The Rensselaer Student Auto Shop has re-opened for business, after being closed in August 2003 by the Risk Management, Safety, and Health Department of RPI. After re-evaluating staffing, shop equipment, and safety standards, the club has begun its operations again under the direction of Justin Loehlein ’06.
During the summer of 2003, the shop was closed at the behest of RPI administrators due to perceived misuse of the facility as well as several safety issues pertaining to the use of the garage primarily for club members’ personal benefit. These issues arose for the first time when the shop was closed at one point for five months and re-opened after some restructuring prior to the 2003 closing. At the time, Director of the Union Rick Hartt indicated that the shop would re-open when it was both safely compliant with codes as well as useful to the community. In its current state, the auto shop has appeared to have achieved both of these and is now open for business.
Over the last few weeks, the shop’s equipment has been revamped. Loehlein said, “Aside from the lift, we have several specialty and diagnosic tools not widely available [to the community].” The shop’s tools and other equipment have been repaired and replaced as needed. The shop has diagnostic tools, tire balancing equipment, power tools, and extensive specialized equipment.
The Rensselaer Student Auto Shop, located behind the Mueller Center, is a Union-funded club whose goal is to allow members of the RPI community to repair and maintain their vehicles for a nominal fee. Due to liability issues, the shop staff is only able to provide patrons with advice as well as tire mounting and balancing for an additional fee. Patrons can use the shop for tire balancing and rotation, oil changes, undercarriage repairs, and many other auto repairs needing the shop’s specialized equipment or vehicle lift.
Two weekends ago, the shop began its first operations, though its hours of operation are currently limited to Friday from 5-9 pm and Saturday from 10 am-6 pm.
Loehlein said that “more of our newer members need some training with the equipment.” Once the club has more members familiar with the equipment and membership prospects, shop hours may be extended to Thursday. During shop hours, the lift is available for $10 per hour and any one of the shop’s four car bays is available for five dollars per hour to any member of the RPI community.
