Lifting a Vette
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 455
Likes: 7
From: Lewes Delaware
Lifting a Vette
Just thinking ahead a little here. What do you guys use to lift your cars to work on them? I know there are 2 & 4 post lifts and these are probably the best to use. The gaarage that I'll be using to work on the cars has limited space and I don't want anything permanetly attached to the floor just yet. Any suggestions?
I was looking at something like this sissor lift:
http://www.gregsmithequipment.com/At...k-kwik-bay.htm
Any thoughts?
I was looking at something like this sissor lift:
http://www.gregsmithequipment.com/At...k-kwik-bay.htm
Any thoughts?
Advanced
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 71
Likes: 1
neat lift
Never saw that lift before but it looks perfect for a limited space garage. 110 volts and it doesnt look to hard to move if you need to. I also like that you can still take the tires off. Might not be good for sidepipe cars though...If you get one,keep us posted on how it works...
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 31,172
Likes: 4,250
From: Westminster Maryland
Hi m,
That does look like a nice lift!
I guess my question is... just what parts of the chassis and running gear have limited access as mentioned in the description?
I'm still using 6 ton jack stands which are a bit of work to get the car up on; but give good access to everything once the car is on the stands.
I'm always afraid of knocking the car off the jack stands.... is it possible to knock the lift over?... is it fastened to the floor?
I certainly think the scissors lift is worth checking out.
Regards,
Alan
That does look like a nice lift!
I guess my question is... just what parts of the chassis and running gear have limited access as mentioned in the description?
I'm still using 6 ton jack stands which are a bit of work to get the car up on; but give good access to everything once the car is on the stands.
I'm always afraid of knocking the car off the jack stands.... is it possible to knock the lift over?... is it fastened to the floor?
I certainly think the scissors lift is worth checking out.
Regards,
Alan
Advanced
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 71
Likes: 1
I've also noticed when looking at the side of my car that the trans. crossmember hangs down a little lower than the frame(manual trans.),so I'm also wondering if that would have an effect on trying to balance the car on that lift... Looking at their website,they also have one with adj. arms that's rated at 6K lbs. that one might seem to work better...
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 455
Likes: 7
From: Lewes Delaware
Race Director
Joined: Apr 1999
Posts: 11,520
Likes: 13
From: CORVETTE 77 385 C.I. TEXAS
I was going to say all you need to start is 2 floor jacks & some stands. It seems you may be getting ahead as you said. These are reliable cars. Buy a car first & see what you need- $2000 can buy lots of parts. Some do have lifts.
I have 2 floor jacks & some stands & tools.
I have 2 floor jacks & some stands & tools.
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 2,136
Likes: 62
From: West Kingston RI
If I want the car up I use a floor jack and 4 ramps. Drive it up on 2 and then jack up the rear and put 2 in the rear. If I need 2 I have jacked up front and rear which allow me to have the front ramps facing forward and the rears facing back leaving center of car unobstructed.
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 1,495
Likes: 134
From: Blanco County, TX
Never saw that lift before but it looks perfect for a limited space garage. 110 volts and it doesnt look to hard to move if you need to. I also like that you can still take the tires off. Might not be good for sidepipe cars though...If you get one,keep us posted on how it works...
I think the biggest problem is you need a #10 wire feed from your service panel. Usually #12 wire 20A is about the largest 110V circuit in most residential construction. That means unless you have a 25A outlet, there is a bit of wiring to do in your house They don't say what the maximum current draw is (probably because it depends on the weight). Maybe 20A is enough to lift a vette. At 1200 lbs shipping weight, the lift itself is probably at least half that. Doesn't sound too portable, which means you are probably parking on it. But it could be good for those with 8' ceilings.
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 1,704
Likes: 27
I have worked with my Dad's 2 post lift and it is sooooooo much nicer working on a car on a lift that it is to bust your back with floor jack and jack stands. Not to mention when it comes time to install headers, or change out a transmission, it's unbelievably easier with a lift. I plan to get one someday when finances permit. Dad had a lift from www.directlift.com and they make a lower profile for standard garages that about $1600 that I have my eye on. It's also much safer than using floor jacks/jack stands. I've actually known people who got killed doing that. Never heard of anyone getting killed under a lift.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 805
Likes: 5
From: Naperville Illinois
I have a Direct-Lift 4-post lift in a one-car stall in my garage. Interior dimensions are 115" by 243" with 9' ceiling height. The lift has to go up against one wall, and I had to buy the bracket to mount the pump on the back of the post instead of the side, but it works well for the Vette in the space. It was about $1900 as I recall. I bought a rolling stool with a tool tray to sit on while I work, and I almost don't wish the ceiling was higher...almost.
