Built an inspection pit...

[Evans, Marv]

Looks like you anchored #4 rebar in your slab around the top of the pit. Did you just use a hammer drill to make the holes? Also looks like you don't have any rebar in your floor slab.

[Paul K]

All:

This job was a major PITA. From finding out that the rock under my garage was basically bedrock to trying to bend rebar by hand- it all sucked. But boy, oil changes will be a breeze now! Here is a pic of the rebar cage that is in the floor;



I used a HilTi tool to drill into the floor, then epoxied the rebar into it- worked pretty well. As for the trackhoe into the wheel barrow- I had two wheel barrows going, and the trailer was only 10' away. Really didn't have any better option.

I haven't backed the 993 over it yet, but will post a pic when I do. Should have lots of room!

Pretty sure I'm going to use aluminum decking to cover the hole- light, maintenance free and plenty strong.

If you're passing through and need an oil change, stop by!

Cheers,

Paul.

[Rick Lee]

I don't see how 993 oil changes will be much easier with this setup, as you have to remove the rear right wheel, wheel liner and right side rocker trim for just the large oil filter, even if on a lift. A pit won't make that any different. Gearbox oil changes will be pretty easy though.

[Paul K]

Originally Posted by Rick Lee

I don't see how 993 oil changes will be much easier with this setup, as you have to remove the rear right wheel, wheel liner and right side rocker trim for just the large oil filter, even if on a lift. A pit won't make that any different. Gearbox oil changes will be pretty easy though.

Agreed, although I don't take the wheel off the 993.

The oil changes on the Land Rover, and especially the Mini, will be much easier. Plus I do oil changes on the in-laws Land Rover & Buick- and their HD trike, which is a real PITA.

[gt350mike]

I'm LMAO......seeing the photo of the mini excavator inside your garage was priceless! You've got me thinking how much it would cost me to pay my son to dig a pit for me....his buddies call him the "Resident Mexican" because he's the kid everyone calls when they have a tough job!!!

[Steve Viegas]

How will you clean it? My concern of building a pit was/is keeping it clean.

The photos that you put up are awesome. It makes it look like one could do this in an industrious weekend if they so desired. I understand this is probably not the case.

Great job.

[Zeke]

Clean it? How clean? I'd just throw some kitty litter in it and use a vacuum.

[vash]

how many oil changes do you do? enough to make a set of ramps seem like the crappier option?

seems like a super cool project..

[1990C4S]

Originally Posted by sc_rufctr

As fare as housing codes... I believe what you do on your own property is nobody's business but your own.
Local councils have way too much power in my opinion.

Agreed, aside from the issue of soil and water contamination if you have an oily pit mixing with groundwater. My understanding is that this the primary concern regarding building codes. Lots of people have water in their basement, so a pit can have the same issue.

[TSNAPCRACKLEPOP]

1-800-dig_rite?

flat screen would be nice on that end wall.

nice hubcaps on your ears!

on hot summer days, you can fill it with beer and ice!

[adrian jaye]

how do you know he didnt ?

Originally Posted by Rick Lee

You should have buried a body or two while you were in there. But then maybe you did anyway.

[Paul K]

Originally Posted by vash

how many oil changes do you do? enough to make a set of ramps seem like the crappier option?

seems like a super cool project..

Changing the oil on the MCS is a PITA. Can't drive it up on the ramps, and even after I jacked up all 4 corners and put the wheels on ramps, I could barely fit my fat a$$ under there. Plus when you own a Land Rover, you need to be able to get under it pretty regularly...

Update: Found something to cover the hole up;



I need to do some more work on it (the panels are a really tight fit) but I'm pretty happy with it. If it's dry enough this weekend, I'll paint it with that Rustoleum epoxy floor paint.

I am not going to answer the 'how many bodies' question

Cheers,

Paul.

[look 171]

did you add a light or elec socket in there? It could be dark in there. Dragging an ext. cord is a bit*h.

[HarryD]

Paul,

Very nice. I like the idea of the small sections to make them easy to lift and you only need to open what you need.

I would suggest you add some type of built in handles for each section to lift the sections.

I know you can have a separate tool for lift the sections, but permanently attached handles means that Kathryn will not be mad at you for losing them when you need for her to open the pit nor will she drop them on your head.

[Paul K]

Originally Posted by look 171

did you add a light or elec socket in there? It could be dark in there. Dragging an ext. cord is a bit*h.

Seriously considered power, as well as a drain, compressed air, etc. I got 2 of those LED cordless work lights for my birthday (they are really bright!) so I should be good. Plus, after I paint the concrete it will be lighter in there.

Originally Posted by HarryD

I would suggest you add some type of built in handles for each section to lift the sections.

Trying to figure out how to do that. Unfortunately the panels are just too big for all 4 of them to fit, so I need to either make the hole bigger (tough) or make the panels smaller (easier but I don't want to weaken them).

I'll keep y'all posted!

Cheers,

Paul.

[HarryD]

For your narrow section, why not cut a plate of Aluminium and put a few pieces of channel on the back side to get the height right and add strength.

An alternative is to remove the excess material from the middle and use a channel or H beam to reattach the halves together. Notch the ends so the plate fits flush and provides some support for the break.

[herr_oberst]

Handles could be simple loops of nylon webbing . . .

(here's a thought - next time the kids misbehave (if you have kids,) calmly take 'em out to the garage, point to the pit and make dramatic eye contact.)

[oregonmon]

Wow Paul, this is a huge project.
Well done.

[vash]

forget handles...get a hooked rod like the utility companies use for pulling up manhole covers. no sense bending over when you dont have to.

i like it. i seem to remember carbon monoxide is denser than air, and will pool in deep pits..so be careful.

[911FASCINATION]

Awesome project Paul-I had a friend in college who serviced his muscle cars much in the same way, but stupidly he dug his pit in the yard next to his house, no reinforcement of any sort. He never had a mishap, but I always worried he was gonna get crushed.