I found out that civil servants and GIs (including retirees) can use the auto hobby shop on Ft. Meade to work on our cars. I used to go there when I was on active duty, but hadn't been back in quite some time.
Since parting ways with The Wrench, I have been putting off a few small things, AND I will need a shop to work in if I'm going to see the coupe through.
I went in there a couple days ago, and found out that I was still on the books. Had I not been, I'd have had to sit through a short safety video and go to the MWR office to get a card entitling me to be in there. As it was, SGM Palmer (USA/Ret.) remembered me and immediately opened a bay door for the Hoopty.
It worked out really well for me -- and the rate to use one of the bays was less than $2.00 an hour. I was wrenching within minutes with a full set of their tools, and the welder was at my disposal. They won't let you weld "on" the project, but if you can detach whatever you need to weld you can take it to their booth. No fees associated with using their tools, but lifts are extra -- not much, but a little.
Good, friendly people and a clean shop environment. Hours are afternoons, Wednesday through Sunday. I recommend it highly.
Oh, and two more gratuitous Hoopty shots for you (since the phone has a camera. Blame Motorola.):
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