how many pay for major work done to thier rides?

[jablack]

That might be the way to go. The problem is talking my wife into our house being a "repair shop".

[Luvlegs]

Keep it down to one at a time and avoid having one in the shop and "fixing something quick" in the drive - they'll pile up on you before you know it and then momma WON'T be happy. I say "GO for it!" - besides, how often do you read about someone starving to death in your neck of the woods... if not often, start it up!

[19673ontree]

one thing I can tell you , and I don't understand it myself is that
FRIEND OR BUDDY + WORK ON CAR/TRUCK ='S DISSASTER !!
and the cheaper you do it the madder at you they will be !!

[19673ontree]

oh yea and as for me I pay for stuff like getting tire's balanced or maybe a block bored but other than that I could not stand the thought of someone else working on my truck , oh yea and my 67 camaro leaving my possesion ?
IT AIN'T HAPNIN !

[jablack]

I learned that lesson a long time ago about working on friends/ familys vehicles. They want it to have wings and rockets when you get done and are never happy.
I guess I'll just build what I want and if someone wants to pay for it they will. There are tons of old GM's that I've wanted to build through the years but I can only afford one at a time now. This way I can kill two birds with one stone...

[grayw0lf]

If I can't do it myself, it doesn't get done.

Welcome to the club from Mtgy, AL.

[jkaylor68gmc]

One thing to remember is that there are alot I mean a ton of shops in that area fighting for work.

[jablack]

Probably because there are not any good ones. At least from what I've seen.

[jorgensensc]

Not to Hijack, but
I wanted to weigh in on this also since I am considering doing something similar (already have my DBA and business accounts). I fortunately have a full time job that gives me 5 days off every 8 days (24 hrs on, 24 off, 24 on, 5 days off). This gives me ample time to work on vehicles. I have been looking for shops to open for about the last 6 months, but am having a hard time finding one in the city I could afford (I really want to stay in the city, there is a serious lack of quality shops inside the city limits). I could spend about a years worth of leasing costs and completely rebuild my detached garage into a decent 20 x 40 shop with a lift. My concern is that I don't know how receptive people will be to drop off High quality builds at a "garage" shop. I already have a few people that have minor repairs lined up, but I'm limited on space right now, so I have to do a little at a time for others, and my truck can't seem to get finished. Do you feel people feel the need for an industrial shop in order to feel good about the quality of work, or do you think that a small Garage shop would do well enough in the beginning?
(Sorry for the Hijack)
sHawn

[70cst]

Originally Posted by jorgensensc

Not to Hijack, sHawn

I see this as a valid question jorgensensc...the body shop who is doing my 70cst is a 4 man outfit. Kurt has done high end cars & trucks for the luv of this hobby for over 34 years and also does accident repair for his main source of income. Kurt does everything from high end rodsterations to the lower $$$ jobs. To answer your question jorgensensc I say yes...a small shop can equal or surpass the big shops. Kurt loves fixin up old cars and trucks and his work shows it. Kurt doesn't advertise and his business comes by word of mouth. If you like doing this type of work and are good at it then I am confident you can make a go of it.. Good Luck!

[pissonNOS]

im a mechanic by trade meaning i can do all my own stuff but it would be nice if we were all fortunate to have that luxury, i dont begrudge anyone who doesnt do there own work.

[jdstx]

Originally Posted by 70cst

I see this as a valid question jorgensensc...the body shop who is doing my 70cst is a 4 man outfit. Kurt has done high end cars & trucks for the luv of this hobby for over 34 years and also does accident repair for his main source of income. Kurt does everything from high end rodsterations to the lower $$$ jobs. To answer your question jorgensensc I say yes...a small shop can equal or surpass the big shops. Kurt loves fixin up old cars and trucks and his work shows it. Kurt doesn't advertise and his business comes by word of mouth. If you like doing this type of work and are good at it then I am confident you can make a go of it.. Good Luck!

I agree, quality work speaks for itself, but, just starting out means you will have the lean years to endure while you build a reputation vs someone in business 34 years.

[jablack]

Thanks for all the posts guys.

I think I know the direction I'm going to go with.

As for the BIG SHOP small shop question, I think it would depend on the person. When I lived in florida I did side work from under my carport and busted my ass to find time for my own stuff. The only advertising I did was from the cars I had built and from word of mouth. Now that I came home to Birmingham I haven't had the business. Noone knows who I am anymore...

[dan42]

Originally Posted by 67ChevyRedneck

The only time in 10 years my 67 has seen a shop or garage was to have the A/C system charged.

That is totally cool and I wish I could say the same thing. It's your baby and you take care of it like no one else. I can imagine you become quite attached to your truck - I am attached to mine, and I've done about 50% of the work so far. As for me, physically I just can't do stuff like I want to, with a screwed up neck and shoulder. I would do everything if I physically could, I just can't.