Way OT: Midlife crisis car and sanding concrete

[SoCalSteve]

Hi all,

Yeah, its kind of struck. Porsche 911 is a bit over the top for me and a Cayman is just too small for my 6' 5" body...So, I am seriously thinking about a 2008 BMW Z4 Coupe.

Its a blast to drive, not many around (they only made about 17,500 of them in a coupe over a 3 year period) and I can afford it (and the insurance).

Ok, the real point of this thread is that where my driveway concrete slab meets the garage concrete slab, there is a little lip there and in test driving a Z4, found that it bottoms out slightly on this lip.

Can this be "sanded" down? Or, is there a better way of doing this? I would do it myself (and buy the tool(s) involved) if it wasn't a difficult task to do.

Thoughts, opinions, experiences, etc., all appreciated.

As always, thank you all in advance,

Steve

[Z3c]

I think the better way might be to install a small speed bump of sorts that will lift the car at the appropriate moment as opposed to reducing the lip..

I used to have some lowered cars; miss the driving dynamics, don't miss the hassles..

Scott

[SoCalSteve]

I think the better way might be to install a small speed bump of sorts that will lift the car at the appropriate moment as opposed to reducing the lip..

I used to have some lowered cars; miss the driving dynamics, don't miss the hassles..

Scott

Oops, forgot to say that sometimes I will be backing the car in and sometimes forward...so, this idea will probably not work so well.

Any other suggestions? Is sanding concrete hard?

Just curious as to what other hassles there are?

Thanks,

Steve

[djg21]

Hi all,

Yeah, its kind of struck. Porsche 911 is a bit over the top for me and a Cayman is just too small for my 6' 5" body...So, I am seriously thinking about a 2008 BMW Z4 Coupe.

Its a blast to drive, not many around (they only made about 17,500 of them in a coupe over a 3 year period) and I can afford it (and the insurance).

Ok, the real point of this thread is that where my driveway concrete slab meets the garage concrete slab, there is a little lip there and in test driving a Z4, found that it bottoms out slightly on this lip.

Can this be "sanded" down? Or, is there a better way of doing this? I would do it myself (and buy the tool(s) involved) if it wasn't a difficult task to do.

Thoughts, opinions, experiences, etc., all appreciated.

As always, thank you all in advance,

Steve


I'm 6'3" and fit in a TT Roadster with plenty of room to spare. With quattro, I actually drive it year round (I replace the 18" wheelswith 16" wheels and snows). I even have a really trick bikerack for it: Bird Automotive (http://www.birdautomotive.com/BikeRack.htm). Get close to 30 MPG, and with an APR chip, it is really fun to drive.

[Ken Robb]

we have a concrete company grind down raised joints in the sidewalks of our condo project regularly. It's easy for them with the proper machine. Z4 coupe is one of my favorite 2 seat cars. Get a stick shift. Join BMWCCA. Go to driving schools at California (AAA) Speedway or Willow Springs International Raceway or Buttonwillow.

[Pete Serotta]

Very nice car......the grinding will make it ok, AS Ken said the BMWCCA is a wonderful group.


Stick Shift is the way to go.....(even with your traffic)


we have a concrete company grind down raised joints in the sidewalks of our condo project regularly. It's easy for them with the proper machine. Z4 coupe is one of my favorite 2 seat cars. Get a stick shift. Join BMWCCA. Go to driving schools at California (AAA) Speedway or Willow Springs International Raceway or Buttonwillow.

[Chris]

move?

[SEABREEZE]

I think , by extending and adding concrete to the exisiting concrete further out , to create a more gentle slop , should do the job for you. The problem presently its to steep.

You will have to reform with form boards, to add the concrete to the exisiting concrete, you may find you need to chip , cut away exisiting concrete at each end of garage doorr, to keep form boards flush with the garage floor.

You may also want to score any existing concrete, so the new concrete bonds to it.

[regularguy412]

Make the 'ramp' longer. The angle will be less steep and give you more clearance for spoilers, exhaust, etc.

The Civil Engineers on the board can straighten me out on this. :-)

MIke in AR :beer:

[Ken Robb]

the city will probably not allow extending the ramp across what looks like a sidewalk to me.

