My new Oldsmobile club house
August 31st, 2014, 01:52 PM
#1
My new Oldsmobile club house
I really enjoy our hobby and over the past three years I have bought several quality parts cars for my own builds, keeping what I need and selling what I don’t. Last year I bought more, and sold more than the first two years combined. And I have met a lot of people and gained a lot of knowledge over these past three years. I definitely do not consider myself an expert, but I know more now then when I first bought my 1970 442. I owe everyone here a great big "thank you" for this new found knowledge.
My expanding parts collection recently forced me to move out of the house and into a large self-storage unit, which almost immediately out grew. I thought about expanding into a second unit but my desire for a decent space to use for my own project builds sent my scouring the want ads for a small commercial space. Well I found one, and not only is it priced reasonably, it is located a mere fifteen minutes from the house.
This new space should allow me a better opportunity to pick up Cutlass and 442s; both project quality and parts cars. I no longer have to worry about where to store them, or drive the forty plus minutes I used to drive to get to them. Wow! I am a happy camper now.
My expanding parts collection recently forced me to move out of the house and into a large self-storage unit, which almost immediately out grew. I thought about expanding into a second unit but my desire for a decent space to use for my own project builds sent my scouring the want ads for a small commercial space. Well I found one, and not only is it priced reasonably, it is located a mere fifteen minutes from the house.
This new space should allow me a better opportunity to pick up Cutlass and 442s; both project quality and parts cars. I no longer have to worry about where to store them, or drive the forty plus minutes I used to drive to get to them. Wow! I am a happy camper now.
Last edited by Olds442redberet; August 31st, 2014 at 01:55 PM. Reason: grammer
August 31st, 2014, 05:22 PM
#9
Just an Olds Guy
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: Edmonton, AB. And "I am Can 'eh' jun - eh"
Posts: 24,525
Tom, I need space like that too. Next thing you need to do is build a lot of storage racks as the floor space will be taken up in no time flat.
One thing I really like about that shop is that all your parts are being protected from the weather. You could also install a nice bead blaster to clean stuff up before painting and/or refinishing for higher valued sales? I think in short order you'll need an assistant to run the shop while you're out acquiring inventory.
Suggestion: set up an electronic inventory of parts and their locations so it's easy to find or respond to requests.
So does this mean you'll also branch out a bit and start hauling in other brands?
One thing I really like about that shop is that all your parts are being protected from the weather. You could also install a nice bead blaster to clean stuff up before painting and/or refinishing for higher valued sales? I think in short order you'll need an assistant to run the shop while you're out acquiring inventory.
Suggestion: set up an electronic inventory of parts and their locations so it's easy to find or respond to requests.
So does this mean you'll also branch out a bit and start hauling in other brands?
August 31st, 2014, 08:02 PM
#11
Allen,
All very good points, many of which I am already planning on incorporating. I just need to pace myself, budget wise that is. Shelving is first, a parts cleaner and a media blasting cabinet will come next. I did recently buy a parts tumbler online for cleaning my small stuff. I am buying new shelving from Cosco now, purchasing more each month. I have some shelves but I need more, lots more. By buying new shelving from Cosco I am able to buy some monthly while still maintaining a uniform look in the shop as I go along. I am also looking for a good workbench on Craigslist as well. Something nice but not priced at full retail. Since I only need one or two they do not need to be uniformed or pretty.
I am basically working on a six-month plan along side my twelve-month objectives.
After almost three decades of military service I am finally retiring. I am really looking forward to my retirement and continuing to grow within the hobby.
All very good points, many of which I am already planning on incorporating. I just need to pace myself, budget wise that is. Shelving is first, a parts cleaner and a media blasting cabinet will come next. I did recently buy a parts tumbler online for cleaning my small stuff. I am buying new shelving from Cosco now, purchasing more each month. I have some shelves but I need more, lots more. By buying new shelving from Cosco I am able to buy some monthly while still maintaining a uniform look in the shop as I go along. I am also looking for a good workbench on Craigslist as well. Something nice but not priced at full retail. Since I only need one or two they do not need to be uniformed or pretty.
I am basically working on a six-month plan along side my twelve-month objectives.
After almost three decades of military service I am finally retiring. I am really looking forward to my retirement and continuing to grow within the hobby.
September 1st, 2014, 06:17 AM
#17
Registered User
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: Hinckley, Ohio
Posts: 730
Thanks for your service and congratulations on retirement! I'll join the retired in 6-8 years, and may follow your model. I have 8 garages now, but have the itch for more.
What is the footprint of the commercial building? Have a security system?
