Mad Chemist

Since I'm living in the concrete jungle of Seattle, just wondering if there is any rental garage places around to do car repair. Not having access to electricity in the apt. complex parking lot makes it kind of tough! Anybody have any thoughts/suggestions?

midiwall

I'm in the same boat - even in the same town! - as you. I haven't tried to do anything major where I'd need access to real power, so I'm good working with a cordless drill and hand tools.

This is a pic of "my garage":

4FonZ

Yah I have the same prob... I live in an apartment complex....

My workplace has a parking garage/deck with several levels and on the weekends its relatively empty -- if you park near the door to the elevator, there's an electrical outlet there you can run a long extension cord to

Irritating thing is, people slow down to see what you're doing and several times security has checked-on me -- like I'm making a car bomb or something!

But this has worked for me, especially in rainy weather..hehehe...

Mad Chemist

I'm pretty sure in my lease it prevents me from doing repair in the parking lot, so I usually find street parking close by (its relatively residential in Magnolia), but I'm leary about trying to install a lift kit like that. I've thought about doing it in the garage at work as well, but curious whether security would hassle me. Anyways, at least it sounds like I'm not alone! I would have thought a city the size of Seattle would have had some type of rental place, but it doesn't sound like it.

RSimon

Try looking into a storage facility. When I was moving i stored all of my furniture in a 10 foot by 10 foot space for $35 a month.

Roy

4x4CPOSEADOG

Guys,

I hate to see you guys working in a parking lot. Been there done that and I really hate it when it rains. You're always in a hurry to get things done and when it was done, it was done the wrong way.

Mpulver, looks like you have a pretty wide open garage, j/k. Well, anyway guys, is there any military bases in and around Seattle? Do you have any friends or family that are military members? If you do then maybe they can hook you guys up to use the base auto hobby shop where they have almost everything that you need to work on your rig. How far is Bremerton or Whidbey Island from Seattle? Or any military bases almost have facilities for the do- it- yourself courtesy by Morale Welfare and Recreation (MWR). Being in the military has some advantages.

If you don't have access to the above, then I suggest join the military to get to the above and you never know you may see the other side of the world. Or get one of those rental storage and maybe you can do some tweaking and wrenching in there.

Good luck!!!

Noel

midiwall

!

My GF was in the Navy for almost 9 years, (including 3 1/2 on a carrier in active duty). And actually, Everett naval base is just about 15 miles north of me. But, she no longer has base access and with all the new security measures in place, it's impossible to get on base being a friend of a friend.

For me, Bremerton is a 45 minute drive and a 1 hour ferry ride. Whidbey Island is about the same, but a different direction.

Thanks for the idea!

Mark

Toddski

Give me a couple of months. I'm just about to break ground on my new home.
My garage will be around 1,200 sq. ft.
So i should have plenty of room

rimpainter.com

You could always try one of these...

midiwall

!! The local CostCo had something similar (it was more of a Quonset hut in style but the same size) for $180.

Mad Chemist

Todd-

Hurry up and get that garage finished, sounds like you could make some money off it by charging by the hour

I'm looking to pick up a power inverter so I could at least run power tools in the parking lot.

Citykid

I had the same problem in San Diego, CA & Brooklyn, NY. And every time you needed to get something you had to lock up all your stuff and pack it away. An hour long job now takes three! That is why I am looking to rent a house. Ohhh, a beautiful driveway and possibly a garage. A guy can dream.

Mad Chemist

I hear you. I'm hoping to rent a house myself when my current lease is up, then maybe buy a year after that- how I'd love to have a workshop with air compressor/tools, etc. ...