Full Version: How to make the most out of a small garage???
These turned out much better than I thought they would. You can't see them from about 20ft away from the garage. I can't wait to paint the frame white and wire them up. I think I can do that tomorrow morning.
THE CAMARO IS HOME!!!! I drove her from my parents house 40 minutes away this morning to my house and it was a little bitter sweet, that was my last time driving the car on the street. I'm going to miss my weekend car, but racing in CMC will more than make up for it.
So, progress on the garage....not a whole lot. Getting the Camaro this morning and NASCAR this afternoon kind of killed the day. I did build the frame for the 2nd under garage door light, painted them, and moved some stuff around. I've been packing stuff on the shelves that don't need to be there. I need more storage. So, that's my plan for tomorrow, along with hard wiring the under garage lights.
I'm going to build shelves up relatively high on the side walls and hopefully that'll give me enough room to store all the crap that I don't need to get to every week.
Oh, and I cut the pole out. I was surprised how fast this came out. Only one semi used cut off wheel and it was out. That gave me a lot more room.
So, progress on the garage....not a whole lot. Getting the Camaro this morning and NASCAR this afternoon kind of killed the day. I did build the frame for the 2nd under garage door light, painted them, and moved some stuff around. I've been packing stuff on the shelves that don't need to be there. I need more storage. So, that's my plan for tomorrow, along with hard wiring the under garage lights.
I'm going to build shelves up relatively high on the side walls and hopefully that'll give me enough room to store all the crap that I don't need to get to every week.
Oh, and I cut the pole out. I was surprised how fast this came out. Only one semi used cut off wheel and it was out. That gave me a lot more room.
QUOTE (Steve91T @ Mar 4 2012, 08:37 PM) 
THE CAMARO IS HOME!!!! I drove her from my parents house 40 minutes away this morning to my house and it was a little bitter sweet, that was my last time driving the car on the street. I'm going to miss my weekend car, but racing in CMC will more than make up for it.
So, progress on the garage....not a whole lot. Getting the Camaro this morning and NASCAR this afternoon kind of killed the day. I did build the frame for the 2nd under garage door light, painted them, and moved some stuff around. I've been packing stuff on the shelves that don't need to be there. I need more storage. So, that's my plan for tomorrow, along with hard wiring the under garage lights.
I'm going to build shelves up relatively high on the side walls and hopefully that'll give me enough room to store all the crap that I don't need to get to every week.
Oh, and I cut the pole out. I was surprised how fast this came out. Only one semi used cut off wheel and it was out. That gave me a lot more room.
So, progress on the garage....not a whole lot. Getting the Camaro this morning and NASCAR this afternoon kind of killed the day. I did build the frame for the 2nd under garage door light, painted them, and moved some stuff around. I've been packing stuff on the shelves that don't need to be there. I need more storage. So, that's my plan for tomorrow, along with hard wiring the under garage lights.
I'm going to build shelves up relatively high on the side walls and hopefully that'll give me enough room to store all the crap that I don't need to get to every week.
Oh, and I cut the pole out. I was surprised how fast this came out. Only one semi used cut off wheel and it was out. That gave me a lot more room.
What was the pole holding up?
On page 2 you can see a pic of it. Its just a metal pipe that was there to protect the water heater from people who don't know how to park a car.
I was talking to my wife last night and I told her how dissapointed I am with the way the garage is turning out. The problem wth shelves is they don't hide the clutter, they actually put it on display. I think maybe a bunch of white bins on the shelves will look nicer, and help to keep everything organized.
Overhead storage will be next. Back to garagejournal.com
I was talking to my wife last night and I told her how dissapointed I am with the way the garage is turning out. The problem wth shelves is they don't hide the clutter, they actually put it on display. I think maybe a bunch of white bins on the shelves will look nicer, and help to keep everything organized.
Overhead storage will be next. Back to garagejournal.com
Yeah, if you have stuff in cardboard boxes, plastic tubs will definitely help. Not sure about where you live, but cardboard boxes are one of the three major food groups for cockroaches and silverfish. Cardboard is great for protecting the floor from spills under the car, and scratching parts when sliding them under the car to install/remove, but keep those pieces cycling out of the garage.