[dvs cycles]

Make the 'ramp' longer. The angle will be less steep and give you more clearance for spoilers, exhaust, etc.

The Civil Engineers on the board can straighten me out on this. :-)

MIke in AR :beer:He can't make it any longer that is the public sidewalk in the picture if I see it right.
Concrete grinding by professionals is way to go. :beer:

[SoCalSteve]

the city will probably not allow extending the ramp across what looks like a sidewalk to me.

Bingo!

[SoCalSteve]

I think , by extending and adding concrete to the exisiting concrete further out , to create a more gentle slop , should do the job for you. The problem presently its to steep.

You will have to reform with form boards, to add the concrete to the exisiting concrete, you may find you need to chip , cut away exisiting concrete at each end of garage doorr, to keep form boards flush with the garage floor.

You may also want to score any existing concrete, so the new concrete bonds to it.

Great suggestion...But, its public sidewalk at the beginning of the slope, so this will not work.

Also, seems a bit more complicated than just sanding down where the 2 slabs meet.

Thanks!

Steve

[SoCalSteve]

we have a concrete company grind down raised joints in the sidewalks of our condo project regularly. It's easy for them with the proper machine. Z4 coupe is one of my favorite 2 seat cars. Get a stick shift. Join BMWCCA. Go to driving schools at California (AAA) Speedway or Willow Springs International Raceway or Buttonwillow.

Of course! 6 speed manual.

I'll look for a concrete company to do this.

Thanks!

Steve

[Louis]

As an engineer I would go for a much cooler solution:

Build yourself a low see-saw that tips such that it is approximately half the angle of the ramp. Add dampers and springs at each end. As you drive in, up the ramp, you transition onto the see-saw until your CG goes over the pivot point and you pitch down to the horizontal. (No need for the see-saw to go down more than say 0.25* at the far end of the garage.) As you leave you reverse the process.

It would be very cool and certainly a selling point when it comes time to move! :p

PS make sure they grind it down enough. Install plastic sheeting to shield the garage from the dust.

[geowar]

You have an elevation problem, not a concrete problem. If you grind the concrete down, what is going to happen to the area where the door meets the concrete?

George

[SEABREEZE]

the city will probably not allow extending the ramp across what looks like a sidewalk to me.

Bingo!


OK, I unnderstand the paramaters, however I could be wrong, but I beleive if you grind away, you would have to grind both the apporn, (steep pitch concrete slab) and the garage floor. In order to have a less pitched entrance to the garage If so, you need to consider the garage door may not close flush to the garage floor, as it does presently.There may be a gap,

Something to consider...

[BengeBoy]

Leave the concrete; get a different car that can handle the slope.

http://i50.tinypic.com/2s7i8at.jpg

[Louis]

If so, you need to consider the garage door may not close flush to the garage floor, as it does presently.There may be a gap,

A blade seal or a larger bulb seal should handle that without too much trouble. Assuming Steve didn't tear the heck out of the dealer's car to get it in it's unlikely that he needs to remove more than half an inch, which a different seal can fix. The problem is that there will be other places around town where he will have no choice but scrape.

[PaulE]

That Batmobile should always be facing out, ready to hit the road. So, assuming there's no turntable in the garage, just back it in always. Save your money and you won't have a problem with clearance.

[rounder]

Leave the concrete; get a different car that can handle the slope.

http://i50.tinypic.com/2s7i8at.jpg

I could have used one of those today. But for the OP, that might be a solution as well. It looks like you could put 2-3 bikes in the back without having to take any wheels off. Plus, you would not have to worry about the overhead problems when pulling into the garage.

[SoCalSteve]

That Batmobile should always be facing out, ready to hit the road. So, assuming there's no turntable in the garage, just back it in always. Save your money and you won't have a problem with clearance.

I tried this as well when I had the car at my house...It scraped both forward and reversed in...

Good thought though!

Steve

[SoCalSteve]

A blade seal or a larger bulb seal should handle that without too much trouble. Assuming Steve didn't tear the heck out of the dealer's car to get it in it's unlikely that he needs to remove more than half an inch, which a different seal can fix. The problem is that there will be other places around town where he will have no choice but scrape.

Yeah, I think it wont take much as it just barely scraped...as for replacing the seal..if you look at the picture, the door actually sits back from where the lip is. I dont think it will even impact the garage door closing at all.

