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 Post subject: Looking at lifts.
PostPosted: Thu Jan 12, 2012 6:20 am 
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Supercharged

Joined: Sun Jun 04, 2006 4:53 pm
Posts: 4295
Location: Gaithersburg MD
Car Model:
Anybody body been there done that? I contacted one firm in MO which makes their lifts here in the US. They want 4k for a four poster. I am sure it is a good product, and a fair price, but little beyond my means right now. Anything else out there you can recommend looking at?

Sam

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 Post subject:
PostPosted: Thu Jan 12, 2012 6:24 am 
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Joined: Mon Oct 21, 2002 11:08 am
Posts: 17474
Location: Blacksburg, VA
Car Model:
I've heard from my favorite reliable mechanic (James Longhurst) that the BendPak lifts are very good. I am looking at a 2 post for my garage this winter/spring or so. Figuring around $3k.

Lou

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 Post subject:
PostPosted: Thu Jan 12, 2012 7:44 am 
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Turbo Slant 6

Joined: Thu Jan 04, 2007 6:38 pm
Posts: 878
Location: Boulder City Nevada
Car Model:
I got a lift from a company called Worth out of Fort Worth Texas through a local Distributor. 3 grand installed.10 years now. It's a 2 post Asymetric,9000 lbs to pick up Dually diesel trucks.The 7000 lbs was borderline for something that heavy. Bendpak is also excellent, as others.I will get the name that friends in the business use everyday for 20+ years. I had a 4 post but used it mostly for storage as some jobs are tough to do on those racks.My head came into contact with it too often.When I have to work on the ground I sure do appreciate the lift.


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 Post subject:
PostPosted: Thu Jan 12, 2012 8:16 am 
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Turbo Slant 6

Joined: Thu Jan 04, 2007 6:38 pm
Posts: 878
Location: Boulder City Nevada
Car Model:
Sam, My buddy has 5 of them in use from a company called Foward.The oldest are 20 years old and not a problem.They are used in his business daily. The last ones he bought are about 5 years old now and were right around 3 grand each. Lifts have gone down in price the last few years as more companies are making them.


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 Post subject:
PostPosted: Thu Jan 12, 2012 3:17 pm 
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Supercharged

Joined: Thu May 12, 2005 11:50 pm
Posts: 6291
Location: So California
Car Model: 64 Plymouth Valiant
A 2-poster just scares me in California...............

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64 Valiant 225 / 904 / 42:1 manual steering / 9" drum brakes

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 Post subject:
PostPosted: Thu Jan 12, 2012 3:39 pm 
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Joined: Sat Feb 08, 2003 2:37 pm
Posts: 4194
Location: CA
Car Model:
Sam, check this forum out and poke around there. I recall a guy installed scissor lifts in his garage and a few others with post type.


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 Post subject:
PostPosted: Thu Jan 12, 2012 3:46 pm 
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Supercharged

Joined: Sun Jun 04, 2006 4:53 pm
Posts: 4295
Location: Gaithersburg MD
Car Model:
I started searching the web, and the choices are overwhelming. It seems there are two choices you have to make:

1. Price ------- 3K to 4K
2.Style 2 Post or 4 post.

The 2 post seems to be better for service, and the four post seems like it would not be as convenient for service, but would allow you to park another car in your garage. That would be huge for me.

The price thing probably comes down to domestic against outsourced products. MidAmerica is made in Missouri, and sells a 4 poster for 3800. There are 2 and four posters out there for around 1500-1600, which I expect are basically Harbor Freight quality. The BendPak and Forward lifts are between $2600 and 3K. All these prices are for lifts in the 7000 pound range, which would be plenty for an A body car.

ONe distinct advantage of the 4 post is that it would be easier to get in and out of the car when up on the lift.

It also seems the 2 posters would require bigger, more secure bolts into the concrete floor.

This is the first time I have ever considered something like this. It always seemed too extravagant in the past. What I want you guys to do is talk me into it.

I would also like to think I would not be either risking life and limb to go under a cheaper one, nor would I be a dirty un-American traitor to buy one of the cheaper ones. Are the $3000 lifts imported or domestic?

Sam

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 Post subject:
PostPosted: Thu Jan 12, 2012 4:15 pm 
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Turbo EFI
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Joined: Wed Mar 25, 2009 5:56 pm
Posts: 1315
Location: TEXAS
Car Model:
Do you have the ceiling height for a lift? Why not dig a pit? Just an idea. :D
http://www.faze.co.za/Auto_Service_Pit.htm

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 Post subject:
PostPosted: Thu Jan 12, 2012 4:48 pm 
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Supercharged

Joined: Thu May 12, 2005 11:50 pm
Posts: 6291
Location: So California
Car Model: 64 Plymouth Valiant
Some of the 4 post lifts have options to have wheels on them so you can move the lift around......... (even with a car on it at the lowered state)

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64 Valiant 225 / 904 / 42:1 manual steering / 9" drum brakes

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 Post subject:
PostPosted: Thu Jan 12, 2012 4:49 pm 
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Supercharged

Joined: Thu May 12, 2005 11:50 pm
Posts: 6291
Location: So California
Car Model: 64 Plymouth Valiant
You can get cross beams to support the car when you need to do suspension work with a 4 post.

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64 Valiant 225 / 904 / 42:1 manual steering / 9" drum brakes

8)


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 Post subject:
PostPosted: Thu Jan 12, 2012 5:06 pm 
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Supercharged

Joined: Sun Jun 04, 2006 4:53 pm
Posts: 4295
Location: Gaithersburg MD
Car Model:
My garage ceiling is 9 feet high. Plenty of room. I just don't have 4K to put into the American made Mid America. I was pretty shocked to find that some are considerably cheaper. I might go into debt for 1600,(credit card) but not to the tune of 4 K. It kind of depends upon if the cheaper ones are safe enough. What kind of locks do they have in the raised position, do I trust the welds, etc?

Since I have done all my bros brake jobs lately, maybe he would want to invest in one. :wink:

Sam

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