The only bad thing about plastic bins is that you have to pull the whole thing down and open it to get anything out. But it's a ton nicer than pulling a box down off the shelf, having the bottom open up as it clears the shelf, or get a surprise with a herd of garage buddies when you open the top.
Do those under-door lights have metal housings? Not that I've spent a lot of time looking for such lights, but the only ones I have seen have plastic housings, and connectors. The plastic gets brittle with age (and heat from the light), and when the bulb burns out, you're having to replace the whole thing because retainer clips and plugs just crumble as you try to remove the bulb. It's just something to remember when the time comes so you don't end up buying a bulb then having the whole light crumble on you when you try to replace it.
The only bad thing about plastic bins is that you have to pull the whole thing down and open it to get anything out. But it's a ton nicer than pulling a box down off the shelf, having the bottom open up as it clears the shelf, or get a surprise with a herd of garage buddies when you open the top.
Do those under-door lights have metal housings? Not that I've spent a lot of time looking for such lights, but the only ones I have seen have plastic housings, and connectors. The plastic gets brittle with age (and heat from the light), and when the bulb burns out, you're having to replace the whole thing because retainer clips and plugs just crumble as you try to remove the bulb. It's just something to remember when the time comes so you don't end up buying a bulb then having the whole light crumble on you when you try to replace it.
QUOTE (CrashTestDummy @ Mar 5 2012, 08:55 AM)
Yeah, if you have stuff in cardboard boxes, plastic tubs will definitely help. Not sure about where you live, but cardboard boxes are one of the three major food groups for cockroaches and silverfish. Cardboard is great for protecting the floor from spills under the car, and scratching parts when sliding them under the car to install/remove, but keep those pieces cycling out of the garage.
The only bad thing about plastic bins is that you have to pull the whole thing down and open it to get anything out. But it's a ton nicer than pulling a box down off the shelf, having the bottom open up as it clears the shelf, or get a surprise with a herd of garage buddies when you open the top.
Do those under-door lights have metal housings? Not that I've spent a lot of time looking for such lights, but the only ones I have seen have plastic housings, and connectors. The plastic gets brittle with age (and heat from the light), and when the bulb burns out, you're having to replace the whole thing because retainer clips and plugs just crumble as you try to remove the bulb. It's just something to remember when the time comes so you don't end up buying a bulb then having the whole light crumble on you when you try to replace it.
The only bad thing about plastic bins is that you have to pull the whole thing down and open it to get anything out. But it's a ton nicer than pulling a box down off the shelf, having the bottom open up as it clears the shelf, or get a surprise with a herd of garage buddies when you open the top.
Do those under-door lights have metal housings? Not that I've spent a lot of time looking for such lights, but the only ones I have seen have plastic housings, and connectors. The plastic gets brittle with age (and heat from the light), and when the bulb burns out, you're having to replace the whole thing because retainer clips and plugs just crumble as you try to remove the bulb. It's just something to remember when the time comes so you don't end up buying a bulb then having the whole light crumble on you when you try to replace it.
The chrome is metal, but the connectors along with the box inside (ballast?) is plastic. I don't expect them to last forever, but hopefully they last long enough. I've got one hard wired, and what a difference! Today, building more shelves, wiring the other light, and adding two more 4' florescent lights in the front of the garage.
Last night I realized I needed more light towards the front of the garage. Fixed it today.
Then I was getting ready to build a long, 12" wide shelf along that beam when I realized that it's just not the right spot. It's going to make it feel too small, and kill all the light I just installed. Then I was going to do something like Jim did in his garage, except I was going to build a selves between the garage track and the wall, 18" wide by 10'.
I don't think it will effect the light because I have the small round lights under the door. But it doesn't solve a problem for my bulky stuff. I've got a 4x8 sheet of 3/4" plywood sitting in the garage. I'm now thinking that two, 4x4 drop down storage shelves, above the door, on each side of the chain. That would give me way more storage than any shelf, it would be nearly hidden with the garage door up, and isn't going to make the garage feel any smaller.
