My Shop Build!

**Shawn F.** · 03-20-2012, 12:46 AM

I will look into this ventilation system then, I did not think about it and glad you guys said something... Probably for now I will do this until I can afford the A/C unit. I do not know much about house/building type a/c systems (only vehicles) and all I know is the duct work as you can see in some of the pictures is still there and the outside unit is there. They ripped out whatever connected to the ductwork inside which I am assuming was a blower unit...??? Cost on that I have NO clue. I am sure it is well over $1000. If it were in the $500-$600 range then I`d do the A/C next month but I highly doubt that.

**Greg Nichols** · 03-20-2012, 12:57 AM

Originally Posted by Shawn F.

Good idea on the fans... What if I ran a de-humidifyer?

The amount of energy to run the size of De-humidifier would be huge. It would have to run all the time and your shop is not a closed system, meaning you will open the shop doors and change the humidity. I would imagine in N. Carolina its humid already. I`ve seen some large curtains that you could section off your wet bay, and if you ran an exhaust fan in that section might help.

the fans are more to keep the air curiculation good in the shop, and keep the warm air and cooler air mixed and not layered by height in the shop.

Cheers,

GREG

**C. Charles Hahn** · 03-20-2012, 01:43 PM

Originally Posted by Shawn F.

I will look into this ventilation system then, I did not think about it and glad you guys said something... Probably for now I will do this until I can afford the A/C unit. I do not know much about house/building type a/c systems (only vehicles) and all I know is the duct work as you can see in some of the pictures is still there and the outside unit is there. They ripped out whatever connected to the ductwork inside which I am assuming was a blower unit...??? Cost on that I have NO clue. I am sure it is well over $1000. If it were in the $500-$600 range then I`d do the A/C next month but I highly doubt that.

Sounds like the condenser/compressor (outside unit) is there and yeah, it`s probably the blower unit missing. I`m not sure on the cost of that either given that it`s not a furnace/AC combo unit but it can`t hurt to call around and get a couple HVAC contractors to come out and give you quotes....

**Shawn F.** · 03-20-2012, 09:28 PM

Well I did some testing in the back corner bay today with water run off and it seems the water runs to the right wall toward the center of the bay which will work out great for my idea with the hole and screen/plug for the wash bay. I forgot to measure the area to see how big of a curtain I will need but it seems like this curtain may be well over $1000. If it is, I may make my own out of marine clear vinyl material and make my own track on C channel hung from the metal beam that actually runs JUST above where the curtain would go anyways. Below the curtain I will probably buy those rubber or plastic wire covers that music venues and such use to cover up wires so you can walk over them that way water does not go under the curtain into the next bay. I`ll hopefully have this figured out by the end of the week and post my progress on it.

**Ron Ketcham** · 03-20-2012, 09:39 PM

Shawn, it`s looking really good, you are on the right track!

Grumpy

**Greg Nichols** · 03-20-2012, 11:54 PM

got my popcorn all ready for the photo show of the progress I`m stoked for ya.

Cheers,

GREG

**Shawn F.** · 05-27-2012, 11:11 PM

Ok guys, time for an update! Not many pictures but the job was huge and a BIG mess which will take a week to clean! I had a crew come in on Saturday to rip out all the old insulation that was falling and very brittle and causing me major issues. I had to redo 3 entire cars because of dust issues and insulation falling on the cars causing marring and scratches. Last week I was detailing a car and noticed swirl marks in the paint and marring while wiping the car down with new microfiber towel and ONR in a bottle. I then looked closely and saw bits of insulation on the car and had to re buff the entire thing. That drew the line for me and I stopped right then and there, made some phone calls and had a crew in there the very next day to take care of the issue.

The only down side is that there is no insulation in the building anymore and it`s like an oven in there (probably 20 degrees hotter inside than outside). I do not have the funds to add new insulation in yet but will hopefully take car of it before winter comes. In the meantime I will put a portable A/C unit in the office to have at least one room with A/C to eat lunch and cool off... Until then I will have to suffer.

It looks much cleaner without all the old crap hanging down and falling and makes the place look a bit bigger.

Next project is painting all the walls white, surround sound, TV and work on the 50`s diner kitchen.

Here`s a few pictures!

**imported_Prestige Detail** · 05-28-2012, 09:17 AM

Definately making progress! Looking good man. Have you considered maybe a lift for undercarriage cleaning? Especially since your in the northern states with snow and what not. Just something I had always thought I would put in if I ever opened a shop...Not that I would have alot of use for one down in FL though.

**MrCLRider** · 05-28-2012, 12:09 PM

If you own this building now I would look into having the top of the roof insulated with spray foam. Here in Ohio they seem to use it a lot for fixing/aiding leading roofs that are flat. I know it made a huge difference for a local shop that my friends family owns.

**Shawn F.** · 05-29-2012, 08:27 PM

Prestige, yeah I am thinking about purchasing one if I do well this year but won`t make the plunge until next summer. We do not really have snow and salt issues here where I am at. It rarely ever snows here (once every few years and it`s not really snow, more like ice). I do want a lift to work on my personal hot rods though and to do things like under carriage painting, brake work, wheel work, etc.

As for the roof idea, I just lease the building so most likely will not do much to it that will be major investment. The land lord is a tight wad and an *** and doesn`t even live in this state. He will not even repair a leaky roof but good thing my father owns a roofing and construction company in case I have any problems. The roof on it now is a rubber/foam type membrane roof that is thick and spongy which helps some instead of your typical felt/hot mop roof. Insulating with R30-R38 insulation will cost about $2600-$3500 depending on which one I go with. I heard from a few people that you can have a company come do the work installing and bring the materials for cheaper than I can buy the materials myself and install so we will see... Next on my list is walls then flooring. I also found a HUGE portable A/C system which is over $3000. I can probably get A/C put back into the shop for $1000-$2000 but I thought about the portable being a good investment because I can take it with me. I found one on Craigslist that will cool a 3200 sq ft building. Tomorrow I may go pick a small one up at Lowes for the office.

**Shawn F.** · 05-29-2012, 08:52 PM

Another update! Got the sign permit and put the signs up front of the shop finally... First day up I got a few calls and got a job from it. It really stands out and grabs peoples attention, I even get people stopping by telling me they really like the sign. Next thing is to get a banner put above the bay doors that says "Auto Detailing and Supplies" or such. The painter will be there in 2-3 weeks to paint the exterior semi gloss white and the bay door red to go with the 50`s service station theme I plan to go with. All the cracks and imperfections you see in the picture will be fixed.

Oops I forgot the picture sorry!