Look around the shop looking for pics of other things that you can relate to like motorcycles, cars, bands, famous hot chicks and talk about them...
and beer, lotsa beer. Half rack on a Friday late afternoon should get you full use of the shop, hehe.
Even though I don't drink this has worked for me.
Bring Tommy from USACG a few beers for him and the crew and he just may invite ya in on a Saturday to help ya with your project.
Damn, I just noticed your not quite old enough.
Don't mind me. Been a long workday, lol