What do you guys think of that idea? The only problem will be how to mount it. Are joists 16" apart like wall studs? If so, then a 4x4 will work. Jim's shelves in his old garage went through the drywall, and were attached directly to the studs. I know this would be ideal, but is there another way to do this? Some sort of brackets that could screw through the drywall and into the studs? Then the vertical 4x4's that hold up the plywood floor (of the shelf) could attach to those brackets.
Two more pictures. I'll be able to start organizing once I get the drop down shelves built.
Let there be light!!! And I still have one of the under door lights to wire up yet.
Then I was getting ready to build a long, 12" wide shelf along that beam when I realized that it's just not the right spot. It's going to make it feel too small, and kill all the light I just installed. Then I was going to do something like Jim did in his garage, except I was going to build a selves between the garage track and the wall, 18" wide by 10'.
I don't think it will effect the light because I have the small round lights under the door. But it doesn't solve a problem for my bulky stuff. I've got a 4x8 sheet of 3/4" plywood sitting in the garage. I'm now thinking that two, 4x4 drop down storage shelves, above the door, on each side of the chain. That would give me way more storage than any shelf, it would be nearly hidden with the garage door up, and isn't going to make the garage feel any smaller.
What do you guys think of that idea? The only problem will be how to mount it. Are joists 16" apart like wall studs? If so, then a 4x4 will work. Jim's shelves in his old garage went through the drywall, and were attached directly to the studs. I know this would be ideal, but is there another way to do this? Some sort of brackets that could screw through the drywall and into the studs? Then the vertical 4x4's that hold up the plywood floor (of the shelf) could attach to those brackets.
Two more pictures. I'll be able to start organizing once I get the drop down shelves built.
Let there be light!!! And I still have one of the under door lights to wire up yet.
Been meaning to post on this thread for a while. My garage is pretty small, looking at garage journal has given me some good ideas, but I think I've got a decent start as long as I don't over do it like in the latest thrash. I don't really have room for two motors, much less all the other crap associated with it. This was Saturday:
This was tonight, after throwing a bunch of stuff away, condensing storage bins in the basement, and taking a bunch more stuff to the basement. Once I deliver the lt1 to the new owner I should be in good shape.
The workbenches are 2x4's held together with decking screws, very solid, even with 8+ tires and wheels on the top. I can't remember the thicknesses of OSB I used, but I want to say 3/8" on the shelves and 7/16 on the workbench surface. VCT tiles on the surface to make it pretty, black and white checkers. I have some different tile adhesive I need to try on the front tiles.
I ended up adding an extra circuit for the overhead lights(8x 4" strips) and fans, a circuit for the periphery walls, one for the main workbench, one for the lathe (overkill), and a 220 for the TIG. The ceiling fans are nice in the summer, but really I put them in to help spread the heat out from the 30k btu blue flame heater by the door into the house.
This summer I'm planning on building a shed under my deck. It should be about 10;x11'. That way I can get all the lawn care stuff out as well as give me a place to keep my four wheeler so it won't be 2 hours away. Hopefully its water tight enough I'll be able to use it for car parts as well. Once I'm done with that my wife's car should actually fit with a little room to spare.
This was tonight, after throwing a bunch of stuff away, condensing storage bins in the basement, and taking a bunch more stuff to the basement. Once I deliver the lt1 to the new owner I should be in good shape.
The workbenches are 2x4's held together with decking screws, very solid, even with 8+ tires and wheels on the top. I can't remember the thicknesses of OSB I used, but I want to say 3/8" on the shelves and 7/16 on the workbench surface. VCT tiles on the surface to make it pretty, black and white checkers. I have some different tile adhesive I need to try on the front tiles.
I ended up adding an extra circuit for the overhead lights(8x 4" strips) and fans, a circuit for the periphery walls, one for the main workbench, one for the lathe (overkill), and a 220 for the TIG. The ceiling fans are nice in the summer, but really I put them in to help spread the heat out from the 30k btu blue flame heater by the door into the house.
