Protection for your prized possessions

Machinery storage has long been a running controversy “to do” or “not to do” When it comes to your restored antique equipment the answer is a “no-brainer”. You have something that is nearly non-replaceable. Store it out in the elements and you will soon have what you started with and all the time and money spent will be for naught. For many people where to store your antique equipment is as varied as is the equipment. A serious collector may need to build a shed designed to fit his collecting needs, while others may simply trade places with the new pick-up. One tip never ever trade places with the wife’s mini-van. Security is also a good case for storing your antique equipment in a shed or garage. With the rising values of antique equipment theft is another reason you should keep this valuable piece of iron out of sight unless is it chaperoned. When antique equipment is stored under a roof you will also realize a savings on your insurance, another good reason. If a new shed is an option location is as important as size. If ground space permits locate the building as close to the house as possible especially if your dwelling is located in a remote location. It should be conveniently located and large enough to house your current equipment and any planned additional purchases. Are you planning to do your own restorations? If so you might opt to put up a building that is large enough to perform the work in the same building. It is cheaper to put up a larger building, and divide the inside into separate rooms, than it is to build additional buildings. It is also more convenient to access to all your equipment if it is in the same location. Talk about a “mancave” many collectors have storage buildings that rival even the nicest museums. You don’t have to spend a lot of money, some paint, build a bench or two with scraps, dig out those signs you have stored away and your well on your way to making your own antique sanctuary. Preservation of antiques is the one method future generations can realize what came before, so a shed can also be an investment in the future. If a new building isn’t in your budget perhaps remodeling of a current building will be the ticket. Currently unused livestock buildings, barns and even an open pole building can often be converted economically by adding a floor or wall, or taking out a partition. More often than not there is a building that just needs it’s current contents defined, and relocated, like say to the landfill. If you tend to be a “saver” you probably have things that you can sell or throw away that would free up the space you need with the only outlay of cash being a couple of gallons of paint. To top it off fixing up the old building will make your farmstead look nicer too and I’m sure more than your antique tractor will appreciate that.