Garage Workshop
Article by Mark Trotta
I have known one or two determined souls that have restored cars in their driveway or under a carport, but it's not very practical nor efficient. You need an enclosed area to restore an old car.
A car is comprised of many, many parts: engine, transmission, brakes, fenders, doors, trim, seats, exhaust, tires, wheels, etc. In the perfect world (that none of us live in), a three or four bay shop would be ideal. This would allow plenty of room for a full body-off restoration, a dedicated paint area, and extra space for removed parts (seats/upholstery/etc).
But let's be realistic and work with what we have.
Restoring A Car In A Small Garage
Lots of car enthusiasts have restored cars in a one-car garage. What you lack in floor space, you make up for in creativity.
Fun Fact: A small garage is easier to heat or cool than a large one!
Best Size Garage For Old Car Restoration
40 years ago, I started restoring cars in my parent's one-car garage. It was challenging, but I was a determined young man. Today, I have a two-car garage. It's 24' x 24' and it's still too small...
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I guess you could say my garage is old school. There's no electric lifts or rotisseries, just a pair of floor jacks and four jack stands that get the job done. I've been working this way for decades and it's produced some good results.
Garage Workbench
After tools and a toolbox, a sturdy workbench (or two) is the most important piece of a work shop.
Before you buy a workbench, consider building one yourself. Mine was built from lengths of 2" x 4"s and a piece of 3/4" plywood.
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Tools and Equipment
Classic car restoration is very time-consuming. Having the proper tools and equipment saves you time and sweat.
Cutting, grinding, painting, polishing, inflating - a home air compressor makes these chores possible. While shopping for a garage air compressor, try to buy the best one you can afford. Get one that you won't outgrow quickly.
Read: Best Air Tools For Automotive
Read: Best Welder For Automotive Restoration
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Best Workshop Layout
You'll want to set up your garage so you can work as effectively as possible. By organizing tools and shop equipment the best we can, we can work faster and get that old car back on the road sooner (and with less drama).
It's taken me years to set up my garage the way it is today, and it's still not the best that it can be. Why? Because projects and priorities change.
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Safety First and Always
When working in your garage workshop, please be safe. Proper protective equipment includes safety glasses with side shields, hearing protection, and gloves. When cutting and grinding metal, wear a face shield.
I keep several fire extinguishers around the garage, and there is a small first-aid kit on top of my toolbox. I also keep oil-dry handy - who hasn't spilled oil on the garage floor at one time or another?
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There is enough padding on this Mechanics Kneeling Pad to cushion a 200+ pound size person. I also use it as a butt pad when I'm working on a concrete floor.
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Related Articles:
Set Up Garage Workshop
Best Air Tools For Automotive
Garage Air Compressor Review
Tools Needed For Automotive Restoration
