This channel is honestly the most MVP truck building channel IMO. You’ll find a new space.

@MerricksGarage

9 ай бұрын

Too kind, thanks man

The current space was so cool when you first moved there. Just imagine how awesome the next shop will be! Stay positive. You can achieve anything if you really want it.

@MerricksGarage

9 ай бұрын

Totally agree.

God will close one door and open another one for you

You got this bud. Sometimes we all just need to step back for a few and figure out our direction.

I hear you, I live in NorCal, same thing is happening here too, lots of the owners selling their property and the automotive industry is being forced out, shop owners are forced to relocate or retired. Good luck, enjoy your channel,👍🇺🇸🇺🇸

Hope you find the right space soon, we all know you'll be just fine. The Squarebody community needs you and your skills, and we look forward to many more years of rad videos.

@MerricksGarage

9 ай бұрын

I hope so too!

I'm here for the long haul, you do you and when you post a video I'll watch it. TY.

I’m believing for your growth and prosperity

Hang in there James! I like the plan of being your own boss and sticking to your roots! Let me know if I can help you in any way.

You got this. Maybe look in your local industrial park to see if anyone would lease you some of their space to you. However big your shop is now try to find something bigger. No one ever said my shop is too big. I also agree with another comment about moving to Utah or western Colorado. You would be in the heart of wheeling land and those states still believe in freedom unlike California. Good luck, hope you are back and running soon.

Sorry to hear. Hopefully you get everything figure out and back on track sooner rather than later.

You got this brother! If you need to call and vent I’m all ears or if you need a helping hand!

Hey buddy, maybe its a blessing in disguise. I appreciate everything you done for the off road and squarebody community . I’m a big supporter. I bought your seat brackets for my K5 & been following and watching all your videos. You’ll be ok and I wish you and your family the best 🙏

@MerricksGarage

9 ай бұрын

I appreciate that. Hard work ahead but that’s what I do best!

Good luck on finding a new space

@jamiecorley1700

9 ай бұрын

Don't worry he will

Saw the title and was a bit gut wrenching waiting for the big unveil. Glad your still gonna be sticking with the dream in a new and better shop, very motivational James. We'll be here waiting..no worries there brother. Good luck with the move!

@MerricksGarage

9 ай бұрын

Cheers man!

I'll take my lead from you - youy're a far better person than I could ever be in that road block!!!!

Dude you were in SB this whole time? How did I miss you? I gotta say, Ventura Co.. its just a beautiful 45 min drive away... and its ripe for "our" kind, always has been. I know of a big warehouse in Bardsdale (a mile from Fillmore) thats available. Just needs some gutting. Look into the backside of Ventura County and also Ventura/Camarillo/Nard itself, tho more pricey. I am sure you have already but I gotta give my 2c. Good luck!

@brokenwrench404

9 ай бұрын

I said something similar. You’d think with the economy the way it is that spaces would be available and maybe cheaper. Saticoy is another good option with industrial spaces

@MerricksGarage

9 ай бұрын

Yea the big challenge is the distance. Being close to the fam and being there for all their sports / activities is crucial. The commute south can be such a roll of the dice traffic wise.

@MerricksGarage

9 ай бұрын

I am amazed at the prices everywhere to be honest. There are several vacancies that would be a great for us but they are just crazy $$$. The owners are in no hurry to fill them either. 🤷🏼‍♂️tax write off ?

Thanks for the update. Keep the videos coming on this struggle it is interesting. Your style sells. Your topic sells. Your shop is great with amazing potential

@MerricksGarage

9 ай бұрын

Awesome! Thank you!

Thank you Mr. Merrick. I have a K5 b/c of your channel. Keep your chin up. I like to think you’re just in a waiting room for something better.

@MerricksGarage

9 ай бұрын

I totally agree. Thanks for the support!

Move up to Pismo/Grover beach/San Luis obispo!!

Keep up the great work your enthusiasm is contagious

enjoy the way you embrace change and challenges… it just makes you stronger. BTW… we got plenty of room in Texas… and big square bodies too!

