Wrench Garage

[ChefCarnivore]

Do you think there is any interest in a Wrench Garage either local or national? By that I mean a garage that has the basic tools needed for Porsche repairs and maintenance? The cost for the service would be reasonable and allow enthusiasts and people on a budget to get the job done themselves.

[JFP in PA]

I don’t think you have any idea how much it costs to assemble even the basic tools you need for servicing these cars. A PIWIS will cost you about $30K for the first year, even the simple tool to get a thermostat out of the housing is $100. If I inventoried my shop equipment, particularly the unique stuff for dealing with Porsche’s, the bill would come to many tens of thousands. Without a way to actually make money, you are talking about spending a ton of cash; that is why even independent Porsche shops cost as much as they do…………….

[gstoli]

If there was one in MA I would be spending there every second weekend.

The only problem is that DIY's usually fail the first time, so it's very often that we leave our cars in the garage until the next weekend comes... Or sometimes we spend an hour or two every day working on something while the car is immobilized.

I guess we can always better program our DIY's. Having a mechanic available for consulting/assistance when something goes wrong would be nice too...

But I wouldn't drive more than 50-100 miles, so going national isn't feasible (or maybe it;s just me...)

[gstoli]

I would imagine a shop like that charging something like $30-50 an hour (anything higher than that get's close to what independent mechanics charge us).
Having let's say 5 ramps with people working on them would give you $150-250 an hour, roughly a $1500-2500 a day (gross of course). So, if it cots anything in the order of tenths of thousand of dollars to built it, it still sounds like a good business..

My concerns would be:
- most people are actually working weekdays... So Monday morning you wouldn't have anyone in the shop :-(
- DIY's take too long the first time you do them. The whole fun is that you start it then take a brake to walk your dog out, then have lunch, then take your wife out etc etc... I wouldn't like to be in a hurry while I am not really knowing what I am doing... And if I took my time, well it would cost me more than the price of a mechanic... even with very competitive pricing...

Isn't there anything like that somewhere?

[JFP in PA]

Originally Posted by gstoli

Isn't there anything like that somewhere?

Not really, and for the reasons stated plus the "800 pound gorilla in the room": Liability insurance.

For a professionally staffed shop, the insurance is already ridiculous; throw in DIY'ers, and if you could find someone to write a policy, the premiums would probably cause you to have a stroke...............

[Topless]

In the SF Bay area there are "Work on car days" about once a month. Everyone brings their tools, ramps and knowledge and the collective effort is pretty good. Someone has done nearly every repair so it is a good local resource. Toolpants often organizes these. Perhaps you could organize one in your area with local PCA members.

About 95% of Porsche repairs can be done without needing a PIWIS system so you can take your car to the well equipped indy or dealer for the rare times when you need it and happily pay for their service.

[ChefCarnivore]

I didn't ask anyone for a business plan. I just wanted to know if there was any interest in something like that. Don't give me all the negatives. I know about them. I did not ask for prices or feasibility or practicality.

However since you brought it up, let's start with a list of things that this hypothetical Wrench Garage would have to offer. I will start with a few things.

1. An AC and heated space that is well lighted.
2. Unisex toilet.
3. Clean up sink for hands etc.
4. Changing room with lockers.
5. Wi-Fi internet.
6. Oil disposal barrel and trash disposal service.
7. Power outlets.
8. Safe location
9. Floor clean up equipment and supplies.
10. Basic tools.
11. Floor jacks/stands.
12. Secured parking.
Please add to the list but keep it real.

[Topless]

Originally Posted by ChefCarnivore

Do you think there is any interest in a Wrench Garage either local or national? By that I mean a garage that has the basic tools needed for Porsche repairs and maintenance? The cost for the service would be reasonable and allow enthusiasts and people on a budget to get the job done themselves.

I know very very few Porsche enthusiasts who would pay to use this type of facility.