Ideas on place to work on car? Don't have access to garage.

[Fewski]

I'm going to college currently and living in an apartment. I have a project I want to do on a car, but it will involve a nearly complete teardown.. something that I can't do in the parking lot. Was thinking of a storage unit, but don't have access to electricity that way. I know I can get an outdoor storage spot like they use for RV's and trailers that may have access to electric, but then I have the problem with people stealing tools and parts.

Any ideas? Can't do anything to expensive.. I am on the ole' college budget.
Thanks

[oldblu65]

Originally Posted by Fewski

I'm going to college currently and living in an apartment. I have a project I want to do on a car, but it will involve a nearly complete teardown.. something that I can't do in the parking lot. Was thinking of a storage unit, but don't have access to electricity that way. I know I can get an outdoor storage spot like they use for RV's and trailers that may have access to electric, but then I have the problem with people stealing tools and parts.

Any ideas? Can't do anything to expensive.. I am on the ole' college budget.
Thanks

The outdoor storage unit idea has merit but you should really ask the storage unit owners or management if this is okay with them and won't cause you to be " evicted " . That could cause major problems especially if you are half - way into the project ! Good luck !

[danielsatur]

Try the front yard, back yard, or a shade tree.
If you keep the auto licensed, insured, and tagged you shouldn't have a problem.
I actually did an engine rebuild on the kitchen table in a Town home community.

3wks total = 1-wk to take off nuts + bolts, 1-wk rebuild engine, and 1-wk to Get-R-done.
LOL - I told the neighbor, we were just changing the oil.

[MagicRat]

Electricity shouldn't be a problem..... 1000 watt generators are really cheap these days.

But the problem is, storage units are just for storage, nothing else. They are often not zoned or insured for mechanical work.

Occasionally, home owners may have a garage or parking space they may be willing to rent. Otherwise, are there any farms outside of town in Fort Myers? Often, farms have a bit of extra barn space they may be willing to rent.

At least it will be warm. I have had to work outside in winter, on a car. There are only 2 positive features to working on cars in the snow.
1. It's easy to slide under a car when its snowy.
2. The sun reflecting off snow really illuminates the underside of the car.

But none is any good when its so cold you can't move/feel your fingers.

[Gohan Ryu]

Search for a "self serve garage" or a "U-fix-it garage" in your area. They exist, they'll rent you garage space and equipment, but they aren't in every city. Pretty rare in fact.