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[Osprey]

Just thinking aloud here.  I don’t have a garage and, on a day like today when it is absolutely persisting outside, I would gladly part with a few quid to hire a space to work on the car.  Nothing special – just power, light and a roof over the top would do. 

Of course if it had a lift or a pit that would be even better, but really not essential. 

Has anybody started such a business?  Or is there some hidden drawback that I can’t see – insuring against idiots injuring themselves, perhaps. 

And there would be all sorts of stuff you could do as sidelines – tool hire, expert advice, training sessions, sales of consumables and so on.  And of course a trailer service to get the car home when you’ve finished.   

Any thoughts?

[davethediver]

Something like this http://www.pitstartgarage.com/ based in london but there are a few about the country

[aaronjb]

Damn that's expensive! Then again, their public liability insurance must be extortionate, I imagine..

[david036]

Shame your so far away....I've normally got space for those rainy days!!!!!!

[Osprey]

Yes, PitStart is pretty much what I was thinking of, though much bigger, brighter and posher. 

And, I agree, hellishly expensive.  Yet they seem to be offering quite deep discounts, which suggests they are struggling for turnover - perhaps there just isn't the market.   

[Varche]

I used such a facility once in the mid 70's in Nottingham not far from the bowling alley.

It wasn't cheap but it closed not long after. I rmember they had loads of specialist tools you could use (hire) if needed.

[Osprey]

Shame your so far away....I've normally got space for those rainy days!!!!!!

A very kind thought, sir! 

Perhaps I should just buy a tent instead! 

[aaronjb]

Or a really big gazeebo (Not as daft an idea as it sounds...)

[scimmy_man]

I remember the local tyre and exhaust place opened their workshops on a sunday, as the shop /petrol part was open, but the workshops were not being used,

never used it, but it stopped after a while.

[aaronjb]

I remember the local tyre and exhaust place opened their workshops on a sunday, as the shop /petrol part was open, but the workshops were not being used,

never used it, but it stopped after a while.

I'll bet health & safety closed them down

Public liability insurance costs a fortune for anything even remotely dangerous (let alone the idea of a car dropping off a lift onto someone) - that's why garages these days go nuts if you stray across the 'yellow line'.

Well unless you know the right places, of course.. My favourite MOT mans idea of H&S is to mumble "Don't fall in the pit" as you wander around the car.. 

[scimmy_man]

My MOT man has you work the controls.

[david036]

The gazebo idea does work, we use them a lot on race days!!!