Remember the diy auto shops?

[HoLeChit]

for example, when I was in the Marine Corps, there were several places around the base where you could go work on your car, lawn mower, motorcycle, or whatever. It was called the "hobby shop" if I remember correctly. Usually was a bunch of covered parking spots and such. You could pay $10 for 24 hours, or if you were a baller, you could rent one of the shop bays for $30 a day. There were tools available for rent, an oil disposal, as well as vices, hydraulic press, air compressors, etc, all available for you to rent as needed. I loved that place, and there were always 2 or 3 old civilian mechanics drinking coffee and bs'ing that were always eager to give you a hard time or lend you a word or two of advice. It was a great place for guys who didn't have tools, didn't have space, or just wanted to get away from the wife for a day and piddle around on the ol truck. Having recently moved into an apartment, and now needing to replace my wheel bearings and u joints on my truck, the need for a place like this has become painfully aparent.

Has any buddy seen anything like this in Oklahoma? You think it would be a viable business? Esp say, near tinker afb or a college?

Let's hear some thoughts and disgruntled opinions. I'm wanting to have a business plan to work towards starting in a few years, and I love this concept.

 

[HoLeChit]

Turns out there's something like this is Westminster California.

http://diyautorepairshops.com/index.php

 

[RKM]

Back in the day there was one out at Tinker. My dad and I painted my 59 Karmen Ghia out there. I don't know if it is still there.

 

[adamsredlines]

I think nowadays those who can DIY have a place and the tools to do so. There were places like this in Ohio...they even had a paint booth you could rent.
I do like the idea but never used one. I got tools and a driveway.

 

[Surveyor1653]

Used the one at Ft Carson several times. We would do our smog checks there, too. They had every tool imaginable, paint booths, pay by the month bays, the whole nine yards.

Not sure how well it would work as a business.

 

[gfercaks33]

There was a place in okc a while back, I I don't think he lasted very long

 

[Mos Eisley]

I used the Hobby Shop at Robins AFB all the time. And yeah, someone thought it was a good idea to open one right outside the gate. It didn't last too long.

 

[bigfug]

The one in OKC was around Bricktown, and you're right, he didnt last to long, at that location. He was in a previous location for years, but closed down not long after the move. I have a friend that has something in the works. I'll let ya'll know if it pans out.

 

[Shakel65]

Tinker still has a Hobby shop very similar to the one HoLe is talking about.

 

[swampratt]

I had BBQ parties at my house in Spencer. I would cook BBQ and friends and
relatives could bring out all their cars to be worked on and everyone would join in on the fun.

Worked pretty well.