This summer I'm planning on building a shed under my deck. It should be about 10;x11'. That way I can get all the lawn care stuff out as well as give me a place to keep my four wheeler so it won't be 2 hours away. Hopefully its water tight enough I'll be able to use it for car parts as well. Once I'm done with that my wife's car should actually fit with a little room to spare.
QUOTE (Steve91T @ Mar 6 2012, 07:10 PM)
Last night I realized I needed more light towards the front of the garage. Fixed it today.
<SNIP>
Then I was getting ready to build a long, 12" wide shelf along that beam when I realized that it's just not the right spot. It's going to make it feel too small, and kill all the light I just installed. Then I was going to do something like Jim did in his garage, except I was going to build a selves between the garage track and the wall, 18" wide by 10'.
<SNIP>
I don't think it will effect the light because I have the small round lights under the door. But it doesn't solve a problem for my bulky stuff. I've got a 4x8 sheet of 3/4" plywood sitting in the garage. I'm now thinking that two, 4x4 drop down storage shelves, above the door, on each side of the chain. That would give me way more storage than any shelf, it would be nearly hidden with the garage door up, and isn't going to make the garage feel any smaller.
<SNIP>
What do you guys think of that idea? The only problem will be how to mount it. Are joists 16" apart like wall studs? If so, then a 4x4 will work. Jim's shelves in his old garage went through the drywall, and were attached directly to the studs. I know this would be ideal, but is there another way to do this? Some sort of brackets that could screw through the drywall and into the studs? Then the vertical 4x4's that hold up the plywood floor (of the shelf) could attach to those brackets.
Two more pictures. I'll be able to start organizing once I get the drop down shelves built.
Let there be light!!! And I still have one of the under door lights to wire up yet.
<SNIP>
<SNIP>
Then I was getting ready to build a long, 12" wide shelf along that beam when I realized that it's just not the right spot. It's going to make it feel too small, and kill all the light I just installed. Then I was going to do something like Jim did in his garage, except I was going to build a selves between the garage track and the wall, 18" wide by 10'.
<SNIP>
I don't think it will effect the light because I have the small round lights under the door. But it doesn't solve a problem for my bulky stuff. I've got a 4x8 sheet of 3/4" plywood sitting in the garage. I'm now thinking that two, 4x4 drop down storage shelves, above the door, on each side of the chain. That would give me way more storage than any shelf, it would be nearly hidden with the garage door up, and isn't going to make the garage feel any smaller.
<SNIP>
What do you guys think of that idea? The only problem will be how to mount it. Are joists 16" apart like wall studs? If so, then a 4x4 will work. Jim's shelves in his old garage went through the drywall, and were attached directly to the studs. I know this would be ideal, but is there another way to do this? Some sort of brackets that could screw through the drywall and into the studs? Then the vertical 4x4's that hold up the plywood floor (of the shelf) could attach to those brackets.
Two more pictures. I'll be able to start organizing once I get the drop down shelves built.
Let there be light!!! And I still have one of the under door lights to wire up yet.
<SNIP>
Looking good. I see one glaring omission; Where's the floor coating?
You'll be surprised how much light can be reflected off a nice floor coating. It's TONS easier to clean up, too.
QUOTE (CrashTestDummy @ Mar 7 2012, 11:04 AM)
QUOTE (Steve91T @ Mar 6 2012, 07:10 PM)
Last night I realized I needed more light towards the front of the garage. Fixed it today.
<SNIP>
Then I was getting ready to build a long, 12" wide shelf along that beam when I realized that it's just not the right spot. It's going to make it feel too small, and kill all the light I just installed. Then I was going to do something like Jim did in his garage, except I was going to build a selves between the garage track and the wall, 18" wide by 10'.
