So me and my dad are thinking of having our garage redone so I was curious what kind of equipment should I get in there to make working on my cars easier?

Everything you can afford!!!!! If you can get it, GET IT!!! For me, a lift is a must have. Though thats just me.

I want a lift so bad, but what's a good brand to go with? I also want a cherry picker but the ones I have found are so expensive

Rotary Lift is top top notch. (rotarylift.com) There is also hanmecson and blitzRotary (www.directlift.com)
But really. A top end Air compressor, A good welder. Floor jack and jack stands. Start with the basics. Right it down and check it off if you have it. It all comes to you in time

Yup.. i worked as mechanic few years back. I miss that lift so much :D . Want one to home garage as soon as possible.

Kalle

I want a lift so bad, but what's a good brand to go with? I also want a cherry picker but the ones I have found are so expensive

Chris, I found a near new engine hoist on Craigslist for under $100 - and that included a leveler, some HD chain and an engine stand too!

Just bought a 12 ton shop press for less than half what Harbor Freight wants on "Sale" - great for changing U joints.

Nice swivel vice, big tool boxes, shop lights, workbenches, storage cabinets, jacks & stands, machinist's tools - Check often, they're out there.

Dan

Speaking of Harbor Freight, thats a good place to get stuff. I usually dont advocate for the buying of "cheap" tools, but in teh case of cherry pickers, engine stands, and other things that wont see alot of abuse and or frequent use, I like Harbor Freight and their prices:yes:

Thanks, I will post pictures when we finish it, we are also talking about extending it into our backyard to give us more room to work, if you have anymore ideas let me know

If you have money left to buy stuff after it's built, you didn't build it big enough. A rack is an excellent investment at the time of construction, the rest can be bought later.

Devin

Just thought I'd share this info with you...
There is a garage forum. It's pretty decent and has helped me stock my garage. http://www.garagejournal.com The board has a lot of info and some friendly discussions.
Just recently there was a discussion about a new Max Jax portable 2 post lift. I haven't built a new garage because I couldn't decide on a lift. For me this made the difference. I also was able to pick a heater for my current garage. Now all I have to do is hook it up and finish the Chevelle this winter!
BTW, I like this new section.

If you want a lift. Check around locally and see if you can find a used one. Much cheaper and if you can try it before it gets torn down. Thats even better. Most shops that use have a lift, have one thats very good quality. And if its good for everyday use several times over, its good to use at home too. I have missed hundreds of deals on lifts but dont have a place to put one anyways.

I know someone who put chains in the four corners of the garage when they poured the floor, the exposed chain on top of the floor are great for hooking onto, and pulling out dents, strapping, etc. Also they didnt have room for a lift (ceiling) and instead put in a pit in the floor. Alot cheaper, and not as effective as a lift, however a nice alternative.

I have been working on mine, trying to wrap it up and get the 'velle out on the attached "closet" and into some space where I can work. Was going to be one car...twenty something by twenty something....then grew and grew finally at 28x36 I poured the footer..looked nice and roomy.....then four course of block w/ 10 ft lumber I have 12 ft ceiling...I've had a 3 vehicles inside and it will be nice for TWO cars...on paper I could have 4 cars "shoe horned" in...5 if stack on on the planned lift.....forget it...it's a 2 car working garage or 3 if you're primarily storing some...I plan on 2, to have room to work on them and have a 8x3 ft workbench w/ toolboxes and freestanding tools ( press, drill press, 4x8 rolling steel work table,parts cleaner, storeage etc.) on the perimeter.....compressor is going behind in it's house....Consider larger doors...I have openings built for 9x10 and 16 x 10...I already enjoy having the large door openings...saving for the doors...3000.00...no windows, my choice... I plan on 5 rows of 3 fixtures per row, 8'ft T-1 twin bulb flour. comm light fixtures, two years old out of a Food Lion remodel job for 200.00...should be like daylight when the switch is flipped.....sorry for the ramble....point is....you think it's big until it's up....that's why I kept getting larger....I now think...." maybe should have gone 36 x 40 ...or so....." LOL...LOL...LOL...There are some good books out for ideas on building garages.....I didn't like any plans I saw so drew my own...am enjoying the building process....don't put it off ...build it and start enjoying it...wished I had done it 10 years ago..I'm 45....

Got any pictures ? I am planning another in the future ,probably 40x60 just to have parking and use current one for projects.would not need another if wife would let me sell 2 toys.

If you are starting out...make your initial investment in very basic but quailty tools, work bench, good large vise, bench grinder, jack, stands, sturdy large work bench, and plenty of storage cabinets...the rest will come as you truly know how in depth your work will be. Renting the cherry picker only when needed gets it out of your way the other 50 weeks per year.
jim

Here is what I have in my garage....

220V 80 gallon compressor
110V Mig Welder
220V Arc welder
Bench Grinder
Blast Cabinet
2 Floor jacks
6 Jackstands
Parts Washer
Oxyacetelene Torches
Battery Charger
Tire Change Machine
Brake Lathe
Exhaust Tube Bender
2 Cherry Pickers

Here is what I need to get still...

Lift
Transmission Jack
Shop Press

My lift is the best thing I ever bought. Can't imagine not having it now.
I also bought a cheap little electric scissor jack from Northern Tool that I have used to death to jack up the car on the lift. Only $ 49.00 and I have used the crap out of it. It is about to die from all the abuse I have given it, so I already ordered a back up unit to have on hand for the future.
:beers:

My lift is the best thing I ever bought. Can't imagine not having it now.
I also bought a cheap little electric scissor jack from Northern Tool that I have used to death to jack up the car on the lift. Only $ 49.00 and I have used the crap out of it. It is about to die from all the abuse I have given it, so I already ordered a back up unit to have on hand for the future.
:beers:

Exposed brick and crown molding in the garage, you're crazy like me :D