How to Design, Build & Equip Your Auto Workshop on a Budget (SA Design) [Paperback]

Jeffrey Zurschmeide (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 15, 2011 | Series: SA Design

Existing books on garage and workshop space are either oriented towards the lightest-duty automotive enthusiast or assume an effectively unlimited budget. The vast majority of enthusiasts want to spend their money on tools and parts yet need heavier-duty capabilities from their garage. This book does not address garden rake storage, but describes in detail how to set up an organized and functional garage or workshop for professional-level work at the lowest possible price.
How to Design, Build and Equip Your Automotive Workshop on a Budget provides the necessary information as the hobbyist considers various tools, designs, installations, and products available for their automotive workspace. Many of the ideas presented for workbenches and storage can be implemented at low cost, or even for free if you're extra resourceful. There are step-by-step instructions for the most essential and practical procedures, including basic electrical wiring sufficient to connect up bank of lights, a compressor, a welder circuit as well as a procedure for routing power from your household electrical service panel and plumbing basic shop fixtures.
Most enthusiasts have a limited amount of car space and an even more limited budget, so they must make good use of the space and money available. This book is designed to help the practical hobbyist mechanic make the most of any available space, balancing looks and functionality, while staying within almost any budget.

Editorial Reviews

From the Author

This book reflects my experience of over 25 years working on all kinds of cars in garages and small workshops. Additionally, I spoke to experts in wiring, plumbing, lifts and hoists, floor coverings, and even an organization consultant to discover the current best practices when it comes to creating a space that allows you to do your best work in the most efficient manner.

There's little point in a book that describes a garage that you can't afford when you need to figure out how to get your work done with a limited budget in a confined space. That's why I focused on low-cost (and even no-cost) options for basics like shelves, workbenches, compressed air and other features that the amateur mechanic needs.

About the Author

Jeffrey Zurschmeide is a freelance automotive journalist and the author of High-Performance Subaru Builder's Guide, Automotive Welding: A Practical Guide, and The New MINI Performance Handbook from CarTech Books. His work appears regularly in SportsCar, MC2, and Loud Pedal magazines, several newspapers and magazines nationwide, as well as numerous online resources. Jeff has driven race cars in SCCA since 1991, local NASCAR tracks since 1988, and has co-driven in NASA Rallysport and Rally America since 2005.

Product Details

• Paperback: 144 pages
• Publisher: S-A Design (September 15, 2011)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1934709514
• ISBN-13: 978-1934709511
• Product Dimensions: 11 x 8.4 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #28,997 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #15 in Books > Professional & Technical > Automotive > Customize
  • #46 in Books > Professional & Technical > Automotive > Repair
  • #71 in Books > Crafts, Hobbies & Home > How-to & Home Improvements > Do-It-Yourself

More About the Author

Jeff Zurschmeide resides near Portland, Oregon, and makes his living as a freelance automotive and adventure journalist.

Jeff's work appears regularly in SportsCar and Loud Pedal magazines. Additionally, his writing and photos have been published in The Oregonian and Portland Tribune newspapers, the Mazda Motorsports Calendar, Auto News of the Americas, Grassroots Motorsports, Sports Car Market, Corvette Market, AutoExec, Victory Lane, MC2 and many other magazines and newspapers, as well as online at http://corvettes.about.com, myrideisme.com, iveho.com, jalopnik.com and many other outlets.

Jeff is the author of "Subaru High Performance Builder's Guide," "Automotive Welding: A Practical Guide," "New MINI Performance Handbook," and "How To Design, Build, & Equip Your Automotive Workshop on a Budget." His next book will be published by S-A Design Books in 2012.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Informative, Fun, and Filled with Innovation, November 19, 2011

By 

Jeremy Wilson - See all my reviews

This review is from: How to Design, Build & Equip Your Auto Workshop on a Budget (SA Design) (Paperback)

There are a number of good books on automotive workshops out there, but this is now my favorite. Zurschmeide has given a lot of thought to the organization of this book. It is as well laid out as the shops he presents. Add to that hundreds of color photographs and countless innovative tips and you have a book that is just plain fun to view and read. If you are building a shop from scratch, or would like take what you have to the next level, this is the book.