I love your seat brackets.

Watching you take the steps and challenges of doing things on your own was part of what inspired me to start my own channel. It’s been fun watching and will continue to do so. Hope you can find a place in SB, but putting in a vote for East Tennessee on the new location! Got some epic parks all around.

I did some of my best work outside in Southern California at a Navy MWR automotive hobby shop. Always wished someone could open something like that for the civilian world. Part mini-storage/part informal tech school. Community off-road maintenance club. Sharing some memories and ideas for what it's worth.

@MerricksGarage

9 ай бұрын

Dude. That’s exactly what I would love to build one day. You just expressed it better than I ever could. There is so much need for that.

Been a subscriber since early on. Hang in there Merrick, we can’t always see the path.

@MerricksGarage

9 ай бұрын

Thanks oldtimer! 😜

I started watching this channel for the blazer and work you were doing out of your garage. I continue to watch because of the work you do.

Keep your head up and it'll all work out in the wash.

Move to Utah. That is where all the successful builders and KZread channels are located.

@MerricksGarage

9 ай бұрын

Utah is epic.

@andrewmarkus454

9 ай бұрын

​@@MerricksGaragewe'd love to have you man!

@joshuabaker5712

9 ай бұрын

Uhh bleepinjeep is 100% not on the west coast.

Don't care for mechanical things but very stoic of you. Keep at it.

Best of luck man 💪, everything will fall in place!

@MerricksGarage

9 ай бұрын

Appreciate it!

I love and miss santa Barbara ❤

@MerricksGarage

9 ай бұрын

It’s a special place to raise a family.

Good luck with the changes brother, you'll come out bigger and better on the other side! We'll all be here waiting for the next installment of Merricks Garage no matter the location or content!

We want to see your trucks working and flexing and crawling over stuff. Can you set up some interesting obstacles in an industrial area to crawl on? Drive on top of a car, drive over a huge pile of pallets, get stuck in a giant mudhole on a construction site

Great message James, as always! I've been blessed by your friendship, generosity and support for a few years now. I've come to embrace "failure is redirection," "adventure begins when things go wrong," and "the obstacle is the way," first hand from your videos and from our trips. Having the right attitude is golden! Excited to see whats next for you and that lovely family of yours! You know help is just a call away, the crew will rally!

@MerricksGarage

9 ай бұрын

You forgot safety third!!

Best of luck! I know life is challenging but you've got a good head on your shoulders so I believe you'll work this out! Thank you for all the videos and help you've provided!

Love the channel ive learned alot from you and your videos hoping everything works out for you! Cant wait to see what the future holds for you big things!

@MerricksGarage

9 ай бұрын

I appreciate that!

Sorry too hear whats happened with the Shop. Wish you well in the future and Keep doing your thing. You help me here with my Jeep TJ its not a Chevey but there,s bin a lot of issues. Hope to hear from you soon. Takecare man and Keep it rollin.

@MerricksGarage

9 ай бұрын

Right on

Best of luck James. You're awesome you got this 🤘

I love your jobs and videos. We communicated together by email about my squarebody GMC suburban C1500 6.2 diesel (1982) in France. I really appreciate how benevolent and pedagogue you are on youtube and by mail. I wish you could live in my neighborhood , I would certainly find a solution for you. I wish you the best for the future, and I will wait fir the next episode of "Merrick's garage" as soon as possible.

@MerricksGarage

9 ай бұрын

I remember that! A suburban diesel in France is amazing!

You will figure it out. Maybe something in Ventura or Oxnard might become available.

I grew up in Los Angeles and have been visiting Santa Barbara since i was a little kid, i always loved going there to go to the beach and go to the cool places it has to offer, with that being said i went a few months back and yes it has changed quiet a bit. Any who you'll pull through for sure, have you looked into maybe Oxnard as a possible option? With that being said keep pumping out content when you can, your channel has inspired me to fix my 77 k10, God bless

@MerricksGarage

6 ай бұрын

I have three kids in local schools and the commute to Oxnard would make it not worth it.

I hope this gets worked out soon! Love your videos!

