Small garage ideas

[steve bain]

So I have a small 1930s garage that I will be using to house the Rocco for its rebuild post paint. It is pretty small, maybe 800mm space around the car all round. Anyone have any bright ideas how to make the most of this space? I need to store all the car parts in it too. I will board out the tiny loft space to try and store bits up there but other than that, shelves?

[steve bain]

obviously with the beetle in it, but you get the idea on size. i'm planning to paint it all and fit loads of strip lamps to make it appear brighter.

[GTXTRA]

Hooks of sorts, home base v well stocked.

[mr.brown]

How much room do you have behind the car (as pictured)? Ideally you could get some kitchen cabinets (shallower wall cabinets if necessary) all along that wall under the window. Add some kitchen worktop and you have a workbench also.

[steve bain]

Probably just enough if the was at the front of the garage. I need a place for welders, compressor, Jack's, stands etc so maybe under a bench would be a good idea. Two layers of space. I can get a load of floorstanding metal shelving from work but am worried it'll just take up space! I like the idea of a workbench though.

[ThomasD]

If there is space behind the garage where the window is, would it be possible to build a "garage addition" back there and put a walk-through passage where the window is currently? Obviously that is neither simply nor easy though. If that is not possible, is there any usable space along the outside of the garage where perhaps some waterproof, lockable, storage could be placed?

[eefy]

if its purely to store the car and its parts rather than work on it, why not build a platform that would go over the car when parked up and some steps up. ie you'd park the car under all the parks but would wouldn't lose any floor space ;)

[steve bain]

hmm. lowering the ceiling to increase storage in the roof is not such a bad idea and adding loads of shelves / hooks etc at high level. as long as i can walk around in it then i would be ok. sadly its 2 storey round the back otherwise i would add a workshop! i considered extending sideways by a metre but i just won't have time and is a lot of work for the gain. i think being organised and everythin having a home is my best bet. but making the loft bigger and storing parts above makes sense

[the edmundator]

I've always used the slot-together shelving from Machine Mart. It's surprising how much floor space you liberate with decent shelves. Most of those can be configured to have a workbench section as well.

A decent quality shed in the garden can double as a workshop too (especially if you connect up some electricity).

[Mr Funk]

I've got a lift section and it's incredibly useful. The floor is also secure enough that I've drilled hooks in.
Can either use netting or just hang things

[the edmundator]

It's worth adding that all the stuff I had on two sets of shelving, plus a few loose body panels and tyres, completely filled a short wheelbase transit. That was from a lock-up garage I'd also been comfortably keeping a Scirocco in.