Setting Up the Garage Workshop

The winter months in New England tend to be the time for classic car projects; so, having my garage workshop set up for work is an important first step.

None of us have enough time or space for our old car projects, so we need to organize our workspace as effectively as possible (I know this comes more naturally for some than for others). The goal is to make everything convenient and accessible. From making a simple workbench to utilizing high ceilings for overhead garage storage, here are some best practices for getting more work done in your garage workshop.

The nucleus of a garage workshop is usually a workbench, with tools and toolboxes close by. You can build an inexpensive workbench yourself with a saw, a drill, and a tape measure. Use 4×4’s for the legs, and 2×4’s or similar lumber for the horizontal structure that will support the bench.

Overall dimensions will vary, but on an average, a home-built workbench will be 32-36″ high, 48″ long, and 24″ deep. I found that if you can find a used solid wood door for the top works great.

You can buy a workbench cheaply but get a heavy-duty one. A workbench with overhead lighting is a nice feature.

Workbench Placement

Most people tend to set up their workbench along the front wall, but since many garages are little more than a car-length deep, consider having your workbench and tools along the side wall as an alternative.

The right side (passenger-side) wall is the better choice, to open car doors towards the other wall. It is bolted to the wall to secure my work top safely especially when working with the vise and uncooperative parts.

I also set up as much other work top surfaces as I can as I would rather not work on the floor. To save space I added a folding shelf for light weight parts or supplies when working on the classic car.

Everything on Wheels

Aside from a sturdy workbench, having everything on wheels (welder, engine stand, roll-around toolboxes, etc.) gives you the option of rearranging your workspace for different needs.

Try this – move everything from inside the garage to outside, then start bringing in the biggest items and putting them in place. Play around with several designs, varying placement of large items that will take up floor space. I normally work from the corners on out to keep it simple.

Workshop Dolly

Of course, you can buy one, but a cheap workshop dolly can be made with a few 2×4’s, wood screws, and casters. You can add 3″ hard-rubber swivel casters and some carpet remnants to protect finishes and prevent slippage.

Good Lighting Is Essential

Good lighting reduces eye strain and is essential to quality work. My garage has two large windows which give me great natural light during the daytime, but when working at night I rely on my fluorescent fixtures.

A four-foot-long fluorescent fixture is perfect to hang above your workbench or mount to the underside of a high shelf. For automotive bodywork, install enough light fixtures so that you can see everywhere without shadows. Painting the interior walls white will make a big difference in brightness. I have also installed florescent lights on the walls at about 5’ above the floor to add lighting for body work and under the hood.

Having a garage air compressor and air tools saves you time and allows you to work more effectively. Like other shop equipment, they are an investment, so buy quality name brands when you can. Some of my air tools are many years old, and work just as well today as when I bought them. A small portable air compressor with a tank is fine for most work; for me I found a used stand up compressor and added hard air lines around my garage for ease of use (old school plug and play). There are plenty of piping kits out there to use; or simply use galvanized pipe with pipe puddy to piece it together.

Have Enough Electrical Outlets

Extension cords take up room and can be dangerous. While 110v power outlets every ten feet or so are enough for most garage equipment, air compressors and larger welding machines need a higher electrical output. I paid a licensed electrician to install to add a 100-amp subpanel in my garage with outlets, and a 50-amp 220v circuit for my air compressor.

Have A Place to Move Your Project Car

If you block up the garage with your project, you’ll have no room for minor maintenance on other vehicles, such as changing oil in your daily driver. In my case my loving wife likes to park in the garage in the winter, so I do my best to keep the room available as she puts up with my car madness. If your driveway is large enough to park an extra car on, use it as a staging area for a day or a week.

Have Storage Space Other Than the Garage

A shed is usually the best place to house all yard-related tools, but also garage equipment you seldom use (sand blaster, engine hoist, etc.) Avoid the hanging tools near your car as many have encountered the body damage from falling tools.

There a plenty of ways to add much need storage in the garage workshop for parts and tools. Keeping as much as you can above your head to keep pathways open.

Utilize High Ceilings

If your garage happens to have a high ceiling, use that to your advantage (high ceilings come with high walls). Install tall shelves, even if you need a ladder to reach them. Store things in them that you do not need to get to often, like old parts or rarely used tools.

An itemized bin for fasteners and small parts is invaluable to have. It will save you time looking for nuts and bolts and other small items.

Heat Always Helps

Having spent many days and nights rolling around under a car in the cold weather a heater is a must. There are plenty of choices from electric to propane gas; or add a zone off your furnace for an easy source. Choose good quality with safety shut offs for safety.

Safety First and Always

When working in your garage workshop, please be safe. Proper protective equipment includes safety glasses with side shields, foam ear plugs, and gloves. When cutting and grinding metal, wear a face shield. Jacks and stands must be of good quality as too many accidents are avoidable with the proper tools. I also keep fire extinguishers mounted at various locations throughout the garage.

By organizing workspace effectively, you can attain maximum productivity in a minimal amount of space. This will make your classic car project a much more enjoyable experience.