DIY Workshop rental?

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Mercsys

Active Member
Joined
Apr 5, 2011
Messages
256
Location
West London, UK
Car
S350, & E320 CDI Estate Avantgarde
Pit Start - Self Service

Has any one tried theses facilities, it sounds like a great idea, but what are the pitfalls? Has any one used them or similar. :bannana:
 
I have heard of them, but haven't used them. I guess it could get quite expensive though, things on cars never turn out as planned and if you get stuck there I guess you could get quite a bill.

There isn't much that you actually "need" a lift for. There are usually ways round, I have carried out a multitude of tasks kerbside or in the garage.
 
Just spoken to them, and it sounds great, I'm looking at a ATF, engine and diff oil change and I’d like to have a good look under the car, I could do it on the private drive as usual, but the weather, light, mess, and oil disposal, and then jacks stands… for £20 + Vat /hr. Ill take a look later and report back…
 
I'm looking at a ATF, engine and diff oil change

I have done all of the above with a Jack, Axle Stands and Pair of drive up ramps. Pretty standard tools if you are dabbling with DIY repairs/servicing on the car. You will soon recoupe the initial lay out. Plus if there is a problem the car will be at your home.

Think I will stick to my garage, drive or government provided workspace.
 
looks a good deal to me, who really wants to crawl about fixing a car alongside a road or in a drive esp in the winter.

Prices seem good with access to tools as well. I guess someone working next door may be able advise on certain jobs if you get stuck etc

Worst case you have to wait xx days for a part, you could always tow the car back to your driveway to save ongoing charges.

Go for it
 
T's superb. 20/hour or 80/day + VAT. For that you get tools, a 4 post ramp, bench and vice, 2X power outlets, air but limited access, parts washing facilities, though take you own final rinse solvent, oil drain carts, a small hydraulic press. Some specialist tools are for hire (impact wrenches…) they also sell fast moving parts and consumables, gloves, hose & xpipe clamps, oils… It seems there is a local Merc mechanics using some of the bays on a permanent basis (with star machine, I asked), :thumb: everyone seems friendly and helpful. One of the major pattern parts outlet is ½ a mile away I believe, and do deliver regularly. If you don’t need a ramp £10/hr gets tools and a place to work.:bannana:There is even a simple canteen area with vending machines!

On the down side, NO
welding, but a small torch is allowed on frozen fasteners. And after 10PM working is only by arrangement, and more expensive. :doh:

At the end of the day I want to be able to do these jobs safely, efficiently, and without all the agro of working at home with the rain, light, wind, cold, mess, clean up, disposal, problems & I’m tired of rolling around on the ground under a car. I already have a small mountain of tools and don’t want to add jacks and stands, drip trays… and I’m going to have to spend time or money to do the work. This fits my needs very well!:rock:

I’ll be using the place shortly. Ill do a follow-up posting.
 
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The joys of free use of a ramp at work and all equipment used to maintain a fleet of hgv's :)

5th gear did a test on these places, worked out cheaper for changing discs and pads although I suspect the average home mechanic capable of such tasks would already have a selection of tools (I use the halfords advanced range with lifetime guarantee) and not need a ramp for most jobs as already stated.
 
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:mad: But then I have use of a toolroom, lath CNCs... but dang, no ramps.
Hmm fork lift truck... How much does a 210 weigh, if I just...
 
:mad: But then I have use of a toolroom, lath CNCs... but dang, no ramps.
Hmm fork lift truck... How much does a 210 weigh, if I just...

I'll see your fork truck and raise 2 fork trucks a Moffet and the largest HIAB fleet in the country ;) the crane on my artic will lift any car three stories up, Just about high enough for an atf change I think :D
 
OP, I used them recently for a service and to put a new back box on the 300D. It fell off at the bottom of Richmond Hill after taking to dog for a stroll around the park. Highly embarassing scrabbling around with a big hunk of dirty tailpipe. The thing sounded like a truck afterwards, though I was glad to get a few extra HP out of it.

Anyway, as I said before, the guys were friendly, I ended-up being an extra pair of hands and I was informed that the now do minor mechanical work and servicing for very good rates.

There were a babble of MB indy guys occupying a couple of bays, it seems semi-permanently, and there was also a w126 560SEL in the lift bay near mine. It was a US import with the 5mph bumpers.

I can't recommend them enough!
 
:mad: But then I have use of a toolroom, lath CNCs... but dang, no ramps.
Hmm fork lift truck... How much does a 210 weigh, if I just...

The photo below was taken of a company next to the one I used to work at in the same industrial estate....... some clowns putting a forklift to "use" on their break. :eek:

idiots2.jpg
 
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My mate, Flat Eric, uses His forklift all the time for that. He lifts it high and props it with a steel prop before going underneath.
 
Why do you call him Flat Eric? Did the forklift fail or did he forget to use a steel prop one day before he went underneath?
 
Ive just done the engine oil and filter, ATF and filter, diff oil and changed the steering gaiter, thanks Dieselman right on the money as always.:thumb:

One thing they don't have the 74mm x ~14 socket needed to change the oil filter:doh:, but the Merc Men on the other side of the shop did and were also very helpful.:rock:

All told I spent 3 1/2 hours there, if i did this again I would go for the 4 hour option, this allows you all day access.:rock:

Warning, don't pick a hot day to do a lot of hard work under a hot car!!!!:doh:
 
I used pit start quite a lot when getting the Timbuktu rally car ready...

Sadly, lately their prices have skyrocketed... I used to pay:
£180 (roughly) a year membership
£10 per entry, where I could stay up to 14 hours

Tools, late nights, etc were all included... on several occasions I was also told that some fluids are included, and got a free refill of coolant...

It's sad, it was a truly great garage... now it's a little too expensive, and at those prices it's easier to rent a double-bay garage near my house for a weekend...

m.
 

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