Wish you the best of luck with the move. I myself have decided to make the change from basic shop life in Houston and try to find a shop with a deeper focus in the offroad community as for where that is going to be is yet to be determined

Good luck man! Hope to see more.

@MerricksGarage

9 ай бұрын

you will!

😢sell everything and go full-time RV life. Our 5th year. Using a k30 pulling a 27'tt

All the best.

Embrace the pivot. I am sure Fred Williams would have some encouraging words for you. Who knows what the future holds? Exciting times...adventure! Remember who you are!! Go! Fight! Win!

@MerricksGarage

9 ай бұрын

Hell yea

I know the feeling. I know the main issue is shop space. It's a shame that this city is becoming unaffordable for almost everyone except the wealthy. Everyone is getting pushed out. But you are right, things will get sort out. Every since I found your channel and knowing you were local I was hoping to visit the shop once but looks like it will not happen. Good luck and hope you came back stronger with new content.

I dont have a posting schedule with my channel. I cant. I might be gone 4 months from home. And i just spent 3 weeks at home... i do what i can do and when i can do it.

Your journey has always been inspiring because of your passion and dedication to what you want to do. Every opportunity, every new milestone came from your intent. Not to take away from the amazing people around you that was part of your evolution, but you created that pull. But you know this, and your understanding that through this transition something greater will reveal itself is so helpful to share for others who are going through similar life experiences. You're rad brother! Can't wait to see what happens next.

@MerricksGarage

9 ай бұрын

Thanks snakebite. Been watching some of your videos! Keep on killin it with your lovely girlfriend!

@SnakebiteCortez

9 ай бұрын

@@MerricksGarage you rock bro. like you we've had some pretty major detours but we're getting back on track and back on my build and video production in 2024.

I thank you...i really enjoy your content and would love to build a rig.....but $$$$ is tight....best of luck

Love your channel bro been watching since about the time you started posting videos of you camping with your family and you seem to be the bulldozer that pushes mountains my motto is no problems only solutions

@MerricksGarage

9 ай бұрын

Exactly. There are no hard stops, just redirects.

Come to arizona! We have lots of space and less crazy

@MerricksGarage

9 ай бұрын

Dude Arizona is full cray cray

Can’t wait to see what ya have planned and an amazing outlook on upcoming Change.

God Speed.

Totally understand to keep your family in a safe place while they grow up. Ur won’t be easy but we will be here till you get situated. Much luck.

Thanks for sharing this. I found your channel because of the power steps video, was surprised to find another expat who likes squares. I started a business myself and struggled to find a commercial space that was affordable and welcoming. If you are looking for a spot I found that some of the best options aren't listed through commercial listings, you have to cruise around and keep your eyes open, if you know any estate agents talk to them too. Good luck!

@MerricksGarage

9 ай бұрын

Yea I am exhausting all options. I have a feeling that place that I end up in will be under the radar not advertised as that’s just how it has worked before! Thanks for the kind words!

Love your videos inspiration and information. Hope you can find a new place and wish you all the luck.

I'm from Ventura and have loved watching your videos. I've been in central Oregon now for a few years, near Bend. Come here! There's a huge need for what you do, I'll help you get setup in the community, there's tons of shop space, and the cost of living for 5 is great. Hit me up and let's work this out.

@MerricksGarage

9 ай бұрын

Oh man I love bend. Mountain biking heaven. Bend is on the list…

Damn, sorry to hear of this unexpected hardship. You’re a smart dude, you’ll land on your feet in a better place.

You got this friend.

Move to near Sand Hallow!!!!

@MerricksGarage

9 ай бұрын

too windy!! ha ha

I wish you the best,You helped keep me motivated over the past few years and I appreciate that.

