Pagoda SL Group

W113 Pagoda SL Group => General Discussion => Topic started by: kampala on July 01, 2023, 20:48:54

Title: Chicago DIY garage
Post by: kampala on July 01, 2023, 20:48:54

I recently started working on a project in Chicago and had to temporarily relocate from California.  After a few months, I decided to drive one of the pagodas to Chicago from LA.  More to come on the actual drive in a future “Pagoda World” article.

After the 2150 mile (3460km) drive, over about 3 1/2 days, I wanted to do a few things to the 250sl and couldn’t really work on it in a community apartment complex garage.   

I found this DIY garage located in Chicago and only a few miles from my “south loop” apartment. 

I just have to say — what a great place.  I was able to rent a space with a lift by the hour and they have all the tools.  Pretty cool.   I have no connection to them except being a customer.   

The place is owned and run by Tim & Molly - Porsche fanatics - hence all metric stuff I needed including 14mm hex for trans. They are both incredibly nice and accommodating. 

Their website for those in Chicago who may want a place with a lift. 

https://gearheadworkspace.com

I rented a bay with a lift and it includes most tools.  I think they have a slight extra charge for welders or special items.   I was there about 4 hours.

Work completed:
—Lubed with grease all under carriage zerks ( my grease, their gun)
—Replaced a few exhaust rubber donuts - want a pain.
—Drained and replaced Manual transmission fluid (ATF) - used their pump, with my ATF
—Drained and replaced Clutch Fluid (used my own pressure unit)
—Drained and replaced Brake Fluid - bleeding at 4 corners, ( used pressure unit)
—Rotated Tires
—Checked everything underneath and brakes etc while I had wheels off

Highly recommend this place for those that may need a bay with a lift. 

Title: Re: Chicago DIY garage
Post by: Mike Hughes on July 01, 2023, 23:03:42

What a great idea - a work space for enthusiasts, run by enthusiasts!

Title: Re: Chicago DIY garage
Post by: DavidAPease on July 02, 2023, 00:58:19

That was how Click and Clack, the Tappet brothers (a.k.a. Tom and Ray Magliozzi of Car Talk) got started in the car business.  They had a DIY shop in Cambridge called Hacker's Haven in the 1970s.

          -David

Title: Re: Chicago DIY garage
Post by: Benz280 on July 02, 2023, 01:36:26

Certainly a great idea.
From what I remember, certain states have insurance guidelines that can make this a very costly endeavor.   

Title: Re: Chicago DIY garage
Post by: neelyrc on July 03, 2023, 19:23:46

Nice find Oz, thanks for posting!