Garage Mods
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From: Kansas City
2010 E550
Garage Mods
Well I ran out of inexpensive things to do to my 98 E430 Sport so I focused on the garage where I detail it. Living in the midwest heat was needed. 1500 watt space heater does fine in a three car garage. Then you need light, rather than those 100 watt bulbs that they put there when they build the house. I put 4, 8 foot, double flouresant lights in the ceiling to replace the bulbs. It's not sunlight but you sure as hell can see a lot more of what you are doing with your orbital buffer!
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From: Northern NY
2002 CLK 430 Coupe
Then you need light, rather than those 100 watt bulbs that they put there when they build the house. I put 4, 8 foot, double flouresant lights in the ceiling to replace the bulbs. It's not sunlight but you sure as hell can see a lot more of what you are doing with your orbital buffer!
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From: Boston area
2000 E320 4Matic
Re: Garage Mods
Originally posted by STKLAW
Well I ran out of inexpensive things to do to my 98 E430 Sport so I focused on the garage where I detail it.
Well I ran out of inexpensive things to do to my 98 E430 Sport so I focused on the garage where I detail it.
Best regards,
Nick
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From: Kansas City
2010 E550
Actually, as I was moving some things around to set up my "detail shop" I found that there was a central vac outlet in the garage! So now I'm ready to hear new ideas. (I still have to seal the garage floor but that is a lot of work--not the least of which is emptying the garage!)
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From: Northern NY
2002 CLK 430 Coupe
I just used a porch/patio concrete paint, but it needs re-doing every 3 years or so. Using a roller, it doesn't take long. The only drawback is that hot tires will lift the paint so I keep rubber backed berber carpet pieces under the tires.
If I knew what I know now, I would have used a garage floor paint marketed by Griots Garage, it is guaranteed not to lift if applied properly (need to etch the floor first). In order for me to apply it now I would have to completely strip the floor and that is not going to happen. Painting every 3 years and using pads under the tires works for me.
If I knew what I know now, I would have used a garage floor paint marketed by Griots Garage, it is guaranteed not to lift if applied properly (need to etch the floor first). In order for me to apply it now I would have to completely strip the floor and that is not going to happen. Painting every 3 years and using pads under the tires works for me.
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From: Dallas
C32 AMG
I did the garage floor seal thing also. I used the best stuff I could find (I'll have to go see what the brand was, but it was an two-part epoxy with "sprinkles" you scattered over the wet paint, from Home Depot) and it worked well, but still lifted under the tires eventually.
I bought a gallon of Griots and will experiment in the lifted areas.
Another cool thing to have in your garage is a built in air compressor! I put one in the attic above the garage and installed a reel in the ceiling. Now I can air those tires up whenever I want!
Oh, yeah, gotta have a electric cord reel in the ceiling, as well!
And an air conditioner (I used a separate window unit that is not normally turned on.)
And LOTS of lights! I had the builder put in a total of 16 4' flourescent bulbs. He thought I was crazy (asked if I was planning on doing surgery out there), but I'm thinking I might still need just a little more light...
I bought a gallon of Griots and will experiment in the lifted areas.
Another cool thing to have in your garage is a built in air compressor! I put one in the attic above the garage and installed a reel in the ceiling. Now I can air those tires up whenever I want!
Oh, yeah, gotta have a electric cord reel in the ceiling, as well!
And an air conditioner (I used a separate window unit that is not normally turned on.)
And LOTS of lights! I had the builder put in a total of 16 4' flourescent bulbs. He thought I was crazy (asked if I was planning on doing surgery out there), but I'm thinking I might still need just a little more light...
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From: Chicago
C32 AMG
Re: Garage Mods
Originally posted by STKLAW
...1500 watt space heater does fine in a three car garage.
...1500 watt space heater does fine in a three car garage.
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From: Kansas City
2010 E550
It has a thermostat and I keep it at 55 unless I'm doing something out there then I'll crank it to 65. Now that I have trained the kids to come in and out of the front door instead of in and out the garage doors I don't think it is too expensive. It doesn't run all the time if the garage doors stay closed.
I do this not only for comfort but I think 55 degrees is a lot easier on the cars rather than letting them sit out there in a freezing garage. I think it keeps all the rubber parts from deterioating as quickly.
Finally, it's nice to have somewhere to go and putter by myself when we have 1 inch of ice on the ground and all the little darlings are home from school.
I do this not only for comfort but I think 55 degrees is a lot easier on the cars rather than letting them sit out there in a freezing garage. I think it keeps all the rubber parts from deterioating as quickly.
Finally, it's nice to have somewhere to go and putter by myself when we have 1 inch of ice on the ground and all the little darlings are home from school.
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From: Los Angeles, California
2004 SLK 32 AMG, 2002 E320, 2002 ML320, 1986 Porsche 944
Something to consider for the garage. One of those bubble enclosures with built-in fans that keeps a clean car clean and moisture free.
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From: Laguna Niguel, CA
I wasn't totally happy with the garage so the I had it torn down and rebuilt 3' larger to accomondate 3 cars instead of 2.5. I had them do it up with drywall, epoxy flooring, 6 can lights, 3 outlets per wall, kitchen grade cabinets, neon clock, double insulated doors and pulldown stairs to the carpeted attic. It's the best investment I made. Nothing stays touches the garage floor except wheels. I'm the envy of the block.
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From: Earth
GLB 250 4matic
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From: Portland, Oregon
I agree I would really like to see some pics of your garage. A while ago I did a sealent on the floor, mounted extra lighting, set up air hose, and keep the garage totaly clean and clutter free. The job set me back some but it is well worth it. One of the best investments I have made. Hope this helps anyone who is thinking about doing this sort of thing.