@MerricksGarage

9 ай бұрын

Glad to hear it

“When one door is closed, don't you know that many more are open” Bob Marley Good luck

Sorry to hear you're running through some recent struggles. You are a strong individual, so I know you'll leave this stronger than ever. Having always seen you with a Colorado hat, I instantly wanted to entice you to move to CO. However, having been to Santa Barbara, I tell people all the time how badly I'd love to live there, so I totally get it. I travel often for work and have never wanted to stay and not return home till I spent a few weeks in SBA. We're here for ya, hope you're able to drop some obligations and bounce back. I also hope you'll have time next year to attend the Mile Hi Jeep Club's All-4-Fun, we'd love to have you.

@MileHiJeepClub

9 ай бұрын

I'll second @BurntTrannyGarage: we'd love to have you at All-4-Fun! (these accounts are in no way ran by the same person... ;-)

I live in new york... but my work puts me all over the united states... i am headed to southern California with work

I was going to suggest moving to Texas, but I understand you not wanting to move. Love the attitude you have about it. Best of luck and hope to see you building again soon.

@MerricksGarage

9 ай бұрын

I appreciate that

The great awakening 🙏❤️🤠

Do what Makes sense

I do believe you are in the right business. Vintage square bodies have gone up in value and I predict more of the same as time goes on. It amazes mer how much my 78 K5 is worth now. Great gasoline cars from a once great nation will only become more sought after. As we follow in Cuba's footsteps, those who can keep these vehicles running and fabricate their unique needs have truly found a valuable niche in the economy ( or black market?) going forward. ORD seems to be proving this out. Square body Guru's are rare and we need you - just as we need the great one himself - (MR. Watson).

@MerricksGarage

9 ай бұрын

Truth!

I agree, things will be different, hang in there and please at least find space for all your incredible trucks. I hope that you don't have to sell any of your square bodies. You have amassed a great many tools, pack outs!, diffs, (l need a dana 60 G.M. front diff) 😮 so many hard to find hard core parts❕️😮 I like you and what you are all about. Be that instinctual, creative & intuitive self. Take care of your Family first! I wish you all the best in the next month! Sorry that you couldn't have had a heads up, and enough time to purchase the place your in. All the best to you. ✌🏻❤️🤙🇨🇦.

@MerricksGarage

9 ай бұрын

I have some 60s to sell. Send me an email james@merricksgarage.com

It's a synchrony day

it is what it is. you can do it.

@MerricksGarage

9 ай бұрын

yup. 100%

Bummer bud. If you’re willing to commute, look north around Santa ynez/bulleton or head south to Ventura or Oxnard. Rents cheaper at both of those locations vs sb, Goleta or carp.

@MerricksGarage

9 ай бұрын

Totally, problem is I’m here pretty much seven days a week and need to stay close while the kids are in school.

@MerricksGarage

9 ай бұрын

Carp isn’t too bad just yet but still $$

#411mc 🤘🏾🇺🇸🇺🇸

Come to hawaii an build your dream brother 🤙🏽🤙🏽🤙🏽

@MerricksGarage

9 ай бұрын

The squarebody crew is deep on the islands!!

@KuusFaddah_44

9 ай бұрын

@@MerricksGarage yes brother an I’m one of the main guys 😂😂💯💯💯 well maybe the youngest

Can we invite you to do a review? We reached out to you via email a few months ago, but we didn’t hear from you

sounds rough

@MerricksGarage

9 ай бұрын

You are gonna go with that for your first comment??

Yo is that a K5 with a hatch instead of the roll down window?

@MerricksGarage

9 ай бұрын

Yea my buddy “made” it

DUUUUUUDE!!!! Cafifornia sucks and your crew is half Montanan anyway, soooooo.....bring it! theres shop space all over the place.

@MerricksGarage

9 ай бұрын

cali is rad AF. Dont believe the hype. Montana is badass too

California: possibly the most beautiful state in the union. California: possibly the worst political environment in the union. There's a reason the exodus of the state is very real! MG, you should seriously consider moving!

@MerricksGarage

9 ай бұрын

I love Cali. The politics aren’t really as bad as everyone likes to think. There are some dumb stuff but I live a pretty free life!

I just subscribed to your channel, currently watching some of your older vids bummed to see this one but, I know you will be much better on the other side of this situation. Let me know if I can help in any way. Thanks! Jim. CA82K10