<VV> Update from 2003: Harbor Freight garage (no direct Corvair content)

[Bill Elliott]

If you recall back in 2003 (possibly 2004) I was in need of some extra storage space so ordered two of those (then $150 including shipping) Harbor Freight garages and assembled them end to end, making one long garage. 

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=42211

The only other alteration I did was to use some nylon rope to pull the frames together (It appeared to me that if the cover got loose, the frame could move enough to come apart.)

There was a lot of discussion on how long said garage would last, with the best guess being less than two seasons.

I've left it up year round. Each spring I've needed to tighten the cover again (it's pulled loose at the ends and middle a few times in heavy wind or snow) and two years ago I had to replace all the bungee cords that attach the cover to the frame. Otherwise, it's been in great shape and protecting everything inside (though it was getting a bit tatty and I was considering replacing just the covers... $70 ea now...  next winter).

Well the 45"+ of wet, heavy snow finally accomplished what 6 seasons of use didn't... last weekend it collapsed. The fabric didn't tear, but the weight collapsed the top bows and the sides basically folded in. (So stuff inside... no Corvair stuff except for some wheels/tires... is still being protected by the cover, but the "rafters" are laying on them).

I'd call that a pretty good run for $300 and an afternoon's work.

Bill