Why do we not have those self service auto shops like they have on military bases?

I'm an Army vet. At Fort Campbell, KY they had an 8 bay garage with lifts and tool rentals. It was $10 an hour to rent a bay, basic tools included, special tools you had to simply sign out. Why is there nothing like this available in civilian market? I would pay $20 an hour to have something like that. I installed lowering springs on an RX8 by myself, using only the tools they had there. It was amazing. You could lift your car above your head and change your oil.

 

There is a place like that here in kc.

diyautorepairkc.com

But I don't know of anywhere else there is one

 

Probably for liability purposes. I can say I've never heard of it (I'm not military) but it would be cool, other than, then I think of how many dumb asses there are out there. Today's society it would be too big of a risk to be the shop owner, people are too sue happy.

 

Oh and then with places like AutoZone doing free tool rentals, other than a lift, my garage becomes quite suitable for most all of my needs.

 

we have one here in Salt Lake city as well!!

 

Easy fix, mandatory class on using lifts and workshop safety, and a no sue contract. You would probably have to put down a credit card but still. I miss those garages.

 

Yea. Like in the movie "Christine".

 

I wish we had one here

 

Use to have one back home ....Rent a hoist ,air tools , transmission jack , any tool you needed .

 

+1 for you on this. Did not know this existed, but I'm going to use it if I ever get a lift list together.

 

Here's the costs in case anyone was curious:

Lift, Tools & Bay Rental by the HOUR!!!

Open Bays.........$10/hr - $75/day

Midrise Lifts.......$15/hr - $100/day

2 Post Lifts........$20/hr - $150/day

Weekly & Monthly Rates Available

 

I have never seen that movie so I have no idea what you are talking about. Elaborate please.

 

I've been a bit suprosed there aren't more either. But as mentioned could be a liability thing or worried people would misuse tools or tolls would walk off. But seems like you could have a single attendant to keep track of everything. Seems like it would be popular once word got around since see people looking for garage space and tools

 

As stated before, probably the liability thing.

 

In the military garages, the tools are all on a sign out basis, minus a very basic wrench set. They inspect your toolbox before you check out. Basic pneumatic tools are free. Certain bigger specialty tools were a small cost. I'm sure you would have your money back for tools within 6 months. Most of the lifts were frame lifts that would take the vehicle up to 7'. Some lifts lifted the wheels, those were mainly used for exhausts and oil changes. I miss walking underneath my vehicle to change the oil Perks of being active duty.

If they already exist, then it can't be that much of an issue for liability.

 

The only thing that I've found close to what you're looking for is the auto shop at my college.

 

BTW, I have an open thread on the build page that will give members the choice to build my truck, given each option one by one. Right now the poll is bull bar vs avid offroad lightbar with trd skid plate. Please vote!

Link:
http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/2nd...-my-truck.html

 

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0085333/

 

I have been considering opening a DIY shop of my own. When I was in the Navy, just about every base I was at had one, and most of the time, every bay was full.

 

They had one outside of Ft. Stewart in Georgia, had to go through a mandatory class and sign a liability waiver for any accidents/damage that were caused because of you. You could bring your own tools or sign them out, there was no charge for tools only for the bay/lift you were using.