concerning the "garages" thread

I am posting this here because I suspect that it would just get lost way out on the end of that four page thread.

I was one of the first to post pictures of my shop, but in reading and reflecting on it and the rest of the additions I think that we all would agree that having a "nice shop" is wonderful, but not anywhere close to a prerequisite for servicing and enjoying theses cars.

My first encounter with an LBC was to disassemble a completely good Austin A40 Devon under an oak tree, chain fall from a limb and all to remove the body from the frame.

My first encounter with a Sprite engine included hoisting it out of the hole by brute force and hand carrying it down a flight of stairs into a dark basement for some surgery. The thing actually slide down the treads most of the way and I must have had all of five pounds of hand tools to do the work too.

IMHO the real rewards of ownership and stewardship of these machines is all in our heads, not in any sort of pride for having a huge antiseptic shop. Dreams, cuts, bruises, strained backs, stuff in our eyes, dirty fingernails, camaraderie and all the rest are what make up The MG Experience, and those that end up doing oil changes on a gravel driveway and body work under a tent are not missing out on a thing.

Jack

Amen brother. This is true of the classic car experience in general.

So true, Jack.

I have tried over the years to formulate in my head some way of expressing what I, that is Jack Austin, gets out of dealing with these things.

I am NOT a "puzzle" or "game board" person. I am just not attracted to those diversions. Yet I am deeply attracted to the puzzlement that is in almost all automobiles.

I cannot work on or modify one without thinking of the brain power, or lack there of LOL, that went into the market targeting, design and production of the car.

After so many years of hands-on work though I am a bit jaded about all of it, but I do think from time to time, especially when I read some of the novices posts made here, that the experience of exploring these mechanical devices for the first time must be pretty darned exciting.

It is all in your head and in a little blood on the floor. Come on in, the water looks cold but it really isn't.

Jack

When I was in high school I worked part time at a local general repair shop. Guy did both Mech and Body. Place was an old Studebaker dealer and although plenty big, not really antiseptic. Don't get me wrong. We kept it cleaned up and swept the floor reguarly. The proprietor had been the head repairman at the dealership before it went belly up. After trade school I got a job at a WT Grant Auto Center. I stoped in to see my old boss one day. I was telling him how they had us scrub and mop the floors everyday. He says to me " When I see a shop that's that clean, I figure not much work is getting done." I always remember that FWIW.

Thanks Jack;

For those of us who want to share the dream and the experience of LBC ownership. We may have our own "obstacles" be they financial or othewise to these; but know this: that our desire and commitment through these obstacles is not a matter of convenience, rather a stronger desire and commitment to put forth the handicapped effort.

Oh! But to have a weather proof heated and AC'd facility. Oh! but to own the hundreds (thousands?) of dollars of special equipment and tools all so well organized into easily referenced and found places. Oh! but to have a tree stong enough to throw a chain over! LOL... I suspect there is a more than a subliminal diference between those who do this for a living and those who can "afford" to do this for the sheer challenge and experience that cumulates into the "valued" ownership of an LBC!

See my "garage" attached photo!

I'll settle for my "open car port" and the dictates of the weather and find all the support for my "dreams" right here on MG B Experience Forum!

Sean Kivler
Rock Hill, SC

Agreed, and good point. The first time I changed a clutch was on an old Cortina, back in 1977. I did it with hand tools and jack-stands in the parking lot of the BEQ at Pearl Harbor Navy base. I was successful, somehow.... :eyepop:

Who needs a garage? (He says, as he tries to figure out how to two GT shells and the '73 into the two-car garage at home.)

The garage I have is barely big enough to get a car in, never mind do any work on it, so I've nearly always worked outdoors.

No real change from when I first started. My first major job was an engine rebuild on an Autin A35, done outdoors with very basic tools. The engine was lifted out by hand (not on my own).

Just getting into the MG thing, my "garage" is a fabric portable garage sitting 200 miles away from where I live (which happens to be a boat in Boston harbor). This setup has its challenges!

