It's The Pits....
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
From: Cortez CO
It's The Pits....
I am in the process of designing a new shop and am considering installling a pit. Does anyone have one that can share their opinion? I have some mixed feelings on it, but before I pour the floor would be the time to install. Maybe someone has a better idea for getting under a vette (if you can not afford a full blown hydro lift). A picture of yours would be great for ideas also.
Racer
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 407
Likes: 0
From: Fort Washington PA
My Father-in-law is really into cars. When he had his first gatage built, 3 bay, he installed a pit. I got to tell you, it is a driving experience getting your car over that thing. As much as you think your tracking it right, there is always a little voice in your head telling you that you're off course. Then the pit was always dirty and wet. Crap was always falling into it, and you really have to careful of the water table.
Since then he built a new 6 car garage with a Back Yard Buddy lift
and what a difference, cleaner, dry, easy, and you're not fearing the worst if you're off couse.
The pit was filled in. You can see a little of it in the background in this photo. And, you can park another car under it if you need more space.
Since then he built a new 6 car garage with a Back Yard Buddy lift
and what a difference, cleaner, dry, easy, and you're not fearing the worst if you're off couse.The pit was filled in. You can see a little of it in the background in this photo. And, you can park another car under it if you need more space.
Pro
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 691
Likes: 68
From: Juneau AK
Originally Posted by Twin_Turbo
If you have a pit, 2 sections of angle iron bolted to the edges will prevent you from steering into the pit
Yep, it works... all the pits I worked around growing up (in dry country) had the angle iron treatment. I'm not a fan of pits for the reasons sited above (sometimes the "stuff" that falls into the pit are kids... pets... rattle snakes...and when you combine that with how inexpensive lifts are getting ($1,500 to $2,000), and how much more versatile a lift is...
Pits are a PIA... or put another way, pits are the pits...
Just my .02,
kdlp
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From: Cape Cod, Mass.
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Check around to make sure you are not in violation of your local building codes. I know pits are illegal in Mass because of the potential for collapse and fume problems.
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Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
From: Cortez CO
Originally Posted by mandm1200
Pits were more common many years ago. I don't think the cost savings versus a hydraulic lift are significant enough to consdier a pit.
