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Topic: lifts

in Forum: General Non-Vette Discussion


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lifts (1/21)
 6/2/08 9:43pm
pdupler
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Fort Worth, TX - USA

Vette(s):
1969 Lemans Blue Coupe, 350/300 Automagic


Joined: 12/26/2007
Posts: 121

I've been thinking about buying a lift for my garage.  Originally I didn't plan on a lift because I don't have the ceiling height to stand up straight under a car, but a friend of mine put a lift in his ordinary 2-car garage and he loves it because he can at least get the wheels up to 3 or 4 feet for brake and suspension work and he can sit and use a rolling stool to work under.   I've got 8 feet to a beam but a 12 foot span between beams where the height is at least 10 feet.  I figure I could lift a Corvette or most sports cars to where the hood is just under the beam and that would put the bottom of the wheels at about 5 feet off the ground.  Here is a link to a picture of my garage.  The space where the red car is would be where the lift would go.  I figure I'd just move the shelving to the opposite wall.

Garage Pic

Lifts seem pretty straightforward but I've never used one so I don't really know what questions to ask when shopping.    I think I'd prefer a two-post lift because it seems much more versatile as far as the kind of work you can do with it and takes up less floor space.  On the other hand, I've got to park a car in that space even when the lift is not in use and I so I'm kinda wondering if the 2-post would be even more inconvenient for parking (I'm not saying that I want a storage lift, rather just that I'd be parking on the floor between the posts and having to be careful about opening the doors all the time.)  I also don't know what questions to ask regarding safety features and I read something about leveling features on a couple of 4-post models that I didn't understand.  Anyone care to share their insight on hobby lifts, I would appreciate all knowledge.
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lifts (2/21)
 6/3/08 1:04am
NorskyLifetime Member
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West Burke, VT - USA

Vette(s):
SOLD - "The Toy" - '70 Convertible
SOLD - "The Beast" - '90 ZR-1 (#682)
SOLD - "Betty" - '28 Ford Model A Tudor
Still have - "BLKBRRD" - '78 Pontiac Trans Am


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I've been pondering what sort of lift would work for my garage also (leaning towards a 4 poster though).  Ceiling is just over 8 foot so know I wouldn't be able to stack two cars, but might be able to put the lift across the back wall, get a car on it and lift it high enough to pull the nose of another car under it.  That would solve the winter storage issue.

btw - what year is the Supra?  I had an '83 many years ago.  wish I still had that car.


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lifts (3/21)
 6/3/08 8:45am
pdupler
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Fort Worth, TX - USA

Vette(s):
1969 Lemans Blue Coupe, 350/300 Automagic


Joined: 12/26/2007
Posts: 121

[QUOTE=Norsky]
btw - what year is the Supra?  I had an '83 many years ago.  wish I still had that car.
[/QUOTE]

The Supra is an 85.  Supras are another obsession with me.  I've had a bunch over the years, still have that red one and another silver. 
lifts (4/21)
 6/3/08 9:09am
manchestersharkLifetime Member
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Equinunk, PA - USA

Vette(s):
1972 conv, 4-speed, 350, 200hp, numbers match, rally wheels, war bonnett yellow w/white top. good condition, nice driver.


Joined: 10/31/2007
Posts: 2381

Mornin, why not just pour a six inch pad/slab and put up a buildin? I did a 30x40 for my additional needs, with 2 10ft doors. Much easier to access the essentials. Did my own work, scrounged the materials, drove the nails. Cost was small and filled the ticket.



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lifts (5/21)
 6/3/08 12:10pm
MikeMc71
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Tucson, AZ - USA

Vette(s):
1970 White L-46 Air Roadster, 1971 White LT1 Coupe, 1971 Red Auto Air Coupe, 383 stroker, 430 HP, 2002 Millennium Yellow Auto Coupe


Joined: 10/7/2007
Posts: 341

I have a four post Gemini lift (made in Texas), and I love the thing. Its a drive on, but I purchased a pneumatic secondary lift with it in order to lift one end of the car up off its tires. I also wanted a two post lift, but I couldn't find one that would fit (most need 14' verticle clearance) my garage is 10' on the sides, and 14' in the middle. One thing I really like about this lift, is its not bolted to the floor, and it came with casters so you can move it across the floor with a car on it. Mind you, the car cannot be up high to move it, but it makes it nice to be able to move the thing around if you have to.

