Question about Garage Lighting

[Gotenks900]

I'm thinking about putting up some flourescent lights. Dunno the measurements of my garage. But I was wondering...how you guys placed your lights on the ceiling of the garage. Just to get an idea...of how i should place mine. This garage will be used for detailing cars. Thanks.

[banzaitoyota]

I have 16' High Bay so I use chains

[banzaitoyota]

Here is the nametag of the HO units I installed.

[Gotenks900]

I jsut bought some 4' ones from Home Depot. Not 120V but i think they will do...i'll see..it will definitly make my garage brighter than it was. I bought 2, 4' ones.

[zenhog]

Hey Bonzai

How far apart did you space those 120v lights? And if you did it over would you space them any different?

[Brad B.]

Can't have too many! Place them out from the car, not directly over so you get light down the sides as well. We sure to get light on the ends.

I have 12 "Instant-On" flourscents that are heat and cold proof. They put out better light and do not have any ballast delay or buzz.

Hanging droplights and extension cords are also very helpful!

[banzaitoyota]

I have a 25 x 32 Shop.

There will be lights placed every four feet, for a total of 8 down the center. Stage II of the lighting will be a row of 3 lights placed perpendiculiar to each of the lights.

Here is a sketch I am laying out too.

So far I have bought 4 of 13 lights.

I'll have over 800.00 in lighting for Stage I & II, but it will be worth it.

[banzaitoyota]

BTW, I started with the Flourescent lights from HD and Lowes, They were more of a hinderance than a help. They just aren't worth it IMHO John

[Gotenks900]

How much were the metalux?

And where can u get them?

[Accumulator]

Don't forget to mount some flourescents on the walls!

I also mounted some big ("mogul-base" bulbs) incandescents to the ceiling in between the flourescents. Metal shades direct the light down onto the cars. I find these make the swirls a LOT more noticeable than the flourescents do. Car looks fine will all the lights on. Turn off everything except a few of the incandescents and the stuff you see! *I* like them better than my halogen work lights for most things like this.

[JimS]

Assuming your garage door is on the left end of your picture I think you're wasting $$ by putting so many fixtures down the center, directly over the car.

I'd suggest cutting the number in half maybe and placing them parallel to the side walls next to the ones you already have planned.....in other words make a double row along the sides. Hope I don't sound didactic!

[SickOfItAll]

I hate you for having a lift in your garage, Brad That would make working on the MR2 so much more pleasant...and is that an engine hoist I'm seeing? I need one of those right about now too I'm moving in for a week, when is convenient for you?