[Fot] Shop building thoughts

[Glenn Franco]

I agree with Scotts assessment.
We built a 30x40 barn with 14 foot ceiling with an asymmetrical lift . We
could lift almost anything.
Times change and we sold the house and barn with the great space.
Instead we ended up on a lake shore lot and could only built a 22x26'
detached work shop.
I planned to use a vaulted ceiling that at the peak was at 11 foot.
Works well for all the sports cars I restore but larger vehicles have
issues fitting.
I did many frame offs on 2 BMW E10 2002's and currently finishing a frame
off on a 1968 TR250.
Purchased an portable lift but still able to lift at full height depending
on the vehicle.
Glenn Franco
TR6, TR250 BMW 2002, Sold MGTC, Miata, Suzuki Samurai

On Fri, Jan 23, 2026 at 7:45 PM vfracing--- via Fot <fot at autox.team.net>
wrote:

> About 10 years ago I put an extension onto my barn designed by Dan
> Ferguson (whom some of you may know as a vintage MGA racer).  We did it 25
> feet wide and 44 feet long, 12-1/2 foot ceiling.  Dimensions were dictated
> by proportions to the existing structure.) Hindsight says it should have
> been about 4 feet wider to give me an extra foot or two on each side of the
> car.  It has two four post lifts for storage and a 2-post for service.  As
> someone pointed out earlier, even at 12-1/2 feet I need to make sure I
> close the hoods of some cars before lifting the cars to max height.  I find
> the four posters are better for service on my Jag and TR due to the low
> ground clearance of the cars coupled with an ancient two post lift (likely
> older than my 4A), unless of course I am doing suspension or brake work.
> Footings under the two poster uprights are 10" thick.  The entire floor
> area is at least 4" thick with a wire mesh reinforcement, 4000 pound
> concrete.
>
> Two very valuable tips from Grassroots Motorsports: 1) put all storage
> somewhere other than your garage area and workshop.  Storage has a way of
> taking over space. 2) put as much as possible on wheels so it can be
> readily moved.
>
> Happy Planning!
>
> Phil
> On Friday, January 23, 2026 at 05:26:03 PM EST, Barr, Scott via Fot <
> fot at autox.team.net> wrote:
>
>
> If you were going to put up a new shop building, and wanted to have a
> 4-post lift (or two) for your race cars and other projects, what sort of
> interior height/wall height would you go for?  With our collection of
> Triumphs and Spec Racer Fords, I feel like I could get away with 10 feet.
> Is 12 feet necessary?
>
>
>
> Looking to minimize possible spousal objections concerning the perceived
> egregiousness of eyesore…
>
>
>
> Scott (B.)
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