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lifts (6/21)
 6/3/08 1:04pm
my7t1Lifetime Member
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Dorr, MI - USA

Vette(s):
71 Colonnade Hardtop Coupe Torch Red with black interior originally L48 built to push around 360hp


Joined: 8/21/2002
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I have a 2 post Rotary I've owned for around 25 years. I love it, wouldn't be without it. I did some measuring on it, and the posts are a little over 11 feet. It is adjustable to lower only about another 12 inches. However newer ones might come down more that that. I would really check out dimensions of course before considering. I would also make sure I put a stop pad before the beam so you don't bust through (I've knocked my overhead door off the track more that once because I forgot to close it).Censored If you can get 5 feet off ground you could still get under it without laying down (duck).  Also you may be able to put one car up and one car under. Also price wise a 2 post should be cheaper than a 4.  Just my $.02

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lifts (7/21)
 6/3/08 2:05pm
Willis76Lifetime Member
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Rockland, MA - USA

Vette(s):
76, L48, 4spd & 09, LS3, 6spd


Joined: 1/30/2003
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I have 4 post with 10' of ceiling height. I bought it for storage of two cars and use it for most jobs that do not require the suspension to hang loose. Works fine for me. Keep your jack and stands too, you'll always need them.
 
Buy the one that will help you the most for the work you want to do - AND - be careful when using it.
 
Good luck -Thumbs%20Up
Willis762008-06-03 11:08:21

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lifts (8/21)
 7/14/08 8:10pm
pdupler
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Fort Worth, TX - USA

Vette(s):
1969 Lemans Blue Coupe, 350/300 Automagic


Joined: 12/26/2007
Posts: 121

I've been reading that most 2 post lifts only require 4" of 3000psi concrete.  The anchor bolts that come with the kits only go in 3 1/2" deep.  I don't know why, but I can't seem to wrap my head around the concept of using just a few shallow anchors, typically six per base.  I keep picturing the whole thing tipping forward or back or collapsing toward each other and ripping the anchors out.  The bases aren't very big so the leverage would seem enormous.  Am I being unnecessarily paranoid or are these anchors really a lot stronger than I think?  I had thought possibly to weld up some struts to secure the tops of the of the posts to the roof structure for added stability, but then mabe thats not a good idea for some other reason.  Any of you guys structural engineers?
lifts (9/21)
 7/23/08 10:40pm
pdupler
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Fort Worth, TX - USA

Vette(s):
1969 Lemans Blue Coupe, 350/300 Automagic


Joined: 12/26/2007
Posts: 121

At this point, after much research and deliberating, I'm leaning toward a 4 post with rolling jacks.  One of my thoughts was that at some point if necessary, I could use a four-post to lift a body off a frame by hanging straps from it.  However, most of the hobby lifts only have about 69 inches of clearance below the runners.  A C3 is what, about 48-49 inches tall.  I'm thinking I may need to spring the extra $ for a taller lift.  Can anyone tell me how far you have to lift the body in order to roll the chassis out from underneath?  
lifts (10/21)
 7/24/08 10:02pm
pdupler
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Fort Worth, TX - USA

Vette(s):
1969 Lemans Blue Coupe, 350/300 Automagic


Joined: 12/26/2007
Posts: 121

Got some help from over at NCRS and thought I'd share back here

[QUOTE=pdupler]
[quote=Stephen]If you plan on rolling the chassis out from under the body then you need the tires on it. Having said that take the following measurements.

With the tires on...
1. Height of tallest point of engine or fuel tank from floor.

2. Distance from lowest point of body (floorpan or core support) to highest point of body (roof or windshield top)

Add these dimensions, throw in some "working clearance" and the total is the minimum clearance you'll need

Example: engine = 37 inches
body = 43 inches
clearance = 2 inches
Total = 82 inches[/quote]

So, I did some rough measurements.....

Engine and Fuel Tank Lid both appear to be about = 31 inches
Body from floor pan to roof = 43 inches
Give me clearance of say = 4 inches*
Total = 78 inches

*I figure the chassis might rise a couple of inches as the body is lifted, thus unloading the springs.

The next taller model at 81" clearance over the standard at 69" should be plenty. Thats good because to go any taller, the runners have to get longer. Thanks for the tips.
[/QUOTE]
lifts (11/21)
 8/12/08 10:24pm
pdupler
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Fort Worth, TX - USA

Vette(s):
1969 Lemans Blue Coupe, 350/300 Automagic


Joined: 12/26/2007
Posts: 121

Well here it is.  Went with a four post lift with sliding scissor jacks.

Click Lift

At this height, I can just stand upright underneath the Corvette.  Never thought I'd find an advantage to being so short.  ;)
lifts (12/21)
 8/13/08 9:17am
crossfire1982
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Cramerton, NC - USA

Vette(s):
black 1982 coupe slate gray interior, 350 crossfire, 1985 fuel pump, Steeroids R&P conversion


Joined: 8/22/2006
Posts: 1094

It's nice to be able to get under the car without laying on your back and the part you are working on inches from your face.  I got my lift about a month ago and love it.  I also got the sliding bridge jack but have not used it yet but knew if I didnt buy it when I got the lift, Id never order it later.  Hope you like your new lift.  I sure wish I had as much room in my garage as you have Thumbs%20Up

lifts (13/21)
 8/13/08 10:17am
corvette440hpLifetime Member
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[QUOTE=pdupler]Well here it is.  Went with a four post lift with sliding scissor jacks.

