A reader with project plans for the coming winter asked us about the, but seemingly useful, option of working in a DIY garage.
Of course we can only speak from our own experience
And we have that experience because several of our classics have stood on the bridge at Ruud Bozelie of - yes indeed - Rubo Cars in Spankeren, Gelderland. We assume that the services of other DIY garages are at the same supply and price level. Owners of a DIY garage may respond!
The name is most clear about this type of business
The point is that the visitor / customer works independently. Therefore, the necessary knowledge must be available for this. The garage owner can help in an emergency. But if that takes serious forms, then his advice / help will really have to be paid. In Spankeren, € 12,50 per 15 minutes is charged for this. Leaving - for example - a welding job completely out of your hands is indeed an option. A place in the garage is charged per hour, per day part or per day. Think of € 40 for a day. Use of the lift costs € 15 per hour. The home brewers are friendly and may not be used as a cleaning cloth.
Own or rented tools
Of course it is handy to bring your own tools, but a standard tool set can also be rented on site, as well as tools such as a torque wrench, a pulley puller, a gear jack, welding equipment and the like. Fitting and balancing tires is done at a rate of € 12,50. There are also rates for the disposal of waste oils, tires, batteries and filters.
Our questioner thought he couldn't get the job done in a day
That in itself is not a problem. Our garage owner told us that the guest he was allowed to host the longest needed two and a half years for the restoration of his MGB. In Spankeren, a certain degree of component supply is guaranteed because there are two car parts stores within a radius of a few hundred meters. What many people do not know is that such companies can often provide 'common' stuff for many classics. But to the left or to the right: there is some logistical thought to the visit to a DIY garage. Because if you cannot continue working because there are no parts available, then it is a waste of money and frustrating.
What kind of people do you meet?
A DIY garage is structurally in the budget corner. So there will be people who cannot pay full Porsche garage rates. But funnily enough you will also find youth who enjoy renovating and improving all kinds of coupes of Japanese origin to their own taste. And every classic enthusiast with a slight sense of technology must admit that with the friendly cooperation of a whole aftermarket industry, beautiful things are being done.
A screen as a tool
To continue working pleasantly, there is that fantastic tool that you always keep clean hands with: Your screen. On youtube you can find the most surprising classic cars and motorbikes videos with all kinds of 'how to' explanations. These kinds of videos show exactly what and how of the required actions. And the pause and 'rewind' option makes every key challenge a party.
Hi Ed, And even if the sentence is not there, then an environment with a lift and professional tools is so much more pleasant to work with
I would also like 50,00 per hour as a wage
Another nice story Dolf! Do you immediately feel like going to tinker! ?