Anybody Using a Quonset?

[poci1957]

I have just switched from a 24x36 garage that was a great, heated, lighted, air conditioned work area to a 45x70 quonset, that is, in my opinion, too large to heat, light, and lay out as easily. Is anybody else using one, and how have you handled the need for a good work space? I am storing and working on old cars and would love to hear from anyone on how such a space worked for them. Thanks, Todd C

 

[49tandc]

I have a 40' X 54' X 14' quosnset. Biggest/best thing I could afford, and happy about the design - (windload - 155mph - no sharp corners where wind can rip them apart). Pretty happy with it, but I agree you need lots of lights. You give up a little floorspace with the low sidewalls, but I use that for storage. I built a 40' X 12' "loft" at one endwall (other endwall is 12' sliding door). I use 1 12 X 12 X 8' area as a tool-crib for storing large tools (cherry picker, sandblaster, welders, shopvac...) and it also has shelving for hand tools (drills, sawzall, etc. - things I don't use all the time.) The space above is for all the household **** you accumulate. I've got 3 cars in it, putting in a 24' X 12' spray booth (I fool around with old cars too) and it will provide ore storage above the booth. In FL - its not heating... its cooling! I've got a big exhause fan mounted at the top of the endwall and a big squirrell cage fan for circulation wherever I'm working.

I like mine pretty well, but If I had to do it again, I'd put another quanset up - here in FLA, but put on top of 4'-6' sidewalls - giving me all of the floorspace, ,more room for lift and keep the shape.

49T&C

 

[dink]

What exactly is a Quonset?????

 

[kartracer55]

+1

Jim

 

[Jay H 237]

What exactly is a Quonset?????

A building with a semi-circular cross section, aircraft hanger style.

Here's a link.

 

[dink]

Hmmm interesting....I would think with the rounded sides really is wasting space...square buildings are my friends

 

[kartracer55]

Lol yeah, but id guess these hold up better in high winds.

Jim

 

[dink]

Lol yeah, but id guess these hold up better in high winds.

Jim

True if your in Chicago or Seattle or over on the east coast....do ou think I will get better mpg with this tpe of building??? Since it is aerodynamic

 

[imported_banzaitoyota]

I am using a modified Quonset style, Manufactured by Pioneer Steel. Has straight wals for 9', has a 16' peak

 

[dink]

That would be interesting to see....do you have a picture to present?

 

[poci1957]

To 49t&c, thanks for the reply, I began to think I am the only one with a quonset. Mine also has sliding doors and they are the worst feature of the whole building. I would like to replace them but still have no good plan yet. Where are you getting your spray booth from? Todd C

 

[49tandc]

I've gotta go the low-buck paint booth way - 2X4 Framing, drywall, lots of lights and squirrell cage exhaust fans. The booth will give me more storage on top and be a permanent home for the '49 (until something else needs paint). 3 vehicles to squirt all sitting inside. I've got them on skates to make it easier to move around.

I really liked the clear-span of the quonset and knew I'd give up some floorspace, but here in hurricane country it is the best shape for me.

49T&C

 

[poci1957]

I agree on the clear span, I never liked pole buildings for that reason. The wind load is a good thing for me too, windswept fields and tornados, you know. If I can only deal with my ill fitting sliding barn doors I will be OK with it. Good luck with yours, Todd C

 

[imported_banzaitoyota]

Here are some pics from construction today in the shop

This pic shows how a False Wall is arrached to the vertical side wall, The horizontal 2x6 is 30" long to create a shelf and allow for mounting light fixtures underneath

 

[imported_banzaitoyota]

Front Corner of the shop, 8' tall false wall to be covered in Pegboard

 

[imported_banzaitoyota]

The wall bracing tied into the building structure via all-thread and a coupling nut