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Ramp it Up...

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Number5
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Ramp it Up...

Post by Number5 » Sat Aug 30, 2014 8:19 pm

I got asked to go and sort out a problem with an Intruder alarm for a friend of a friend who had just taken over a new Industrial Unit near Bristol this morning. (Security being my area of expertise)

I had no idea what sort of business it was until I got there, but what a pleasant surprise !

A young chap has just bought/rented a unit and filled it with garage ramps for rent/hire at an hourly or daily rate. (A novel idea that I've previously thought would be handy, but never found one) He's got four ramps that drop to 10cm, ideal for lowered cars, but not only that, he also provides all of the tools, including air line, sump drain and oil suction pumps as part of the hire. He has only just opened this week.

On hand is always an experience mechanic who will give you advice or help you out and one of them is a served BMW mechanic. They will dispose of the old oil/tyres etc too and if you ask them to supervise your work, they will even stamp your log book as proof of a DIY service. ( I know this isn't as good as a Dealer, but it's better than nothing at all)

If this is near you and a facility that you think you would use, mention that you are on the Z4 Forum as he is looking to set up favourable rates for Car Club members and loyalty once it gets going.

Here are a few snaps I took whilst there...
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All the tools you get with each ramp
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The price list:
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The Company
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He offers washing facilities, a shop and soon a cafe so that you can break for a cup of tea and a bite mid job if you want to.

Great ideal idea I thought that allows you to do your own work with plenty of space and the beauty of a ramp, but with abit of advice available. I dont know how it compares with anyone else doing similar elsewhere, but i hope he can make a go of it as Iv'e negotiated a ramp in exchange for my services today !

The unit is located in Hallen, Bristol BS10 7SE (Nr Avonmouth) close to the M5 Junction 17 or 18.
Booking: 07557799006
Last edited by Number5 on Sat Aug 30, 2014 9:40 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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srhutch
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Re: Ramp it Up...

Post by srhutch » Sat Aug 30, 2014 8:25 pm

It's a great idea, like you heard of them before but never actually seen one. Be interesting to see how he gets on.
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-Tom-
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Re: Ramp it Up...

Post by -Tom- » Sat Aug 30, 2014 8:28 pm

That's cool! I'm moving to bath soon, the zed potentially living on a street :'( and me losing a big gated drive for maintenance. Cheers for sharing, this could be ideal.
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RickRob
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Re: Ramp it Up...

Post by RickRob » Sat Aug 30, 2014 9:29 pm

What a brilliant idea! Even I would have a bash at basic maintenance with all of the kit provided and someone on hand to give advice.
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CornishRob
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Re: Ramp it Up...

Post by CornishRob » Sat Aug 30, 2014 9:44 pm

£15 for an hour seems very reasonable. You could easily do a quick oil change in that time, and driving the car there would warm the oil up nicely!

Shame it's not near me. Need one in SW London!
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Number5
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Re: Ramp it Up...

Post by Number5 » Sat Aug 30, 2014 9:48 pm

CornishRob wrote:£15 for an hour seems very reasonable. You could easily do a quick oil change in that time, and driving the car there would warm the oil up nicely!
He was telling me that due to undertrays being a pain and re-sealing the sump plug afterwards, the bigger garages now suck the oil out the top with a vacuum pump, rather than drain it through. They have one of these pumps on-site too, so you don't even need the ramp !
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hopz121
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Re: Ramp it Up...

Post by hopz121 » Sat Aug 30, 2014 9:59 pm

CornishRob wrote:£15 for an hour seems very reasonable. You could easily do a quick oil change in that time, and driving the car there would warm the oil up nicely!

Shame it's not near me. Need one in SW London!
+1 I would love to have one in SW London
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MHZ4C
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Re: Ramp it Up...

Post by MHZ4C » Sat Aug 30, 2014 10:00 pm

This is a great business idea and I'd definitely drive for it. I hope they do well.

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Re: Ramp it Up...

Post by si-forks » Sat Aug 30, 2014 10:05 pm

MHZ4C wrote:This is a great business idea and I'd definitely drive for it. I hope they do well.
+1
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Fast3000
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Re: Ramp it Up...

Post by Fast3000 » Fri Oct 31, 2014 6:41 pm

Wow very cool idea thanks for sharing OP

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aquazi
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Re: Ramp it Up...

Post by aquazi » Fri Oct 31, 2014 6:48 pm

I saw one in Manchester last year, my friend used it for his car... Quite a few of them dotted around... Must be some in/ near london too.


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Number5
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Ramp it Up...

Post by Number5 » Wed Dec 21, 2016 7:25 pm

This business is now for sale if anyone is interested or knows any talented mechanics who may be interested ?

I think this is a great concept and am amazed there aren't more around the UK. As much as I'd love to own it, I just haven't got the mechanical knowledge or experience !

Ebay Advert: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/272456888550

Facebook page : https://www.facebook.com/RampItUp.Diy.Garage.Bristol/
Alpina Roadster #307
Porsche Boxster GTS
Previous Zs
Stratus E86
G29 30i
1x Imola Z4MR
Alpina #019
10x E85 Se/Si Roadsters
2x E89's
Roof Motor Relocations (Bristol)

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buzyg
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Ramp it Up...

Post by buzyg » Wed Dec 21, 2016 10:11 pm

Interesting idea. We have a place near us that provides a similar service. Smaller scale and mainly bikers that use it. :thumbsup:
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Chris_D
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Ramp it Up...

Post by Chris_D » Wed Dec 21, 2016 11:04 pm

Quite common in holland and been using a couple of places for years for doing my own oilservices, brake jobs, replacing bits, etc. Surprised more folks dont use them tbh!
This place is down the road from me and has a spraybooth too. Made use of it to paint some mudguards for the atom years ago.
http://doehetzelfgarage.nl

Comparable and fair prices to your guy i'd say.
Hope he finds a buyer. Whats the reason for sale?
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ben g
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Ramp it Up...

Post by ben g » Thu Dec 22, 2016 4:38 pm

Probably decided to cut his losses :wink:
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