<SNIP>
I don't think it will effect the light because I have the small round lights under the door. But it doesn't solve a problem for my bulky stuff. I've got a 4x8 sheet of 3/4" plywood sitting in the garage. I'm now thinking that two, 4x4 drop down storage shelves, above the door, on each side of the chain. That would give me way more storage than any shelf, it would be nearly hidden with the garage door up, and isn't going to make the garage feel any smaller.
<SNIP>
What do you guys think of that idea? The only problem will be how to mount it. Are joists 16" apart like wall studs? If so, then a 4x4 will work. Jim's shelves in his old garage went through the drywall, and were attached directly to the studs. I know this would be ideal, but is there another way to do this? Some sort of brackets that could screw through the drywall and into the studs? Then the vertical 4x4's that hold up the plywood floor (of the shelf) could attach to those brackets.
Two more pictures. I'll be able to start organizing once I get the drop down shelves built.
Let there be light!!! And I still have one of the under door lights to wire up yet.
<SNIP>
<SNIP>
Then I was getting ready to build a long, 12" wide shelf along that beam when I realized that it's just not the right spot. It's going to make it feel too small, and kill all the light I just installed. Then I was going to do something like Jim did in his garage, except I was going to build a selves between the garage track and the wall, 18" wide by 10'.
<SNIP>
I don't think it will effect the light because I have the small round lights under the door. But it doesn't solve a problem for my bulky stuff. I've got a 4x8 sheet of 3/4" plywood sitting in the garage. I'm now thinking that two, 4x4 drop down storage shelves, above the door, on each side of the chain. That would give me way more storage than any shelf, it would be nearly hidden with the garage door up, and isn't going to make the garage feel any smaller.
<SNIP>
What do you guys think of that idea? The only problem will be how to mount it. Are joists 16" apart like wall studs? If so, then a 4x4 will work. Jim's shelves in his old garage went through the drywall, and were attached directly to the studs. I know this would be ideal, but is there another way to do this? Some sort of brackets that could screw through the drywall and into the studs? Then the vertical 4x4's that hold up the plywood floor (of the shelf) could attach to those brackets.
Two more pictures. I'll be able to start organizing once I get the drop down shelves built.
Let there be light!!! And I still have one of the under door lights to wire up yet.
<SNIP>
Looking good. I see one glaring omission; Where's the floor coating?
You'll be surprised how much light can be reflected off a nice floor coating. It's TONS easier to clean up, too.
I know, I've been thinking about that. I've spent enough time and money on this garage as it is. I really just want to get it finished and start working on the car. One thing that I've been very careful about is keeping things off the floor. The only two things that are touching the floor are the two cabinets. So, I could easily do the floor at any time. I think I would go with something like racedeck. Probably just white, or a light grey solid color.
I built this above garage storage, which is nice because its about 40 sq ft and is nearly hidden with the door up.
I still need to finish organizing, but at least the garage isturning now a two car garage again. It actually feels pretty big inside. I think keeping as much stuff off the floor as possible is the key. All that stuff on the floor will have a place to go on a shelf or in a cabinet.
And at midnight last night...
I'm done building for a while. Just need to make legs for the folding workbench and wire up the remaining under door light and she's done (for now). I just want to focus on selling parts that I don't need and starting to build the Camaro.
Next week I'll probably post a finished pic of the garage once I'm organized.
Steve
I still need to finish organizing, but at least the garage isturning now a two car garage again. It actually feels pretty big inside. I think keeping as much stuff off the floor as possible is the key. All that stuff on the floor will have a place to go on a shelf or in a cabinet.
And at midnight last night...
I'm done building for a while. Just need to make legs for the folding workbench and wire up the remaining under door light and she's done (for now). I just want to focus on selling parts that I don't need and starting to build the Camaro.
Next week I'll probably post a finished pic of the garage once I'm organized.
Steve
it's looking better. now for the floorlift..
Work the rafters to the max. Put plywood on top so you can move around without tripping on the beams. Amazing how much extra stuff can be put up there. If that is not enough room consider moving the wife's car outside, might have to invest in some car washs to smooth things over. Worked for me, but my wife is very understanding. Two race cars in the garage, one of them has to go.
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