Click Lift

At this height, I can just stand upright underneath the Corvette.  Never thought I'd find an advantage to being so short.  ;)
[/QUOTE]Thumbs%20Up That is a garage to kill for.............man are you fortunate..........

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lifts (14/21)
 8/13/08 2:10pm
my7t1Lifetime Member
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Dorr, MI - USA

Vette(s):
71 Colonnade Hardtop Coupe Torch Red with black interior originally L48 built to push around 360hp


Joined: 8/21/2002
Posts: 2581

Very wise choice Phil.Thumbs%20Up If I'm ever in your area, maybe I can stop by and we'll have dinner, OFF YOUR GARAGE FLOOR!!Rolling%20On%20The%20Floor%20Laughing



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lifts (15/21)
 8/13/08 11:56pm
rdupler2
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Hurst, TX - USA

Vette(s):
1972 Corvette Coupe. 350/200 Automatic with PS/PB/PW and A/C. Beautiful Bryar Blue. Unmolested original. Shooting for NCRS Top Flight someday.


Joined: 10/14/2007
Posts: 173

Hey...   I like the blue one up on the lift.....  Wait that's my carSmile!!!
 
Seriously though, my brother Phil does have a great garage and I am pretty fortunate to be able to use it.  Looking forward to the future frame/chassis restoration we're going to do on my '72.
lifts (16/21)
 8/15/08 11:10am
JimGLifetime Member
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Gloucester, VA - USA

Vette(s):
1979 T-Top, Metallic Green ZZ4 350/355 hp 405 ft/lbs torque Dual Spal Fans 700R4 4 Spd O/D Transmission 2004 Z06 Commemorative Edition


Joined: 1/29/2005
Posts: 1453

A lift is in my future, getting to old to crawl around on my back...

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lifts (17/21)
 8/15/08 1:40pm
Adams' AppleLifetime Member
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Duncanville, TX - USA

Vette(s):
#1-1974 L-48 4spd Cp Med Red Metallic/Black deluxe int w/AC/tilt/tele./p/w-p/b/ Am-Fm/map light National/Regional/Chapter NCRS "Top Flight" #2-1985 Bright Red/Carmine Cp.L-98/auto Member: NCRS, NCRS Texas, Corvette Legends of Texas


Joined: 11/8/2003
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That is a neat, clean, awesome shop, Phil!!

I hab a kwestchun aboot the lift....is that thing bolted to the floor? It doesn't look like it in the pic. I'd be skeered of it like that, but that's just me.

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lifts (18/21)
 8/16/08 9:50am
pdupler
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Fort Worth, TX - USA

Vette(s):
1969 Lemans Blue Coupe, 350/300 Automagic


Joined: 12/26/2007
Posts: 121

No, its not bolted.  Its not required, in fact, it comes with casters so you can roll it around the shop with a car on it (tho it has to be lowered to roll).  I've queried a lot of lift owners on other forums and seems mabe only one in five are bolted down.  One lift owner did suggest I put one bolt per each leg tho because he noted that with his, it would tend to "walk" around after lots of repetitions and he had to reposition his lift.  
lifts (19/21)
 8/16/08 12:01pm
crossfire1982
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Cramerton, NC - USA

Vette(s):
black 1982 coupe slate gray interior, 350 crossfire, 1985 fuel pump, Steeroids R&P conversion


Joined: 8/22/2006
Posts: 1094

Phil,  mine isnt bolted either and I havent noticed it "walking" any but its only been up a short time.  Mine came with the casters too and after getting it assembled I had the guys move mine about a foot or so to where I wanted it.  The casters worked but NOT as easily as they showed on the promotional video, possible YES, easy NO.
lifts (20/21)
 8/16/08 12:26pm
pdupler
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Fort Worth, TX - USA

Vette(s):
1969 Lemans Blue Coupe, 350/300 Automagic


Joined: 12/26/2007
Posts: 121

I haven't tried the casters and don't really foresee ever needing them unless I move to whole new shop or something.  But it came with the casters included and who knows, someday, I may be glad I have them.
lifts (21/21)
 8/16/08 1:06pm
rick d
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williamston, NC - USA

Vette(s):
1969 coupe, 350, m22 trans, ac, black on black,


Joined: 1/19/2006
Posts: 353

 Buddy thats a nice looking garage, but aint it against the law to park on of them Foreign cars in with those nice looking vettes,,looks like you have a nice set up,,rd
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