I have lived in both places... I'll take VT anytime over Boston! Bet the comute is a killer! LOL

As parking has always been a premium in Boston, you won't have to worry about getting a "boot" in VT!

Sean

Rock Hill, SC

I grew up in England and we had a small single car garage that my dad built himself. Automotive maintenance was just something I was brought up with, as he did all his own work on the car. The smell of Swarfega hand cleaner, was as natural as the cigars he smoked on Saturday evenings.

When our family moved to the US he bought a couple of used Fords and maintained them. During the oil shortage in the mid 70s, we started picking up cheap Austin Marinas' and they became our family transportation, which led me to a life of MG-dom.


Kelvin

Hear hear, Jack.

My long time garage was curb-side, first in St Louis then in Boston. Then I had no garage or curb side parking and my B was in storage for three years.

And you are right about the challenges. I find myself spending an inordinate amount of time thinking, planning, mental-engineering, about stuff to do on it. And I find that when your task doesnt work the first time, but works the second or third time, thats when you get a real sense of satisfaction.

Drive On ~

Like Sean above, I once did a complete frame up restoration of a 1953 MG-TD in my driveway, without even a car port. I just used a tarp to cover the car when I wasn't working on it.

I now have a brand new, two storey, 28' x 48' shop. It's not heated yet, but will be.

I still have good memories of doing that TD, though (and of being young enough to do it).

My first spot. Can't call it a garage just sand rock and a carport. At least I had a shed for tools and parts.
Bill

Then I built a real garage. But the house wasn't big enough when the kid came along so we sold that place and all I got now is a basement garage. I sure do miss the old spot.
Bill

Right now, I have a garage. Not a big one, but it's a bit wider than normal. Eventually, I'm going to put in a proper workbench (a 3x6 piece of plywood across 2 sawhorses doesn't count :p) and install some better lighting. Most of the repairs are done in there...but I'd rather work outside. More room to work, better lighting, and no worries if I open the doors too far. So far, my garage isn't "sterile," but I try not to leave things a mess. Tools go back in their box, unless I'm going to need them for a job. Otherwise, the place is pretty clean.

top post jack, i need say no more....

You guys are lucky. I also started without a garage. BUT, the city said NO!! Can't do that. So, I moved out into the country. Still no garage, but next week, I'm going to start building.......

Mrs. Tall Man demands a place in our two car garage for her SUV, and the other bay is reserved for my Ridgeline (which I won't leave parked outside). Things worked out swimmingly until I purchased the MGB. What to do? Put a large shed in the rear yard, of course. The petrol cans and rolling bench have since been relocated elsewhere.

It's not as large as I'd like, but it's all the space that I actually need.

My first experience was pulling the engine and transmission using a boom my buddy had to hang up shrimp nets. We set the whole lump on the oyster table and pulled it apart to change the clutch. No manual, no idea, just dove in.

It's a testament to these cars that they will suffer the kind of ham-handed mechanicery that I inflicted on it and still ran.

Kind of funny to hear all the nostalgia and reminiscing about the good old days of laying in a driveway and pulling an engine with a screwdriver and a pair of pliers. Come on guys, we did that because we had to not because it was being true the LBC ethos. I'll bet there isn't one guy on this forum who would give up his nice garage/shop and vast array of tools and go back to chain hoists hanging from trees and skimpy box of tools. Remember, things aren't the way they used to be and they never were!

