The VIKA portable workbench

I bought a VIKA portable workbench recently and this is now one of my favorite tools. It is an extremely versatile workbench and scaffold. If you're working on your car or your home project you need one of these. In workbench mode you have a rigid portable workbench. In scaffold mode you have solid elevated platform that gives you the ability to move side-to-side or even have a friend step up to help if you need a second set of hands. Here are the features that make this a must have:

• 46 inch work length


• 3-outlet power strip


• tool tray


• small can holder


• V-groove for cutting pipe


• Dual rulers and protractor for measuring and work layout


• 500-pound capacity

You have to check this out at VIKAUSA.com to see all the features. It retails for $149 and retailers can be found on their website. Go get one now!

COOL GARAGE ACCESSORIES

My pursuits to find cool accessories for garage projects can turn up things reengineered for garage use. Did you know there is a wall-mounted vacuum cleaner, with a 20 foot hose, for the garage? Vacuum your car outside the garage or get the crud in the far corner of the floor. I had to get one of these and so should you. You've seen the white "slatwall" in retail store displays with clothing hanging from it. Well now you can get the PVC version, which is stronger, in an assortment of colors. There are different manufacturers of "slatwall" with their own line of hooks, shelves, and baskets. Few of these accessories are interchangable between manufacturers, so do your homework to insure you get what you need.

The first area to upgrade in any garage project is the floor. Did you know you can change the look of your floor in about 30 minutes? A product known as G-GLOOR, a vinyl mat, can be purchased in different length and width dimensions to custom fit your entire floor or just cover the area where you park your pride and joy.

I'm guessing a lot of you have a creeper in your garage. Some are better than others, but they all look alike. Well now there is a revolutionary creeper called the "BONE." It's cool looking and it will make your time under your car more enjoyable. The "BONE" has large wheels at each corner that roll right over the stones and other debris that stops the average creeper. The manufacturer recently introduced a mechanic's seat called the "TAIL-BONE" built on the same wheels that glide smoothly over rough surfaces. The "TAIL-BONE" has a large, comfortable seat that resembles a tractor seat.






These are just a few of the products that get my garage a little closer to "GARAGE-MAHAL" status. If you've discovered any cool new products tell me about them. I'm always looking for things to make my garage look good and make it a better place to work on my cars.

The Endless Possibilities of Garage Space

Square foot for square foot, no other room has the versatility of the garage. Yes, it is the place you park your car and store the kids' sports equipment. But it's also a workshop, a hobby shop, an art studio, a workout room, and even an office. Some of these workshops were the birthplaces of Apple Computer, Hewlett-Packard, and the first studio for a cartoonist named Walt Disney. As families grew, the garage offered the opportunity to renovate and increase the size of the kitchen or the living room. There's room for expansion above the garage where you can add the home office or another bedroom.

Anyone who admires, owns, or collects cars spends time in the garage. Garages designed for car enthusiasts are functional, well lit, and easily accessible. Preferably the ceiling height will accommodate a car lift. Electrical wiring should support multiple power tools, a compressor, and ventilation. All of this is possible and doable with the right plan. Spend the time needed to work and rework your plan and you'll have the garage of your dreams.

Once you have the space you want, you have to fill with the stuff you want. The vehicles you have. The tools, the garage accessories, the decorations and the automobilia all reflect your tastes and interests. Signs, clocks, posters, banners, and model cars add interest. Cabinetry for your car parts and car care products eliminate the clutter. Add a powerful stereo and your ready to spend hours wrenching and waxing.