyer is setting up my contracts for my garage
and see if you post signs in every bay and BEFORE anyone rents a bay they must sign a WAIVER that YOU are not responsible for personal injury and USE OF LIFTS AND OTHER GARAGE OWNED EQUIPMENT IS USE AT YOUR OWN RISK. That might work and also highlight in the waiver NO CHILDREN UNDER THE AGE OF 16 in the work bays. I will let you all know
what my attorney says about this. I am sure the military shops have you sign something that states they are not repsonsible for any injury. but then again you are in the military and you are considered government property. I will research this as much as I can and keep you all posted on what I find out.

 

I just have two three things to say:

1. This is an awesome idea.
2. The hobby shops on military installations can greatly reduce their liabilities because of military (possibly all goverment personell but not sure) not being able to sue the government. This plays a part some how. For example: If I was still in the military and got an operation by a military doctor, I cannot sue if he screws up. I know, different subject, but same deal.
2. With the right lawyer(s), waivers mean nothing. Make sure you have enough liability insurance. In a garage situation, there are too many things to go wrong that would render a waiver useless. E.g., a 'common area' or another stall leaves brake fluid on the cement. Someone slips, falls and cracks their head open. Wavers cannot allow negligence. Another would be a seal on a jack breaking and dropping a vehicle on someone. You would probably be responsible for not keeping your tools in a good working condition. A waiver will not protect you good enough. Gotta have that liability insurance.

 

Come to think of it Quaker State oil change places down here in AZ have a do it yourself bay and pit for customers to perform their own oil changes. I wonder how they protect themselves from liabilty suits?? This topic really has mee wondering now. Alot of research is definetly in order on this.

 

There is a secondary issue you need to think about also - Hazardous Materials.

The price of disposal would not be so bad (parts stores deal with it constantly) but the fines if someone messes up are startling!

Still - I would have to rate that secondary because of the slipperiness of legal issues.

Only a complete DOLT would burn themselves with a cup of coffee and then sue because they didn't know it was hot - but the courts awarded damages for it anyway... The only way I could visualise it happening would be as an exclusive club with intelligent members in the first place. A public outfit would invite every wanna-be for miles around, and you have no idea what their level of expertise is (if any).

Such people are often sue-happy

 

Just make sure they are really big bays!

Funny thing is that a buddy and I were discussing this very topic just this afternoon. We both agreed that it would be EXTREMELY nice to have such a place. However, as owner/operator, I do think the insurance costs would be prohibitive.

 

Hey 12 replies so far, cool. Thanks guys. One re-occuring theme in your responses is insurance. That is something that almost keeps me awake at night. I know that can be a nightmare. I appreciate all your responses and advice. It's very cool that some of you have adopted this little idea of mine. Thank you very much!!

Insurance companies and lawyers.