Tim

When I got out of the Army I went to work for a startup LBC repair shop.
We had a 2 bay garage behind a Volkswagen shop downtown with lane entry.
No sign, no man door, no heat worth speaking of, no running water.
The washroom was a Swarfega bucket that we filled with water from the VW shop.
To change tires we would break the bead with the hoist and use two giant screwdrivers
as tire irons to remove the tire.
The business thrived due to the two highly skilled mechanics who owned the business
and, of course the MG crazy helper. (Me) Two moves and about 3 years later we were in a 3000sf
freestanding building a block away with a staff of 6, a solid customer base and a great reputation.
Then stupid me turned down an offer of an apprenticeship and left to build airplanes. Dummy.
Now, a couple of decades later I'm working on my old LBCs in a carport, building engines in the living room (Thank you dear!)
having fun, and dreaming of a warm, well lit garage.
One day. B)

Cheers,
Rich

Here's shop #2

Rich,

Where was that shop in the picture located?
I agree with some of the posts - we made do with what we had.
I feel humbled when I see some of the garages posted.I have a
large 2 car garage that I could fit 3 cars into,but need to clear out
a lot of clutter.I'm also fortunate to have another large 2 car garage
that I store the TR6 & Cortina at.

- Doug

1245 Seymour St. Vancouver, BC
Now a High-rise condo.:(

I too can add many stories of parking lot and shade tree repairs. Being a career military person didn't leave much time or money for the niceties of a garage. Aftter that their was family,kids, college educations ( yes I paid for 2 of them ) and savings. Now that I have retired, and just me and the wife at home. When got our last home with a 2 car garage attached, it wasn't long before it filled with LBC stuff. My wife tired of tripping over LBC stuff twisted my arm to have a separete garage built ( twist, twist ). Area wise it's not big only1 & 1/2 cars. But with a 12' cecilling, a 2 post lift, lots of cabinets, all attic storage with hoist to get heavy stuff in and out and weather proof with AC/heating. Space for a TV/entertainment, trophies, memorabilla. And it is full of LBC stuff !

I reckon I could win the messiest garage photo contest.

Tim, the intent is to show that while some of us are fortunate enough to have garages now there is no reason to not own one of these cars if you don't. We've all (well, many of us) had to work in less than ideal conditions but I'll never get all misty eyed because I don't have to work on the car in the broiling Carolina sun. I really respect the guys who do their work where the car happens to sit, with the assets they have at hand. BTDT.

Nicely put Jack.

When I bought my GT back in '98 I had a flat turn off on a step driveway to pack my GT. With a piece of cardboard between me and the gravel I rebuilt brakes, changed front shocks, fixed fuel pump problems, etc. from that spot in the driveway. I used to drag my tools out of the shed everytime I worked on the car. For the big jobs I would take the car over to the garage at the farm, which had a pit. At least I had a spot in the machine shed at the family farm to park the car for the winter.

Just thinking about those earlier years of ownership while I typed the above brings back lots of great memories.

Jack hit it right on the head. In the beginning with my current MG I had to do the whole resto outside working around South Florida thunderstorms. I did though have a cement driveway. I would rig up a tarp tent when I got totally frustrated. After my divorce I converted the family room back into a garage ( it was a garage but the previous owner switched it to a family room). It was the best. Even had a TV. I only got to enjoy it for a few months because I had to sell the house. Later on I ended up in the country with a gravel driveway (the worst!) but bought a $150 carport hut from Costco. It worked out okay except for Hurricanes. Finally I have a small two car garage in Michigan. Not heated but at least it is a haven from the weather. I miss my large garage with TV.
beginning with current car

tarp tent

Converted family room

gravel with better tent

Michigan

That WAS my point Wray. Thanks for pointing it out.

I would not wish to go back to the uncomfortable situations in which I have had to work in past lives. All I was saying was something of an encouragement to those folks here who do not have the opportunity to work in some of the wonderful environments that others enjoy. Well, not always wonderful, as I have spent too many days of the past couple of months sitting in the house because it was just too darn cold and dangerous to be twirling wrenches in temps only slightly above zero. :)

The more encouragement and help that we offer those who are really here to enjoy the hobby and sport the better off we will all be.