Thanks!

Steve

[SoCalSteve]

Just curious, what kind of company do I need to look for to do this type of work? (grinding down concrete).

Thanks!

Steve

[Brian Smith]

I'm 6'3" and fit in a TT Roadster with plenty of room to spare. With quattro, I actually drive it year round (I replace the 18" wheelswith 16" wheels and snows). I even have a really trick bikerack for it: Bird Automotive (http://www.birdautomotive.com/BikeRack.htm). Get close to 30 MPG, and with an APR chip, it is really fun to drive.

Close to 30mpg?
Would love a ride in that sometime, we are looking for something new for my wife, the e28 is getting too ratty, though still works nicely.

[weisan]

Steve-pal, you need to install a DKS on the coupe, that will solve the problem. :cool:

[SoCalSteve]

Steve-pal, you need to install a DKS on the coupe, that will solve the problem. :cool:

Problem solved!

[Elefantino]

Wow. You're having a late MLC.

Mine was at 40, and the solution was a white 328i. The rest of the decade was spent in a 323i wagon (totaled in crash that busted my back), a 325i wagon (its replacement) and an X3. When I hit 50 I turned in the X and now drive a minivan.

However, were I still of limber back and not facing college payments, I'd be drooling right alongside you. And the white is killer. Sort of like the HC. :p

Drive it like you stole it, pal.

[William]

3" suspension lift with a 2" body lift and you're golden. :)


Just sayin' ;)






William

[ergott]

Adjustable shocks in whichever car you choose (for ride height). Lambo does this.

[learlove]

no need to grind cement or build its all in the driving tecnique.

Procedure: just place left foot on clutch, put into first gear, press gass pedal until rpm exceeds 6000 then release clutch. As you are launching over the sidewalk turn your steering wheel to the right so when your front wheels hit the street your car will turn with the flow of traffic. Then simply adjust speed as needed.

[Ti Designs]

Back when I was racing things with 4 wheels, there was this racing supply house called Pegusus racing which sold blocks of PTFE - that white plastic that looks like a cutting board. We would mount that on the under side of the air dam and a few of the exhaust brackets. I could never feel them hit when driving - when you're standing on the brakes trying to get the car to pivot on it's nose you don't really notice things like that, but by the end of the day they were worn to almost nothing. Come to think of it, so were my brakes...

I bring this up not because I think your BMW should run in the Mod D class or anything dumb like that, but because you seem to want to adapt your surroundings to your car. That's a problem 'cause you can't have every other abrupt change in incline ground down. So you can take care of the most common one you drive over, then cringe as you scrape your side skirts and exhaust brackets at every parking garage. Adapt to your surroundings, the other way doesn't really work.

[zap]

Two 2x8 planks. Place-drive out-planks back in garage and drive off.

But really-driving is like effing illegal in the US. commie camera's everywhere, police seeking revenue and god-drivers just suck.

Get a race car and take it to the track.

[Pete Serotta]

I am still having mine..... :crap: I have a 40 year old mind trapped in a 60 year old body..... Yeah I know - - it is ugly :crap:

[tlm993]

Steve,

Curbs and driveways are a nemesis. 3 of our cars are lowered on aftermarket suspensions and it's a gamble to see where we are going to find a challenging curb/driveway to get into or out of.

The modern solution appears to be to mod the car and not the driveway.

Check out this from KW.

http://us.kwsuspension.de/us/kw_hls.php

It's a hydraulic lift system for cars. No, it's not like the stuff they put on lowriders. ;-)

BMWs are a lot of fun. Our 325i wagon with a 5 speed manual is our everyday car!

Good luck,

-travis

[csm]

Steve,

Curbs and driveways are a nemesis. 3 of our cars are lowered on aftermarket suspensions and it's a gamble to see where we are going to find a challenging curb/driveway to get into or out of.

The modern solution appears to be to mod the car and not the driveway.

Check out this from KW.

http://us.kwsuspension.de/us/kw_hls.php

It's a hydraulic lift system for cars. No, it's not like the stuff they put on lowriders. ;-)

BMWs are a lot of fun. Our 325i wagon with a 5 speed manual is our everyday car!

