The Solution for Shadetree Mechanic Isolation? A DIY Wrenching Club Similar to This

      Wanderwell Society

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      Entering unmarked shop doors in LA is akin to turning over stones in a jungle. What might you discover—creepy crawlies? Hidden gems? Someone’s cherished classic Porsche or dubious individuals conducting a séance to get an old clunker through a smog check? The Wanderwell Society, based in a plain three-bay garage in Venice, embodies elements of all these possibilities. It describes itself as a “DIY social club.” It functions as a car club, a learning space, and, most importantly, a fantastic venue for fostering friendships.

      I would assert that Wanderwell has perfected the concept of a modern car club. Driving with friends is enjoyable, but conversation is mostly limited to the person seated next to you. Cars and coffee gatherings are nice, but there’s a limit to how long I can stand around sipping coffee before I start feeling restless.

      This group focuses on hands-on activities, learning, dispelling the anxiety of using new tools, and experiencing the triumphs and setbacks of working on cars together. I sensed I would enjoy the atmosphere when I noticed “RIGHTY TIGHTY LEFTY LOOSEY” boldly painted on the back wall. My suspicions were confirmed a few weeks ago during a “welding 101” session with some members: a clubhouse filled with eager DIY learners is indeed a fantastic place to spend time. Clearly, I’m not alone in this belief.

      Wanderwell Society

      Wanderwell recently marked its first anniversary and is already in the process of expanding with a second garage in LA’s South Bay. When I visited the Venice, CA headquarters a few weeks back, I found neatly organized tools, members’ embroidered mechanic onesies hanging on a rack, a stocked beer fridge, and a well-structured floor plan. One garage bay serves as a lounge with couches and a TV, another is dedicated to detailing, and the central bay includes a lift for serious work.

      It’s like the ideal version of “your friend with all the tools’ house.” The main rule (or the most important one) is that cars cannot be left on the lift overnight. This prevents any single project from monopolizing the space and helps maintain focus while vehicles are on the rack.

      Read Kerlin (left) and Adam Kaslikowski (right) explaining the basics of welding to me and some members of the Wanderwell Society. Rashod Bacon.

      Wanderwell caught my attention because the driving force behind it, Adam Kaslikowski, was the friend with all the tools when I lived in LA. I actually met him through another LA-based car group, The Motoring Club (which has experienced significant growth since I joined around 2019). Kas and I became friends as he organized “oil change nights” in the garage behind his apartment. A group of us would gather, crack open beers, discuss cars, share stories, and work on one vehicle after another using wheel ramps for oil changes and showcasing our upgrades.

      I enjoyed it immensely—people brought everything from Ferraris and Porsches to Mustangs and motorcycles, and on a few occasions, that $100 300ZX I acquired joined the fun. Each oil change night brought me closer to my new friends and allowed me to learn something new about cars.

      “It’s like oil change night every day,” Kas (as I refer to him) told me when he introduced his new venture. When I finally visited a few weeks ago, it made me nostalgically miss living in Los Angeles.

      More photos from Welding 101 night at Wanderwell. Rashod Bacon.

      The Wanderwell Society addresses multiple challenges simultaneously. It offers DIY beginners a chance to get hands-on experience in a supportive environment with the necessary tools, and, most importantly, social encouragement. While working on cars can be fulfilling, let’s be honest—it can also be frustrating and often less enjoyable than it appears on social media. However, tinkering with friends changes the experience completely. Even the most frustrating moment, like breaking a bolt, is easier to handle when friends are around to lend a hand. In fact, a little teasing is far more entertaining than cursing at metal while struggling solo.

      Alongside personal projects, Kas and the team also conduct workshops to teach members new skills such as welding. During a casual evening session, I joined fellow club members for a brief explanation of welding concepts, followed by practice with two different welding tools and a “final project” of attaching a screwdriver bit to a discarded Porsche part to create small bottle openers.

      Wanderwell Society, Rashod Bacon, Andrew P. Collins.

      Kas mentioned that Wanderwell was nearing full membership several months ago, and an enthusiastic partner is already planning another location. However, I suspect expansion will continue. There are discussions about extending the Venice shop into a nearby office to increase the social area.

      I truly hope