James May

You guys will love last weeks Telegraph column by James May http://www.telegraph.co.uk/motoring/columnists/jamesmay/7496317/The-start-of-a-true-underground-car-cult.html

I've been thinking of what it would take to launch a storage "club" for cars - w/bar, big screen, maybe a couple of game rigs, service lift...A place to hang out with cool cars (my ADD doesn't stop at vehicles).

Man-o-man I wish I had a place like that to go to. (anyone know of a DIY "club" garage in the ATL?)

There was a guy here on the forum not too long ago that was starting one in Chicago or Detroit iirc. (and I probably don't remember correctly). Didn't sound quite as casual as what 'ol James May has going on, but sounded like a start.

oldtin - Do it. This kind of thing needs to be proven as a viable business model, then hopefully we'll see more.

It was Detroit.

Matt, if you want to help me start one here in ATL, I would be more than glad to provide as much as I could.

Sounds like nirvana.

I wouldn't need to build another garage.

Something like that here in Sacto would kick ass. Having a car/racing addiction while living in an apartment sucks.

I often daydream about something like this, and yes, it's born out of the renter/racer situation I'm in. I have no garage, and working on my car in the streets of Brooklyn is sketchy. I mean, would YOU feel safe under your car on jack-stands with all the jack-tards that squeeze into curb-side spaces by bumping into the cars in front and behind them?

My solution would be as simple as a rental garage (although a Fight-Club-like Man-Cave that May describes would be awesome). Daily/Weekly/Montly rates for space with a lift, access to air and specialty tools like tire balancing machines, welding equipment, etc.

Those of us with "long term" projects could rent a workspace monthly, while others who just need to swap a transmission can rent daily or weekly. In the city it would be awesome, because staff could sign for parts deliveries, too (I spent 2 weeks playing tag with my FedEx guy waiting for my berkeleying exhaust).

Are there any examples of this working? I've looked online, but either nobody has sites, or places are truly few-and-far-between.

maroon92 wrote: if you want to help me start one here in ATL, I would be more than glad to provide as much as I could.

I want to help!

The biggest problem with this sort of thing is insurance, and is mentioned every time this comes up. If I own the building or run the business and you drop a car on yourself I'm liable for putting you in such a dangerous situation, even if you signed a waiver or whatever.

I'd be all for this if I could go in with 10 or so guys I know really well and a strict only-your-cars policy. However, most of my gearhead friends are broke and the ones that aren't already have kick-ass garages.

there are a few storage clubs out there...this one, sausalito, tahoe... The business model is built around monthly membership fees - base fee gets a car stored - perhaps trickle charged - extra fees for pick-up/deliver, detailing, perhaps trackside delivery or maintenance. There are probably ways to work through the self-service issues with a little creativity and a bunch of waivers - but that probably isn't the core business.

DukeOfUndersteer wrote:

maroon92 wrote: if you want to help me start one here in ATL, I would be more than glad to provide as much as I could.

I want to help!

Don't tempt me with my non-existent fantasy capital! hehe We should keep an eye out though. There are some abandoned dealerships over in Decatur that had me fantasizing.

I'm in graphic design and marketing, so I could definitely get the word around and make it look legit. I'd be happy to meet you guys over some brews and continue to talk like it's going to happen.

A lot of towns or areas have economic development councils that can help (city of zion, IL gave me a bowling alley a few years ago for an art project) - just sayin...

Maybe we should start a free building thread to go along with the free car threads of late. I could sure use a free bowling alley for something.

I would love something like this. I don't have a garage, which sucks because I'm active at night (thanks, 2nd shift!) and I'm at the mercy of the weather. Having some sort of local "underground" car club would be great. That way, I can wrench on my car overnight, when I'm most awake, in an enclosed environment, with a set of community tools and other gearheads to help, and if I have to leave the car there overnight, then it's no big deal. I could walk home or hitch a ride with a friend.

Tim needs to buy the old Bill Heard Chevy dealership in Orlando and turn it into GRM heaven. Let Tommy run it. I'm sure there's enough parking lot space to configure autocross courses, maybe even a mini-prix course. If I had the money, it would already be done.

One work-around to the inevitable liability hurdle could be to set it up classes, or some sort of certification for members. To rent or use space, you'd have to demonstrate knowledge of the equipment and safety procedures. It might even work as a not-for-profit automobile collective (collaboration with a local SCC, perhaps) that focuses on classes and community education. Wrenching classes, driver safety courses, and maybe even race/rally instruction

I have the space to do this in the form of a 60X90 polebarn with a 16 foot ceiling.

Just not much call for it in rural west-central Indiana. Would enjoy this type of thing, though. Best part: It's in my back yard :D

In reply to Matt B:

I have non-existent capital too! if we pool it, we could start a non-existent business.

The best one, in my eyes anyway, is the abandoned Saturn dealer on Cobb Parkway.

I graduated with a degree in Advertising and Promotion with a focus on copywriting, so together, we could work up some great advertisements!

A meeting over brews would be great. Brews lead to ideas, and ideas lead to action!

maroon92 - PM sent with my contact info

Duke - sent it to you as well, since you seemed interested too

Let the swilling commence!

Ive often thought it would be fantastic to live in an old car dealership, although your yard would be pavement.

Tetzuoe wrote: Ive often thought it would be fantastic to live in an old car dealership, although your yard would be pavement.

There was an empty building that used to be a Midas Muffler shop that I drove past every day. I always thought how awesome it would be as a house. 5 bays, 3 lifts... bathroom, lounge, loft and backoffice becomes the bedroom. It even had a partial basement under 2 bays... would make a sweet machine shop. If I'd of had the $750k to buy it... I'd still have a problem zoning it as a residence. Cool idea anyway.

Tetzuoe wrote: Ive often thought it would be fantastic to live in an old car dealership, in part because your yard would be pavement.

Fixed that for you.

Tetzuoe wrote: Ive often thought it would be fantastic to live in an old car dealership, although your yard would be pavement.

Indeed, you've heard my theory of moving into a warehouse if/when the wife leaves me, but there is an abandoned car dealership about 10 miles here that would be perfect. Convert the showroom to living space (get rid of the fishbowl style glass) and use all the lovely bays for car guy nirvanna. Big enough parking lot to do my own test and tune. Hmmm...wonder what they want for it, could just be a clubhouse and the wife would be happy to have me out of her hair occasionally.

haha the fish bowl would be great, and think about it.. you could actually drive your car into the living room..er..show room... hmm...

oh and I bet the place has a built in sound system.

Personally Ive always wanted the BMW dealer style place, quick lifting garage bays with an inspection lineup area that leads to a fully enclosed shop area, oh and the parts department has this kick ass inventory storage sytem thing with these trays that are on this giant conveyor belt rack thing.

Tetzuoe wrote: haha the fish bowl would be great, and think about it.. you could actually drive your car into the living room..er..show room... hmm...

Yeah but then everyone driving by could see you watching porn.