Good luck,

-travis
I'm not sure I'd add weight to a sports car like that.

[tlm993]

Eh, I don't think he's planning to gut the interior and race it, are you Steve?

[Louis]

Eh, I don't think he's planning to gut the interior and race it, are you Steve?

I only have one word for you: Pinks.

[SoCalSteve]

I only have one word for you: Pinks.

You dont mean this "Pinks" do you? (http://www.pinkshollywood.com/)

Just askin'

Steve

[SoCalSteve]

Eh, I don't think he's planning to gut the interior and race it, are you Steve?

Nope, not even a little bit...

I have a Commercial Drivers License and I am not allowed to go to traffic school to wipe tickets off my record....So, I will be driving it very "maturely".

Just sayin'

Steve

PS: On second thought, maybe I'll get a mini-van.

[SEABREEZE]

Steve,

Curbs and driveways are a nemesis. 3 of our cars are lowered on aftermarket suspensions and it's a gamble to see where we are going to find a challenging curb/driveway to get into or out of.

The modern solution appears to be to mod the car and not the driveway.

Check out this from KW.

http://us.kwsuspension.de/us/kw_hls.php

It's a hydraulic lift system for cars. No, it's not like the stuff they put on lowriders. ;-)

BMWs are a lot of fun. Our 325i wagon with a 5 speed manual is our everyday car!

Good luck,

-travis

Trav, you Cali boys know how to roll, pretty much here in my hosehold, all cars are lowered, in Fl we live for the off ramps, pretty much everything else is flat and straight, not like all the twist and turns in Cali

[tlm993]

Yup, the factory suspensions, even the 'sport' versions are pretty soft after 40K miles.

After riding the road bike, I've gotten accustomed to driving a car with a stiffer suspension. Plus, it's a whole lot more fun too.

That KW hydraulic thing looks pretty cool, but it's $2k? Wow. That's nearly a new frame or a set of nice carbon wheels...hmmm.

Happy Holidays!

-travis

[Louis]

You dont mean this "Pinks" do you? (http://www.pinkshollywood.com/)

Just askin'

Nope. The type I had in mind are a bit more expensive.

[ti_boi]

Sweet Ride, congrats.

I am not sure 'when' I get to officially have my crisis.

Not to get too personal, but I think it happened for much of last year.

I did some crazy things. But my car is somewhat sensible as I have a 5 year-old.

[HenryA]

Git rid of that girly car and get a truck like a real man.

[Pete Serotta]

Is that a MINI Clubman John Cooper Special......... :)

Nope, not even a little bit...

I have a Commercial Drivers License and I am not allowed to go to traffic school to wipe tickets off my record....So, I will be driving it very "maturely".

Just sayin'

Steve

PS: On second thought, maybe I'll get a mini-van.

[johnnymossville]

Easy, floor it and jump the car out of the garage. Coming back in, get two 8ft 2x6"s and make a temporary ramp.

That garage was obviously made for SUV's.

[SoCalSteve]

Easy, floor it and jump the car out of the garage. Coming back in, get two 8ft 2x6"s and make a temporary ramp.

That garage was obviously made for SUV's.

I have a VW Touerag SUV and my wife has a Honda CRV SUV...

Just sayin'

Steve

[RFC]

I have a 2003 Z4 and absolutely love it (Ti grey with red leather). It was BMW's first move into a somewhat more flamboyant styling and has borne the test of time. What a great little roadster.

Now, it that, two problems with the car.

The 2003 cupholders suck.

The car is very low and you are going to scrape a lot of things -- curbs, parking lot barriers, etc. That's why that lower front end part is a rubbery type material.

When I first commented to the BMW mechanic about the scrapping of that rubber piece, he replied, "You and everyone else." He suggested taping off a band at the bottom of the piece and spray painting it flat black, allowing for easy touch out.

Now the point, if you are just scraping a bit on the bottom of the piece, don't worry about it.

[SoCalSteve]

I have a 2003 Z4 and absolutely love it (Ti grey with red leather). It was BMW's first move into a somewhat more flamboyant styling and has borne the test of time. What a great little roadster.

Now, it that, two problems with the car.

The 2003 cupholders suck.

