AutoBody101.com

It is time to rebuild (completely) my pig barn shop that I have been tinkering around in for the last 15 years or so and I need some input on sizing up a finish area that will also double as a body prep/paint booth area.

The entire shop will be just about 75’ long and 25’-28’ deep.

As mentioned, on the left side I plan on having a section setup that I can use as a body prep/paint booth area along with just working on vehicles and finishing cabinets/wood products.

The rest of the shop will be multi-use for combination of metal fab and woodworking/cabinet shop.

I realize that bigger is better, but I do have limitations for space.

The shop will have a straight shed roof with the lowest point being a 9’ high plate line.

I will have a small separate paint/finish mixing area, Smooth FRP walls, well lit (I’m not getting any younger!).

I also am thinking of installing some depressions in the flow covered by grates to create a bottom draft booth.

• Any suggestions on a minimum width for the body prep/paint booth area?

My Cadillac is almost 19’ long and kinda wide! My 63 Suburban is a little shorter at almost 17’ long.

Thanks.

You will want the full depth in order to get around the front and back of your vehicles.
For width I would measure the Caddy with the doors open and add enough room to get around the doors while spraying.

Generally, you will be spraying the body shell or jambs and the underside of the hood, trunk, fenders and inside of doors at the same time so having extra room is a plus.

Is this a Painting area or a Body work area sounds like your trying to combine the two?

Personally Its convenient to paint Primer in same area of work finish area BUT over spray makes a mess of every thing. I have a 40x60 and ALL painting is done in the Paint booth regardless of how inconvenient it is to move the car.
Bad enough Sanding dust gets every where.

As far as a Body work area? There aint enough room!

Seriously though Plan for a Rotisserie you never know?

Doright wrote:Is this a Painting area or a Body work area sounds like your trying to combine the two?...

Yes, the area will have to do a multiple duty area as it really isn't that much room.

Seriously though Plan for a Rotisserie you never know?

Yeah, after reading around and thinking about it, I'm going to make it bigger (wider)