68 replies to this topic

[1330RG]

Flat pannel heaters will be better on the electric bill than down flow or bar heater types like pub gardens. Fit a couple each side of the garage. And id pop thee or four twin flourecent lights in there. Electronic balasit type not switch start as they again are more energy efficiant. And yea id stick a good few sockets in. Use metal clad ones and run the wire in truncking or conduit as nothing worse than smashig the crap out of plastic sockets while swinging the engine around lol.

As for lights in the pit i wouldnt bother to be honest as a lead light will do. Otherwise you need to chase th concreate and you will smash them more time than you think. Im a sparky by trade. Wired up more garages than i care to remember lol

Edited by 1330RG, 26 August 2014 - 07:43 PM.

[blacktulip]

Excellent advice from you guys. I might start up a project garage lol.

[blacktulip]

I would consider doing something to the roof. Looking at the photos it looks like galavanised panels which could be bad for moisture build up,....are there any signs of damp?

haha just read your previous comment about the leaky roof after i posted this.

It's that fibre type roof panels. What would you say was a better roof to get? Ply and felt? There isn't any signs of damp. It seems to dry out well.

Edited by blacktulip, 26 August 2014 - 10:13 PM.

[Tyred-and-emotional]

I love the colour of your Mini 

[Miniminx71]

Some good shelving. Sturdy enough to hold a kettle, microwave and small fridge.

[Nick '91]

Personally I would be putting a pitched roof on with ply and felt if the blockwork is solid.

 

Would help with drainage and its amazing how much some rafter storage gains you.

 

 

As mentioned above sorting out proper tool storage and lighting/sockets is a must.

 

As an alternative to racking I have old kitchen units (wall and floor). Which the doors can be a bit annoying but gets rid of overspray/dust issues racking has and once I get some worktop will make a good bench. That and they where free.

Edited by Nick '91, 26 August 2014 - 10:59 PM.

[Ben_O]

I was thinking about getting luggage racks for mine (the overhead type that they have on trains etc) Put them high up on the wall for storing parts etc

 

Old filing cabinets make good toolboxes and ideal storage. Metal file cupboards are also great

 

Put in as much bench space as you can, you can never have too much. Kitchen units make good benches and are cheap second hand.

 

As Miniminx said, get a kettle in there, its nice to have tea on hand so you don't have to keep going in for it. (i'm lucky, my garage is off the kitchen)

 

Heating is nice, i have a 3 metre GCH radiator on my garage wall which makes a nice difference.

 

Paint the walls and ceiling white, it will make a massive difference, as will grey floor paint on the floors. 

 

Lots of sockets as has been said already.

 

I do have loads of other ideas but can't think right now. Ill update when i think

 

Ben

[Ben_O]

A pitch roof would make a HUGE difference

[Ben_O]

Dexion is cheap second hand and makes excellent racking

[Covert]

Did the entire length of my workshop in second hand kitchen worktops about 17fts worth , cost me £10

[Dan]

Of course the roof leaks, it's been overlapped the wrong way. Bear in mind it is probably asbestos before you do anything with it. Personally I'd go for a GRP or rubber roof. A pitched roof will give you more space but you've got tons already and it will just mean all the heat goes up there.

And yes make a decent pit lid, look at getting a Mech Mate insert for the whole thing. You do need to light the pit, a lead light only lights your work and means cables at the pit edge which has it's own hazards. You won't smash LED panels. But then myself I'd be chasing the floor anyway to get sockets and air points into the pit too.

Edited by Dan, 27 August 2014 - 07:16 AM.

[mister bridger]

Just zoomed in on the photo and the overlap doesn't look wrong to me. These corrugated roofs can run with condensation (especially corrugated iron ones) so I'd consider replacing with ply and felt or rubber. Also if you're planning on doing any grinding/welding I'd lose the curtains and Chelsea flag.

[Badboytunes]

We have sealed the roofspace in ours. IE, plastered and painted. i have flourecsent strips, an electric heater and plenty of sockets. Also put in a rack/shef unit, and a beer fridge. LOL.

 

I would deffo look to replace the roof on the garage if it were mine.

[Bubblebobble]

Thats a lovely garage - so much potential . I love the old 1930s style doors , really good looking . Another suggestion , if you going to be in there a lot , especially if its cold . get some of those rubber floor tiles or matts to keep you feet of the concrete , or even some carpet if your not welding etc .

 

 And if you are welding i would get a fire extinguisher , i did find somewhere you could get them cheap a while a go , i will post up the link if i can find it .

[Bubblebobble]

Here .http://www.fireandsa...CFabMtAodD0gAVA