The car is very low and you are going to scrape a lot of things -- curbs, parking lot barriers, etc. That's why that lower front end part is a rubbery type material.

When I first commented to the BMW mechanic about the scrapping of that rubber piece, he replied, "You and everyone else." He suggested taping off a band at the bottom of the piece and spray painting it flat black, allowing for easy touch out.

Now the point, if you are just scraping a bit on the bottom of the piece, don't worry about it.

If it were only that simple...

It bottoms out. Doesn't hit the body of the car whatsoever, just somewhere on the underside of it. Not sure exactly what it is hitting or if it would cause any long term damage...

But, it appears that if I just grind about 1/2" down where the lip is (where the ramp concrete slab meets the garage concrete slab) then all is well in the world...

Thanks for all the great info regarding the vehicle!

Steve

[Elefantino]

On second thought, maybe I'll get a mini-van.
Now you're talking.

Nothing screams "I'm a dork!" like a van with a four-bike Thule rack on top and bike stickers all over the windows.

[djg]

Now you're talking.

Nothing screams "I'm a dork!" like a van with a four-bike Thule rack on top and bike stickers all over the windows.

Hey, we put our Thule rack on the back.

Plus, you know, it's the wife's van.

Unless you're buying a bus, there's really no better vehicle than a mini van for hauling a bunch of people and stuff any substantial distance. OTOH, I really don't like driving our Honda any more than I liked driving our Toyota Sienna, and they're both good vans.

50th approaching this coming summer and I ponder the mid-life crisis mobile. Mid-life on the rather optimistic assumption that I'll live to be a hundred, that is.

[chuckroast]

It is possible to grind concrete. It's noisy and messy and not a do it yourself operation. Google the phrase "Grind-All Concrete" and you might find a subcontractor in your area that would quote the work.

That said, have you checked to see what was bottoming out? It might be a skid plate or something similarly non-critical.

[Sandy]

C-4 explosive.

Rebuild driveway and garage. ;)



Simple Solution Serotta Sandy

[false_Aest]

Steve,

If you're really gonna rock the midlife crisis you gotta grow a pair and rock something with balls.

http://www.motorcycle.com/manufacturer/2009-bimota-tesi-3d-review-88213.html

----

You'll probably have to get a different helmet though.

[SoCalSteve]

Steve,

If you're really gonna rock the midlife crisis you gotta grow a pair and rock something with balls.

http://www.motorcycle.com/manufacturer/2009-bimota-tesi-3d-review-88213.html

----

You'll probably have to get a different helmet though.

Just curious where you attach the Dura Ace pedals...

Just askin'

Steve

[Louis]

Steve has done some modifications to his garage that go beyond just grinding. The results are shown below:

[false_Aest]

Steve,

I'm thinkin that if you do a mod on your garage like the one above Sherry might leave you.

Benefits might include her taking the screeching cat with her.

[SoCalSteve]

Steve,

I'm thinkin that if you do a mod on your garage like the one above Sherry might leave you.

Benefits might include her taking the screeching cat with her.

It may be worth it! Earplugs are helping me greatly at the moment.

Steve

[conorb]

Hi all,

Yeah, its kind of struck. Porsche 911 is a bit over the top for me and a Cayman is just too small for my 6' 5" body...So, I am seriously thinking about a 2008 BMW Z4 Coupe.

<snip>

Steve

I heartily recommend the Z4 M Coupe:

http://www.vendettacycles.com/vendettacycles/gallery/mcoupe/DSC01355.jpg

It's a great way to get the mid-life crisis kicked off right. :cool:

conorb

[Louis]

where do you put the bike?

[SoCalSteve]

I heartily recommend the Z4 M Coupe:

http://www.vendettacycles.com/vendettacycles/gallery/mcoupe/DSC01355.jpg

It's a great way to get the mid-life crisis kicked off right. :cool:

conorb

Drove both the "M" and non "M" versions and I have to say I prefer the non "M" version better...The "M" version has a short throw shifter that I didn't really like, a much stiffer clutch and a tighter (less comfortable) suspension. I will be using this car as my daily commuter, it will never be raced at all.

The "M" version definitely has its place, just not on the roads of Los Angeles.

Just sayin'

Steve

[SoCalSteve]

where do you put the bike?

In the back of my Touareg: