Build space...
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Discussion

Mr J

Original Poster:

257 posts

280 months

Saturday 3rd December 2005
quotequote all
Ok, the only problem I have now is finding space for the build. How much space will I need? I'll be ordering the parts as I need them, and not all at once (can't afford it all upfront and a loan isn't an option), so I probally won't need as much room as the typical build. I'll be moving sometime in the next few months, so getting a place with a double garage might be an option, but I'll most likely move into a unit/appartment and will have to rent some space out.

craig-ultima

243 posts

262 months

Saturday 3rd December 2005
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I used my entire 1200 square foot garage for my build, but that was only because I had it available.

I would guess that the chassis itself can be worked on with a single car garage space. If you do that, absolutely build a rolling dolly for the chassis so that you can move it from side to side, move it outside on good weather days, turn the chassis around, etc. You need to be able to stand next to, crawl under and climb over the chassis from all four sides.

Where I used the extra space was in prepping the body work. I had the mid section of the body, and the front and rear clips all up on stands while I worked on them. In my garage, that would fit just fine.

But if you are really pressed for space, what you will need is a single car space to work on the chassis, and about a half-car space to work on the center body section or the rear clip (since they are the biggest pieces) before they go on to the car.

DHGTR

1,196 posts

272 months

Saturday 3rd December 2005
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there have been quite a few people that have built their Ultima in a single garage but as craig says you must be able to roll the chassis in and out of the garage. You may find that when you are at the bodywork stage, space will become very tight as you will need to fit and remove panels during this stage. I have a double garage and find that unless i keep on top of the tools/rags/rubbish space seems to dissapear very quickly. I guess being in Sydney rolling the chassis onto the drive wouldnt be a problem 'most' of the year.

eliot

11,995 posts

283 months

Saturday 3rd December 2005
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I done my dakar in a single garage, i just pushed it outside when working on it. I had a *really* long extension lead, as the garage didn't even have power.


I would say keeping organised and tidy is the key element. Moving house can be a nightmare, as things tend to get broken,lost and left behind. Somehow i managed to loose a complete flywheel and clutch!

If I ever build one, it will also be in a single garage - although I have a huge workshop out-back for all the other stuff.

GTRMikie

874 posts

277 months

Monday 5th December 2005
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I built mine in a single garage and didn't use a rolling dolly, just axle stands. I had just enough room down the sides to be able to put the wheels on without moving the chassis out of the garage! I stored the body in the dining room until it was required. It was quite a talking point at dinner parties!

polus

4,343 posts

254 months

Monday 5th December 2005
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GTRMikie said:
I built mine in a single garage and didn't use a rolling dolly, just axle stands. I had just enough room down the sides to be able to put the wheels on without moving the chassis out of the garage! I stored the body in the dining room until it was required. It was quite a talking point at dinner parties!


hehe, And when everyone had gone did you sit in the empty body and make car sounds

steve_D

13,802 posts

287 months

Monday 5th December 2005
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polus said:
GTRMikie said:
I built mine in a single garage and didn't use a rolling dolly, just axle stands. I had just enough room down the sides to be able to put the wheels on without moving the chassis out of the garage! I stored the body in the dining room until it was required. It was quite a talking point at dinner parties!


hehe, And when everyone had gone did you sit in the empty body and make car sounds


If anyone says no they're lying.

Steve

craig-ultima

243 posts

262 months

Friday 9th December 2005
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I had the center section up on stands and would sit inside on a bar stool to work on the dash, and the other stuff, before I put it in the car.

I confess that every time my wife came out into the garage I'd quickly drop the tools and start making driving noises, just as a tease... Even she joined in one time. Weird, but, hey, its an Ultima...