Topic: CA bay area teams - testing an idea of rental workspace for teams
Okay - so, many of you know that I rent "some" space in my shop. I even have a bit of a wait list for said space.... That said, I am considering expanding into a much, much larger space. I wanted to feel out the possibilities before I dig too deep into the idea.
In a nutshell - I would create a bit of a "tech shop" for cars under one HUGE roof, with 24/7 access. Not limited to Lemons teams - any car related thing is fine... spec e30?, Spec Miata, your shitty project car you bought on craigslist with a dream of restoring.... in 25 years. Basically, I just don't want someone starting a worm farm, massage parlor, dog fighting ring....... This isn't a place for you to do your day job out of - but to escape that job whenever you want and be dirty.
Amenities as follows:
1. There will be rental "bays" within the shop, with different sizes available from just a team wanting to store a car, to a full on workshop.
- each space will be plumbed into common shop air
- each space will have 220v for welders / etc.
- there will be wifi
You will be able to rent a 20' shipping container (conex) to store your tools / gear / etc in your space and lock it up.
There will be oil / tire recycling on site for a fee
There will be garbage/recycling on site for a fee
2. There will be community equipment available to sign out / check out such as:
- 2/4 post lifts
- Welders
- Plasma Cutters
- Tube benders / cage building tools
- Tool crib with specialty hand tools
3. There will be outside storage for RV's, Trailers, Tow pigs that don't fit inside your rental space
4. We will mount / balance tires on site - for similar prices as tire rack, or a little less (but you will have to pre-order tires)
5. We will have a store that carries many of the things you need to build a basic Lemons car. It will be open late on weekdays and weekends.
- plumbing / fittings for racing fuel systems
- Switches, wire
- Exhaust stuff
- Oil / filters and such
- anything you can get from Summit Racing / etc...
6. We will offer some basic classes, and some advanced classes in things like
- basic fabrication / welding
- bodywork / paint
- How to not be a dick
7. Vending machines... possible coffee shop, biergarten... event space?
8. There will also be secure indoor storage bays for finished / running / driving street cars at a reasonable price
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SO - NOW THAT I HAVE YOUR ATTENTION!
as I feel this out as a viable business (yes, I actually want to MAKE money off your sorry asses - or at least break even)
a few questions:
1. How many bay area teams are interested in relocating your sorry ass collection of junk that is in 8 different places, into one awesome shop?
2. Is the idea of a membership (outside of your rental space) to use tools, lifts, classes, etc... appealing to you? (memberships would be individual, not team based) and would $100 - $150 a month be a price you can live with?
3. How much would you expect to pay for a 20x30 space (600 SF) which is bigger than a 2 car garage
4. How many of you are interested in RV / Trailer / Tow pig storage.
5. Any other ideas?
You can simply reply to this post - or email me directly at geoff@alloymotors.com
- If you email me, please be so kind to put "tech shop for cars" in the subject line.
The idea would be to kick this off in the next 4-6 mos - maybe 8.
-Geoff