I need a place to work on our vehicle HELP!

[Power Ranger]

Well my mom and I live in apartment complex, and they wont let us work on our vehicles.I was outside today replacing brake pads and the manager came down and told me to stop, and that no one is supposed to work on their cars in the parking lot.We don't have the money to take it to the mechanic hence why I'm replacing them myself.I don't know anyone here (we just moved to this area).I was wondering if a junk yard would let me work on it there.Or a garage I know this sounds idiotic but we have no other options.Thanx in advance for any and all advice.

 

[redneck21]

I did some work in an autozone parking lot a few time. I did it that way b/c if i messed up something i could just walk in and get it. Another note if it doesn't say it in the papers you signed you can do the work in the parking lot but it's not a good idea to piss off the land lord.

 

[IZwack]

You should include your location so at least other users know where you are.

But yeah, if its something quick, try working at the parking lot of an auto parts store. If you're in high school or something and your school has mechanic/shop class, sometimes they will give you some space to work on your vehicle.

 

[Blacksheep Josh]

Well my mom and I live in apartment complex, and they wont let us work on our vehicles.I was outside today replacing brake pads and the manager came down and told me to stop, and that no one is supposed to work on their cars in the parking lot.We don't have the money to take it to the mechanic hence why I'm replacing them myself.I don't know anyone here (we just moved to this area).I was wondering if a junk yard would let me work on it there.Or a garage I know this sounds idiotic but we have no other options.Thanx in advance for any and all advice.

this is true around here, but normally pretty big parking lots don't care. like the mall, walmart, grocery stores, i've done plenty of work on friends rides in the parking lots. i try to do it though where it isn't to busy, like if there's a corner people don't normally drive in. good luck and i hope this helps

 

[JohnJ]

For something quick like a pad slap you might just be okay doing it on the roadside of a little traveled road where you won't be noticed. In a pinch you can usually explain to the officer that you heard a noise and needed to make sure you weren't driving an unsafe vehicle. This tends to go over fairly well. If you live in an area where local ordinance prohibits vehicle repairs in a parking lot, you're better off going with the emergency roadside repair than taking a fine.

Also, if you have farms nearby, talk to the local farmers. Some of these guys can be very helpful if you need a small space for performing repairs at a low cost. If you make this sort of arrangement be sure to use drip pans or take whatever other precautions might be necessary if you might lose some fluid. Leaking auto fluids on a farm is like poking Baby Jesus in the eye with a stick.

 

[millerman23]

I once seen guys replacing a trans in the parking lot of an autozone. i thought it was a good idea. but ya man where is farmington. most guys on this site would be happy to help.

 

[BrooklynBay]

Welcome to this forum! I've heard of some places renting lifts or a spot in a repair shop, but I don't know how they could do it with insurance policies. Look for a dead end street which isn't too busy or an area which doesn't have too many houses.

 

[Blacksheep Josh]

yeah, maybe a neighborhood dead end that hasn't been developed yet

 

[Sams01XplrSprt]

welcome

 

[Dopler174]

Welcome to Explorer Forum! Alot of military bases have garages that you can rent super cheap and they even loan you tools. You can allways offer to clean a shop for a bay. Sweep up, throw trash away, etc.

 

[Power Ranger]

Thanx for all the help the brakes are done (auto zone parking lot works wonders lol!).I'm in farmington,Mo its a small town south east of St.Louis.I've thought about the military garages but I don't think they would let me in at my age (turning 16 in july).I'm not sure about local laws and such concerning this but I know it was in the lease that we signed.Again thanx for all the help.

 

[sjr033]

It is in my lease too. But I know what the manager drives and I just wait until she leaves for the weekend. Plus the late night oil changes when everyone else is in bed work too.

 

[Power Ranger]

True I know the manager works from 7:00-5:00 7 days a week and the owners live in ohio I think but I'm not sure.The worst part is if I wind up with a project I have no way of working on it.Plus I have to keep up my car in the future along with my moms and here bf's.I'm not a fan of reading but I'm starting buy and read haynes manuals as cheap way to learn lol!