Car won't fit

puttster

Houston

operagost

Yeah, because I'm sure that 45 year old Chevys don't need any maintenance.

goosebarry

That's good, you only have to worry about hurricanes and not blizzards.

My first thought was you could install a bay window, but the view isn't that good. There are bay windows installed to hang from wires with no support underneath. The bay window at least proves that a solution can be engineered. Pre-built bay windows derive there strength through the use of plywood in properly engineered structures.

So the concern with your structure is designing and building it to support its own weight. It only has to support its own weight. Two ways to deal with weight, beef up the structure or reduce weight.

I broke your problem into 3 pieces: the hole (or door) in the wall, protection from weather above (rain), and protecting the opening from weather and critters.

The Hole: Your header design is good. Base the header size on the header used in your garage entrance. I would put a upwardly openning door in so you can seal it up in bad weather.

Top protection: build either a permanent, temporary or collapsable canvas awning. This is only required if you plan on leaving the car's butt sticking out for long periods of time. It needs to be able to at least funnel the runoff from the roof past your structure.

Protect the openning from weather and critters: Make a 5 sided retangular canvas box and mount in the openning. Use EMT conduit mounted to the wall to hold the shape of the box. Depending on the size of critters in your area use snaps or velcro to secure. You should also include a hole to run approve exhaust hose, so you don't get CO build up or accidentally burn the canvas from a spark.

Finally, paint an airplane on the side of the garage so people think its a plane sticking out not an old car.

forresth

Hahahahahaha

Now that we have that out of the way; you'd have to reinforce above, just like it was a big door or window. It could work, but really? How about sticking another garage door on the other side. I think that would be a mildly better solution. Maybe try to get a variance on the setback requirement. Are you on good terms with your neighbor?

If you can't add on to the garage at either end, I'd just move.

puttster

I like the canvas box idea! One day I'll sell the car and convert the garage back. Lots easier with just a hole in the wall. So I would have a wall with a 4h x 8w hole in it framed in 2x4s. The final challenge is the construction of a lightweight water and critter -free box.

And really I had totally forgot that the exhaust will quickly fill the garage, good point there.

A garage type door is not impossible but I plan on adding A/C to the garage and don't want to leave it open. Classier than canvas though, thats for sure.

Great answers!

puttster

As I research this. it might be more challenging than I pictured...


puttster

concretemasonry

If it is an early 1960's -1970's Galaxy, the car could be worth more than the garage depending on the condition.

Dick

GBrackins

puttster,

in most jurisdiction if you have a 5-feet setback you would not be allowed to have part of the wall within 5-feet of the property line. In some jurisdictions the roof overhang counts towards setback. I'd check with the zoning officer to see if "bumping" out the two-feet would be a violation of the setback requirement before you spent a lot of time trying to figure it out.

__________________
Gary

"You get what you pay for, and sometimes free costs more!"

puttster

I was thinking by not touching the ground I would not need a building permit.

mae-ling

Not true as you are affecting structure, you need a header.

Joe Carola

What in the world would make you.think that? You're doing structural work by opening up the wall and putting a header in. You need permits for that. That's like saying you don't need permits for opening up a wall and framing in for a window.

__________________
Joe Carola

GBrackins

whether or not you need a building permit is up the building official in your area. I would not suggest starting the work and find out the hard way when the inspector stops by with his book of red tags and fines.

A call to the building department and zoning officer (same person in some towns) or stopping by their office (even better) would answer the questions of
1. do you need a building permit
2. can your bump out be closer than 5' from your property line (or what ever your setback is according to your zoning district).
3. what drawings would you be required to submit for a building permit should one be required.

You'd be amazed at how helpful most building officials can be. After all, they don't like having issues and arguments (well most of them that is)

A little home work goes a long way in having a successful project. If I came on here wanting people to help me I think I would take their suggestions to heart.

Good luck with your project!

__________________
Gary

"You get what you pay for, and sometimes free costs more!"

goosebarry

Try boat or racing supply places. A marine or awning upholsterer could easily make one. If you get good quality material it will be to thick for a standard household sewing machine.

Here is one I found searching for "toolbox covers". I haven't used them my self. An 8' x 2' x 3' is about $150. You'll have to add your own velcro. You can easily do that using pop rivets.

http://www.comsew.com/index.php

For the door, you could make a hidden door with sheathing, siding using heavy duty cabinet hinges that swing out a little so the siding clears. Keep in mind siding plus sheathing weighs around 40 lbs/ sq ft.

puttster

I could even use the zippers for the dual exhausts! There are some great resources on this board. Thanks!

Joe Carola

Why are you avoiding the permit questions? Or are you another one looking for structural advice for doing illegal work. Are you going to call the building department about permits....yes or no?

__________________
Joe Carola