Show Us YOUR Home Garage

[drbrad]

I'm cleaning out my garage and want to make it into a weekend tinkerer's dream.

I'd be interested in hearing your tips and suggestions. If you have any photos, post them too...

Thanks,
Brad

[MTI]

I for one, am absolutely against the current trend to make a garage another living space expansion of the rest of the house . . . the "man cave" done up by designers.

The last thing I want to be thinking about, as I roll out a floor or bottle jack, is whether the Race Deck tiles are going to get permanently ding'd or if some overspray is going to freckle the custom cabinetry. Like the lines in fine leather, there are spots on my concrete floor that remind me of some great moments (okay, and some real bonehead acts on my part) in DIY car work.

After spending thousands on "decor" it's hard to tell the wife "honey, sometimes some oil is gonna spill . . ."

[toomany MBZ]

Clutter tends to reproduce quickly, covering all flat areas.

[Dee8go]

Originally Posted by toomany MBZ

Clutter tends to reproduce quickly, covering all flat areas.

Ain't that the truth!

[drbrad]

I'm just tired or spending hours looking for a tool or a bottle of fluid. Worse, golf clubs or sporting equipment tipping or falling onto the vehicles.

I agree, no sofa, but definitely a place for my laptop, some good external speakers, a phone, good lighting and maybe a heater or two....

Any other practical ideas?

[Dee8go]

Don't forget the frig for ice cold adult beverages . . . .

[drbrad]

I already have that...which brings me to my next point...more outlets!

[MTI]

Originally Posted by Dee8go

Don't forget the frig for ice cold adult beverages . . . .

Which then requires a good sized first aid kit and a list of emergency numbers taped to the wall next to the phone . . . just sayin'

[pj67coll]

Originally Posted by MTI

I for one, am absolutely against the current trend to make a garage another living space expansion of the rest of the house

I'd have to dissagree. I rather like the idea. I'm tired of clutter and crap. I want a high dollar workshop/house extension. Of course I can't afford that. But I still want it.

- Peter.

[MTI]

Not saying that I'm pro-"clutter and crap" . . . everything should be in it's place for safety and function . . . but that's different than having it look like a faux 50's diner/drive-in/malt shop.

[toomany MBZ]

I spend much time in the garage or close by, weather permitting. For those with year 'round pleasant weather there is a different mind set, yet I also don't want something so nice as to be afraid of "damaging" it.
A couple more pics too.

[G-Benz]

If I had the means I'd have three garages:

1. "Show" garage - completely decked-out spacious living area with exotics and classics parked randomly on the floor. Of course, the auto-motif themes hanging on the wall, some neon signs, etc., a fully equipped bar, with plasma TVs playing endless loops of Grand Prix highlights, past and present.

2. "Work" garage - the REAL play area. Concrete floor, white walls, white ceiling, 1kW flourescent lighting, plumbed pressurized air, a lift, and rows of Formula 1-style tool cabinets...and a few mechanized fabricating tools!

3 "Normal" garage - finished walls, ceilings and floor. No crap whatsoever...no mowers, tools, shelves, anything. Just the drivers parked inside.

[derburger]

I have a 1950's attached garage, luckily it has AC/Heat, water, electric, and a drain in the floor. I've ziptied some florescent lights up and flip them on when working. I've got a 70's stereo and cold drinks in the fridge, an old dresser is my toolbox. Add a "TRUCKS KEEP OUT CHILDREN PLAYING" sign and it is perfect.

[Stoneseller]

Originally Posted by toomany MBZ

I spend much time in the garage or close by, weather permitting. For those with year 'round pleasant weather there is a different mind set, yet I also don't want something so nice as to be afraid of "damaging" it.
A couple more pics too.

Is that a workbench hiding under all the stuff in pic #1?

[The Clk Man]

Originally Posted by derburger

I have a 1950's attached garage, luckily it has AC/Heat, water, electric, and a drain in the floor. I've ziptied some florescent lights up and flip them on when working. I've got a 70's stereo and cold drinks in the fridge, an old dresser is my toolbox. Add a "TRUCKS KEEP OUT CHILDREN PLAYING" sign and it is perfect.

Hey man, I could make you a sign that says "Beer Drinkers at Work, KEEP OUT".