Car Storage Dilemma

[JMarsa]

So I know this guy who has been setting the stage to make major progress on his car this winter and maybe even drive it next year. He's got a detached garage with a 14'x 26' bay with tall enough ceilings to put in a lift. The garage has a second bay so there's enough room to get two cars side by side but it's really tight. Recently he get's a call from an in-law family member asking if he can store the car there this winter. In the past, they discussed buying a lift together so the project car can still be worked on and the in-law can store the car there, but since then, money has become tight for both guys. The in-law's wife won't let him keep it at their place and money is getting tight for them to keep paying storage. It's his high school car (20 years since grad) and he doesn't want to dump the car.

What should the guy do?

--JMarsa

[vyking67]

:enguard: if money is tight.. it does not appear that eoither will be working on the cars this winter.. so better to forget about the lift and just park them side by side.. i mean it is better to have it and not need it . then to need it and not have it right.... one winter is not a big deal when you are talking about a car that in some cases are norht of 40 years old..

i am im a similar situation i am looking for a 65-66 fastback mustang. but i have no where to keep it .period.. but if i find one and the price is right i will buy it and park it on the lawn if i have to ( kidding )... but what is more important keeping the car out of the elements or getting the lift for the one guy to work on his car.. tought call.. but i am sure no matter what decision is made some one' swife will be put off by the decision..

[JMarsa]

I think a good option would be to find some $50 or less per month indoor storage and split it with him.

--JMarsa

[bigvegan]

Sell the car. If the in-law's wife won't let him keep it at their place, there's no point in letting him make things difficult for two families.

If money's tight for both guys, then you put the expensive hobbies on hold and come back to them when you're in a financial position to do so.

Your buddy needs to tell his in-law to have a serious talk with his wife. If money's tight and the wife's already upset about him storing the car, it's not like things are going to get better when he starts spending lots of time and money fixing the car.

If that couple is meant to be, she'll get over having the car at their place for a season or two. If not, then it's best to know now and move on.

[vyking67]

:thankyou: at this rate .. we are gonna have the poor guy at mediation for a divorce.. if worst comes to worst .. buy a car capsule and keep it outside in a 300$ temp. car port.. the capsule keeps it safe and off the ground.. .. but if the problem is that they dont want to look at the car..

look at craigs list .. or ask a neighbor .. you mightbe suprised how many people are sympothetic and might throw him a bone

[ho428]

I had an elderly neighbor years ago when I lived in a small house with limited yard space. She didn't drive but had a small detached garage and no car. I offered to clean it out (30 years of junk) and keep her yard up and do small chores if she'd let me store my Ski boat in it. Worked out well.

[mikey]

Buy a good set of tire skates not the super cheap ones to easily slide the car side to side. That way he will have enough room between the cars to work. If more room is needed roll the other one outside temporarily for some work space It works well for me most of the time.