Start a Custom Auto Shop
Car owners are willing to pay big bucks for restoration and custom auto work. However, opening a custom auto shop is a costly endeavor-the equipment alone will cost more than $100,000. In addition, your shop must meet strict local and state regulations. If you're serious about starting your own custom shop, you'll need not only in-depth training and experience working on cars, but a detailed business plan to present to financiers (unless, of course, you're financially backing the venture yourself).
Instructions
1. Gain experience through an apprenticeship or by working for a custom auto shop. The experience should include auto body repairs, custom modifications, paint jobs, taillight and head lamp conversions, engine repairs, hood scoops and restorations. If you do not hold an ASE certification, get one. Visit the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence for information on do so.
2. Enroll in a custom painting course such as the Street Rod and Custom Fabrication course offered by WyoTech in Ormond Beach, FL, or one offered by the House of Kolor, located in Grand Prairie, TX.
3. Find a location for your custom shop that has enough bays to accommodate the work you intend to do, as well as a spray paint booth or room. Due to air pollution concerns, you may be limited on where you can set up shop. It may be easier to move into an old shop. Also, contact your local zoning authority to be sure the site's properly zoned, or obtain zoning approval.
4. Get licensed and insured. Apply for your custom shop license and schedule an inspection with your local fire department. With your application include a site map of your auto shop, proof of ownership of the location, a copy of your business license or articles of incorporation and any applicable fees. Get your auto shop ready for inspection by reviewing the safety checklist found in the Resources section or by requesting documentation from your county clerk. Then purchase liability insurance.
5. Hire certified and experienced auto body professionals who are skilled in restoration, custom painting or custom modifications.
6. If necessary, purchase lifts, a compression air system, sanders, sanding blocks, masks, paint suits, solvents, cleaners, spray guns, washer, diagnostic machine, oil storage containers, tire changer, brake lathe, wheel balancer, spray cabinets, muffler tubing bender, oil drains, tools, diagnostic scan tools, leak testers, inspection sticks, fire extinguishers, storage racks, welding equipment, transmission jacks, frame machines and rebuild counters.
7. Let people know you're open for business. Advertise. Attend car shows. Take out an ad in local custom car magazines. If you won't be doing auto repair, contact auto repair companies and ask them to refer services.
Related posts
Vehicles with damage or scratches are repaired by auto body shops, which replace broken parts and repaint vehicles. While this requires some training and education, the training can be completed i...
Custom flame paint jobCar lovers opt for custom auto painting because it provides an opportunity for automotive enthusiasts to express their individuality and aesthetic flare. However, as CustomCa...
Painting your car makes it stand out as one of a kind.For some car enthusiasts, just having a car is not enough. Customizing the car is a way to personalize it and be unique. Ways to customize it...
Aspiring auto body paint technicians can learn the trade in a few months to two years.Auto body paint technicians are professionals who match new paint to old automobile colors and prepare surface...
More often than not, foreclosed homes are in desperate need of significant cleaning and repairs before they can be put back onto the market. Realtors and banks must hire contractors to repair hole...
