DIY Car Repairs, Storage and Garage Facility - London

[GMC Typhoon]

I'm not sure how to ask a moderator so I'll just be upfront. If there is a problem, please PM me and I'll explain/pay for advertising!

I'm trying to get a car club going. The links are here:

If anyone is interested then please "like" on Facebook.

London Car Club

www.londoncarclub.wordpress.com

twitter: @londoncarclub

I'm trying to solve the problem of secure storage, a place to work, access to tools and a comfortable environment.

The idea is that anyone can do simple jobs themselves, up to full engine swaps etc but at a much cheaper hourly/daily rate than paying a mechanic to do it.

Daily, weekly, monthly rates will be catered for and these are comparable to the hourly rates that a mechanic in London may charge.

If you have something you want stored for long term then that could be accommodated too. It's supposed to be flexible.

If I can get enough interest then I can take on a lease and make a go of it.

Any takers/suggestions?

People have said they think it is a good idea but I've only seen it done in two locations worldwide so either it's very difficult or there isn't much appetite. I guess we'll see!

Apologies if this is deemed advertising. I put it in the London forum as well.

Please let your friends know and also let me know if you have any problems.

Apologies for the advertising, wasn't sure how to proceed.

Thanks everyone!

[TallPaul]

Its an interesting concept, but I'd guess insurance could be problematic. What happens if another customer damages my car, or worse, injures me? Suppose someone asks me to take a look/ help them under their car and it falls off the jack onto me?

[GMC Typhoon]

I'm planning on installing cages, so each car is isolated and lockable.

If someone else damages your car, it could only be with your sanction - you let them work on it therefore your fault. If you open the cage, there you go.

If a jack collapses, it's the same as if a neighbour was helping you on the street. Personable liability insurance I imagine - not sure if anyone has ever considered that when helping a neighbour...

I need to get enough people thinking positively about this - there are lots of us fed up with crappy small British streets/garages.

Please show your support. It's a club, not a business and I need members!

Did I say membership is free for now until we get a place?

It's like having your own garage but infinitely better and you only pay for when you need it!

[Neil MG]

What would the cost for something like that be?

[GMC Typhoon]

Neil MG said:

What would the cost for something like that be?

Well, as mentioned, it would be ideally available on a daily, weekly, weekend, monthly or longer basis depending on your preference.

I'm hoping for something like £80 for 24 hours, £350 for the week, £200 for a weekend and at cost for the month depending on the size/location etc etc

Deposits paid up front and you pay for what you use.

I'm hoping that with 4-8 people, you pay no more than 200-250 a month which would be comparable to a garage in London (I know that it can be found cheaper but not necessarily for everyone).

The advantages as I see it are:

Much bigger space
Access to tools
Storage of equipment
Availability of tools (share with other members)
Shared experience/ knowledge/ diagnosis of problems
Security of your vehicle - most sites will gave CCTV as well as patrols etc compared to a rattly old shed
No lengthy lease contract - you can move out if your circumstances change. The club carries the commitment.
If you were a mechanic then you could use the facility to do repairs/ sound installation etc etc.

There would be a modest fee (£20) for the year or similar to cover admin costs.

If you don't want to store permanently then you don't have to - I'm trying to create opportunity for those of us that can't find the space to work on our cars.

I'm open to suggestions but for this to work I need people to spread the word.

In these times of austerity, more people will be looking for a way to save money and work on their cars themselves.

This is all born of my desire to work on my own car!!

[whythem]

I think this would get more informed feedback in the business section.

[bigdods]

Something like this http://www.pitstartgarage.com/self_service.html but with the addition of car storage ? Looks like they also charge £80 per day but they also supply tools.