Jack

Just in case any one thinks I don't know what I'm talking about on this subject: I'll bet I'm the only guy on this forum who has replaced an oil pan (coppa di olio) on a Lancia Fulvia on the street in Rome, Italy (pretty safe bet.) I used the rather high sidewalk as a jack. Would I like to do it again? No! Do I get all misty eyed thinking about it? No! Did my Italian neighbors think I was crazy American? Yes! I just find it humorous that people look back on the past with such fond memories when in reality it wasn't all that great. You've probably seen those emails praising the '50s when we didn't lock our doors, ate what we wanted and played outside without fear. But they don't mention polio, the fear of nuclear war, racism, etc. I look back on those garageless, toolless days as learning experiences but not as some lost age of Auto Repair Innocence. As far as encouraging other's who don't have good equipment or facilities, I for one didn't work on cars because someone inspired me by working in abysmal conditions. I did and do because I love it.

"If you look back too much, you will soon be headed that way." (anon.)

Tim

I saw a guy in Vietnam changing a truck crankshaft on the side of a muddy mountain road, with parts all over the place (and wet!).

Well, I just bought a car in Houston, and being so far away from home, had nowhere to wrench other than the hotel parking lot. I ran out of time and proper tools (to replace the clutch hose), so it's at a local restorer now for some road readying, but I did manage to change both front flex lines, fix the improperly installed rear brakes (leading edge of the pads at the cylinder on both sides), half-assed tuned the carbs, install new VTO wheels, and swapped to a single 12V battery (proper, as opposed to the DPO solution in the trunk), etc. This is after I swapped the carbs at the buyer's place in order to get the car on the trailer (I came prepared. It was that or have fuel running out of the charcoal canister due to a bad float...). Swapped the levers in my car for rebuilds from Worldwide in my driveway this summer, too.

I'd rather have had a garage, but it's nice that you can do so much in a driveway with jack stands (on concrete, not asphalt, unless you want a B on your chest!) and some simple hand tools. Does somehow add to the sense of accomplishment when you pull it off in spite of the odds.

Tom

I'm hopefully graduating to a garage this summer. In the past 16 years of ownership, while going through university and various rental spots - fixing all sorts of things where ever i could - side of the road mainly... to doing a restoration in my parents garage...nice garage, but they really wanted it back! I currently have a car tent housing the B...not ideal...can't really work on it unless its sunny, which is when I want to be driving it! Just yesterday I think I had a breakthrough with the city planners so I can start to go ahead with my plans for a 2 1/2 garage off my lane...going for 10 ft ceilings and have permission to purchase a lift as well!!!!
Just thinking about it makes me excited.
tc

Pete, Couldn't agree more. But, as Lewis Carroll wrote in Alice in Wonderland, "It's no use going back to yesterday, because I was a different person then."


Tim

BTW You should be parking your car near the front entrance to the Depot. That would impress the hell out of those DIY guys. It is an LBC work of art.

I drove an MG for eight years as a daily driver without a garage. It can be done, but having a spacious garage allows you to collect and do so much more.

My garage is solely a spot to stow junk. Junk I am going to put on the car, junk I want to put on the car and junk I took off the car but can't bear to toss. And ohyeah, Junk that IS a car I just haven't managed to get rolling yet!

I STILL work in the driveway (but at least it's my driveway and concrete instead of a muddy parking lot).

Romantic? Not a chance.

I REALLY want a decent shop but there always seems to be something more important...

hey Jack , that's make me think back with a smile and a shiver. I also did the tree limb thing and thought i was really moving up when i got a comalong with two good hooks. the first garage was cement block and no heat, when reaching down into the engine compartment to wrench something I would have to hold my breath so the steam from my breath didn't distort my view ( northeast pa.). I have moved up , but still like to open the doors and feel the breeze ( summers ) LOL

A year or two ago I came across a web page on the 'net where a couple of fellows were restoring an MGA under little more than a lean-to in a tropical country. It was a pictorial of the restoration. These fellows have my up-most respect, seeming (to me) to have accomplished the almost impossible.

Anyone have that link?

Got an immaculate garage? Good for you. Try restoring under an lean-to and get yourself a bonafide challenge.


Tim

Now this is a thought. Maybe a contest to find out.