What is the footprint of the commercial building? Have a security system?
September 2nd, 2014, 04:10 PM
#20
2x on the lift. I wasn't kind to my body as a young man. Getting in the floor is no problem, a few hits on the Mason jar gets you down the quick, fast and in a hurry, but getting up outa the floor is getting a bit more challenging. Would be nice to stand and work under the car. I'm not too far from Bragg, holler at me and let's take a ride, grab a bite. I'm buyin. Least I can do for another Army family. Thanks for your service.
September 8th, 2014, 05:20 PM
#21
I finally got everything into the shop and let me tell you, it feels great! I am pulling parts in the comfort of a well lit shop and I am much better organized now. I still need a few more shelves but I am focusing all my time and limited resources on my search for two more cars first.
September 8th, 2014, 10:16 PM
#22
X3 on the lift. Was the best investment I have made. Once you have one you will never work on the floor again.
I also bought a bunch of pallet racking and made a second deck, built stairs to go up and down.
Next best thing i got was a fork lift. Putting things upstairs so easy.
Like they said floor space goes fast, a second deck is great for storage.
Gene
I also bought a bunch of pallet racking and made a second deck, built stairs to go up and down.
Next best thing i got was a fork lift. Putting things upstairs so easy.
Like they said floor space goes fast, a second deck is great for storage.
Gene
September 9th, 2014, 04:25 PM
#27
That is so true, it will never be that clean again.
I have 1250 sq ft and it is full, that is why the second deck.
I have found the more space you have the more **** you collect . I have parts I'm positive I have just can't find.
Gene
I have 1250 sq ft and it is full, that is why the second deck.
I have found the more space you have the more **** you collect . I have parts I'm positive I have just can't find.
Gene
September 10th, 2014, 11:16 AM
#29
I am paying $650.00 per month for 1500 square feet.
Great area! I can get a larger property in Birmingham for $500.00 per month, but it's in a bad area of town.
IMO the economy here isn't doing so great.
Great area! I can get a larger property in Birmingham for $500.00 per month, but it's in a bad area of town.
IMO the economy here isn't doing so great.
September 10th, 2014, 04:21 PM
#32
I move to Alabama for a reason:
1. The cost of living is low while the standard of living is nice.
2. I can buy a lot of house for little money.
3. Alabama doesn't tax retirement pay.
4. No state vehicle inspections.
5. Huge classic car cummunity.
6. and today the price for a gallon of gasoline is $3.15
1. The cost of living is low while the standard of living is nice.
2. I can buy a lot of house for little money.
3. Alabama doesn't tax retirement pay.
4. No state vehicle inspections.
5. Huge classic car cummunity.
6. and today the price for a gallon of gasoline is $3.15
September 10th, 2014, 08:42 PM
#33
Senior Moment Member
Join Date: Jan 2007
Posts: 2,860
Well the song, "Alabama Here I Come" wasn't written for nothing. Sounds like a great state compared to Ill Noise. Anything is better than here. I'm paying a buck a square foot. This pic was taken tonight. 54 Vette. Cool.
Last edited by z11375ss; September 10th, 2014 at 08:57 PM. Reason: coolness
November 5th, 2014, 09:18 AM
#36
Well, I've been in the shop for two months now and I am really enjoying it. I am already beginning to out grow it, but I am hoping that with a little organization along with a few sales I can keep the clutter under control.
I got cleaned out this past weekend so I had to spend the first two days of this week just cleaning and reorganizing. Here are the fruits of my labor.
I got cleaned out this past weekend so I had to spend the first two days of this week just cleaning and reorganizing. Here are the fruits of my labor.
November 5th, 2014, 11:32 AM
#37
Have you check into second deck yet ? I use Pallet racking like at Home Depot provides a lot more room
Also maybe cover windows and doors with white paper so as no one can look in and see what you have going on.
Also maybe some kind of a bar to go across the front door, to prevent from being kick in.
I don't have a front door like that, I just go out the roll up door.
Place is looking great!!
Gene
Also maybe cover windows and doors with white paper so as no one can look in and see what you have going on.
Also maybe some kind of a bar to go across the front door, to prevent from being kick in.
I don't have a front door like that, I just go out the roll up door.
Place is looking great!!
Gene
Last edited by 64Rocket; November 5th, 2014 at 09:53 PM.
November 5th, 2014, 01:27 PM
#40
Registered User
Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: Evansville, IN
Posts: 10,274
It looks wonderful. My only concern about second stories is that it stops the possibility of later 4 post lifts for more car storage on the same footprint. I'll be building one next summer, I hope, behind my house.
