Need to store 8-10 cars!

[syndrome_34]

My dad and I are at our wits end trying to come up with a cost effective way to build a building to store some of our classic cars. We currently have a 55x90 foot pole barn that is half shop, half cold storage. After hours of debate we have decided to sell a couple of the cars, but we are stil going to need a place to store the remaining 8-10. We want a place that we will have easy access to the vehicles so we can still drive them. There is no sense in just looking at them. I was thinking about a drive through garage style with 2 double bay garage doors on each side, so four total doors. He is thinking another pole barn with the cars parked at an angle down the sides with a lane in the middle. The biggest constraint is money...mom is already thinking about castrating us both! Any help would be greatly appreciated!!!

 

[Scramblur]

Take the cash from the car sales and by a couple 4 post lifts. It would be nice to have the lifts and the storage that comes with them.

 

[syndrome_34]

We have been thinking about that also. We really want to be able to just hop into any of the cars and head out without having to do a lot of moving of vehicles and other junk. But I also want Kate Hudson to give me a nice shiatsu...maybe we can start an auto museum and have Obama pay for it!

 

[nate379]

How can't you fit 8-10 cars in a 55x45 area?

 

[syndrome_34]

I guess I should have made it clearer. We already have seven on the cold side with shelving and parts. And we have six in the shop that are in various stages of restoration. The problem is, as we finish cars, we need a place to store them that is well protected from the elements. Sorry about that!

 

[rwhite692]

As already stated, you need some 4-post lifts.

 

[Scout Driver]

I have room for maybe one or two more cars. Ship one of the cars to me and I'll even keep it exercised for you.

By the way, it looks that you are new here. Welcome to the Garage Journal.

Scott

 

[syndrome_34]

Thanks for the welcome. I have been searching the forums for a while now and I am really impressed with all of the collective knowledge on this site. It certainly has helped me out a lot! Hopefully we can get a little more organized and I can get some photos up of our shop in progress.

 

[Mickey O]

Automobile vending machine:

 

[bazzateer]

Take up the offer of castration. No kids = more cash for cars/garages/workshops/tools etc.

I like the barn idea with bays down the side and a central access lane.

 

[chopperman1]

I say go with 4 post lifts. Not only will it be cheaper but you will be able to save money for other projects.

 

[Wingnut65]

Let Mahoney park them for you...

 

[mrstang69]

I'm with Bazzateer! No kids = more cash for cars/garages/workshops/tools etc. Plus you can display the cars a little better. Send pics if you can of the space you have now. Also, Welcome to Garage Journal! and if you have any classic Mustangs, I can store one more for you!

 

[nehog]

...mom is already thinking about castrating us both! Any help would be greatly appreciated!!!

I feel your pain, uh, not that pain--the pain of not enough space!

I agree with the others, a bunch of 4 posters is what I'd do in your place. Personally, I don't randomly get into a car for a drive, and don't mind shuffling 'em around as necessary. A rotational basis works well, ensures that each gets driven at least once in a while. Otherwise I find a car will sit for a year without ever moving!

 

[rsanter]

buy a few shipping containers

bob

 

[Tazfink]

I know what I would use....


Restored of course!

 

[danfromsyr]

a pole barn that size must have a fairly high roof.

how about adding a 'shed roof' or 'carport' to the sides continuing the roof slope a bit lower to the ground.
you only need ~7ft clearance to drive cars in/out and if you park them at an angle it doesn't have to widen the barn that much at all.
or if you park the cars parallel to the current walls, you can probably still park a few with very easy drive in/out access. depending on your property layout.

I've been working around the structure of my barn out about 12~14ft with new spaces using the barn as the inside wall.

best of luck, and yeah you have too many cars..
I'd happily store one for you here in upstate NY, Nice rural setting and a 'country home' for it to spend it's days & nights.

 

[Mike83]

Syndrome,

I wish I had problems like you

 

[syndrome_34]

We have worked really hard for these problems My dad had the building built a while ago and we have slowly been working on it over the years. I spent almost six years in the Marine Corps and it stiffled our progress. So now we are really trying to get motivated in finishing our shop and getting to work on the cars. We have put up all of the insulation, steel, wiring, and built a mezzanine. I have screwed up alot, lol, but have learned a lot at the same time. He is getting ready to retire soon, so working on the cars will give him something to do!

 

[spongerich]

Here ya go...

 

[Thumper]

Here ya go...

Thats the best place for those damn things...LOL.........better if left abandoned and forgotton on remote side track.

 

[kbs2244]

I like your dads idea.
Simple and the cheapest.

 

[Ruddy]

Here ya go...

Wow, Vega's!!

 

[JamieK]

Go up!

 

[mad57]

Best bet, 4 post lifts ....or rolling casters you can put cars about an inch apart with these just need to jack them or buy the pump jack style, or those cheap metal car ports you see for sale a 2 car one is $895 ive seen guys just hang vinyl siding on them to close them in quick and easy. or lean too the lenght of the pole barn and close that in. either way rock and tar paper as a floor will work to keep them dry and its cheaper than crete. good luck with your storage hope this helped. 6yrs in marines thanks for your service!!

 

[Dstrompf]

Have you considered a metal building?

 

[regguy1]

Here's how someone in Texas solved that problem "Cadillac Ranch"

 

[e-tek]

I can't believe no-on has DEMANDED photo's!!!!!!!!

I have a drive-through garage with double-wide doors on either end. While I only have one lift, if I had 4 I could store 8 cars. Hmmmmmm.......

 

[mechamunch]

Syndrome,

I wish I had problems like you

Agree totally.

Syndrome: what about parking lifts?

Or single post lifts. Not sure about how the price compares to four-post lifts though.