Self-service workshops

Rilot · 8 Aug 2012 at 11:52

I need to do all the suspension bushes on the Jaaaaaag. Now, I could do it on jacks at my place but I would still need to get the links and wishbones to a garage to have the old bushes pushed out and the new ones pressed in.

Then, someone suggested I use one of these self-service garage places that have a 4-post lift. I did a search and turned up these guys: http://www.pitstartgarage.com/self_service.html

At £80+VAT per day and the use of a 4-post lift + a 10-ton press it sounds ideal for what I need.
Have any of you guys used this place or another like it? How was it?

[TW]Fox · 8 Aug 2012 at 12:27

£106 just for the tools to do your own work for one day?

Don't see the point. You could probably pay somebody else to do the job for not exactly hundreds and hundreds more.

Berger · 8 Aug 2012 at 12:28

Sounds OK, can you do the job inside a day?

If something goes wrong you are at their mercy to have it repaired or wait for parts to be delivered.

Personally I would buy my own press and DIY it at home. That way you can do the front then if run out of time put it back together, or if you have problems you can stop without having paid out £100 and only got part way.

ci_newman · 8 Aug 2012 at 12:37

I haven't used them before, but I always considered that this was a great business idea..

Duke · 8 Aug 2012 at 12:41

ci_newman said:
I haven't used them before, but I always considered that this was a great business idea..

I think Halfords or someone like that did it before.

Rilot · 8 Aug 2012 at 12:46

Berger said:
Personally I would buy my own press and DIY it at home. That way you can do the front then if run out of time put it back together, or if you have problems you can stop without having paid out £100 and only got part way.

A press is a seriously expensive bit of kit.

[TW]Fox;22519201 said:
£106 just for the tools to do your own work for one day?

Don't see the point. You could probably pay somebody else to do the job for not exactly hundreds and hundreds more.

I'd be looking at 4 hours labour at what? £70/hour plus I wouldn't have the fun of doing the job myself.

-Ad- · 8 Aug 2012 at 12:47

[TW]Fox;22519201 said:
£106 just for the tools to do your own work for one day?

Don't see the point. You could probably pay somebody else to do the job for not exactly hundreds and hundreds more.

Bushes are one of those things that could go to plan, or will require, burning, shouting, hammering and a load of snapped bolt and or broken off captive nuts. Labour charges = Wooooooooo

Only problem with doing it yourself, is said things happening and being stuck at the garage.