Lifts - Choices?
Team Owner
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 87,375
Likes: 1,593
From: Western NY
One of my neighbors, who's also a Corvette guy, has a Backyard Buddy. He's very happy with it.
I was hoping to have one by now, myself, however budgetary constraints have put it off till next year. My prime consideration for being "Corvette friendly", is a lift made out of genuine made in the USA steel and componentry, one that will properly support the car.
I was hoping to have one by now, myself, however budgetary constraints have put it off till next year. My prime consideration for being "Corvette friendly", is a lift made out of genuine made in the USA steel and componentry, one that will properly support the car.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 306
Likes: 1
From: MI
Thanks for the lightning response!
I was mainly concerned about ground clearance issues, In our raceshop we have a conventional in ground single post but i dont bileve that a vette would clear it. My 98 ta (lowered) wont even clear it.
I was mainly concerned about ground clearance issues, In our raceshop we have a conventional in ground single post but i dont bileve that a vette would clear it. My 98 ta (lowered) wont even clear it.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 1,226
Likes: 45
From: Castleton VA
Cruise-In VIII Veteran
Originally Posted by racer34v
Thanks for the lightning response!
I was mainly concerned about ground clearance issues, In our raceshop we have a conventional in ground single post but i dont bileve that a vette would clear it. My 98 ta (lowered) wont even clear it.
I was mainly concerned about ground clearance issues, In our raceshop we have a conventional in ground single post but i dont bileve that a vette would clear it. My 98 ta (lowered) wont even clear it.
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 10,554
Likes: 33
From: Not on either liberal coast.
Most two post lifts will work just fine on 4" of fully cured concrete. They're bolted to the floor with heavy duty fasteners. I've had experience with FORWARD MANUFACTURING two post 9,000# asyemetrical lifts. They're great for chassis access, tire/wheels removal, brakes/suspension work. A Corvette's chassis height might still require lumber to get the arms positioned. You need to be concerned about ceiling height since the uprights might be as high as 12 ft high.
Check out BEND-PAK, FORWARD, EAGLE, SUPERLIFT, BACKYARD BUDDY (not one I would select). Most of the American companies offer both two and four post lifts. Keep in mind that a commerical grade lift costs little more compared to most "hobby" lifts.
I just recently sold my four post SUPERLIFT and will be ordering either another SUPERLIFT or EAGLE for our new home/garage/shop next month.
The four post isn't as convenient for working, but the drive on ability is easier on the knees.
Check out BEND-PAK, FORWARD, EAGLE, SUPERLIFT, BACKYARD BUDDY (not one I would select). Most of the American companies offer both two and four post lifts. Keep in mind that a commerical grade lift costs little more compared to most "hobby" lifts.
I just recently sold my four post SUPERLIFT and will be ordering either another SUPERLIFT or EAGLE for our new home/garage/shop next month.
The four post isn't as convenient for working, but the drive on ability is easier on the knees.
Safety Car
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 4,809
Likes: 237
From: Utah
I just purchased and installed a 4 post from Bend Pak using this company. Works great on both my Vettes! http://www.e-autolifts.com/pf/pf.html
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 1,171
Likes: 0
From: TN
Cruise-In VII Veteran
Originally Posted by racer34v
Thanks for the lightning response!
I was mainly concerned about ground clearance issues, In our raceshop we have a conventional in ground single post but i dont bileve that a vette would clear it. My 98 ta (lowered) wont even clear it.
I was mainly concerned about ground clearance issues, In our raceshop we have a conventional in ground single post but i dont bileve that a vette would clear it. My 98 ta (lowered) wont even clear it.
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Team Owner
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 87,375
Likes: 1,593
From: Western NY
Originally Posted by hotwheels57
.....Check out BEND-PAK, FORWARD, EAGLE, SUPERLIFT, BACKYARD BUDDY (not one I would select).....
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 10,554
Likes: 33
From: Not on either liberal coast.
At the time ('98) I purchased the commercial grade FORWARD MANUFACTURING two post lift, for months I had researched two and four post lifts (commercial and hobby grade) from every manufacturer I could find. There were about 12 lift companies at that time, mostly in KS. I compared apples and apples, oranges and oranges. IMO, the materials used in the BACKYARD BUDDY didn't compare to other four post lifts (structural steel vs. mild steel). I didn't care for the type of lock system used in the BACKYARD BUDDY.
What concerned me the most, (which may have changed by now) BACKYARD BUDDY was the only company who didn't use an independent third party source (ALI, ANSI or ASME) to test the lifts, whereas all other companies did and provided the test results.
I didn't feel comfortable about putting a $50,000 frame off '55-56-57 Chevy hotrod on such a lift. As I said, that may have changed by now. I also found the difference in price between a "hobby" grade lift and a commerical grade lift amounted to usually no more than $500.00.
What concerned me the most, (which may have changed by now) BACKYARD BUDDY was the only company who didn't use an independent third party source (ALI, ANSI or ASME) to test the lifts, whereas all other companies did and provided the test results.
I didn't feel comfortable about putting a $50,000 frame off '55-56-57 Chevy hotrod on such a lift. As I said, that may have changed by now. I also found the difference in price between a "hobby" grade lift and a commerical grade lift amounted to usually no more than $500.00.
Pro
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 746
Likes: 5
From: Williamsburg, Va
I guess there a number of things that I purchased in 1998 or there abouts that are not as good as something I might have bought recently. An 8 year old opinion is just that, an 8 year old opinion. I purchased and installed a BackYard Buddy 3 years ago and have been very happy with it. I purchased it because I thought it's construction was better than other products on the market at that time. The major drawback of most units of that type is that they have pre-slotted stops on the posts that are limiting in the overall height of the car on top; if you do no have unlimited ceiling space. For example, I can put my vette on top and my CTS underneath, but cannot reverse them......the CTS is to close to my 9'8" ceiling to allow the upward movement necessary to get the pin out of the post slot. If any of that makes any sense.......go the BYB and they can give you all that information. There are a number of threads on the forum comparing various 2 and 4 post lifts. C5 XTC
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 10,554
Likes: 33
From: Not on either liberal coast.
An 8 year old opinion is just that, an 8 year old opinion.
Do you know if BACKYARD BUDDY now has independent third party testing done? I'd be interested in doing another comparison between BEND-PAK, SUPERLIFT, EAGLE EQUIPMENT and the others that are out there now.
The BACKYARD BUDDY doesn't specifically address independent third party testing that I found, so I sent them a message (no one answered the phone). They do offer a five year "top to bottom" warranty and an extended four year warranty for $200.00. I don't think I've seen that offered elsewhere.
Last edited by hotwheels57; Jul 25, 2006 at 05:36 PM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 2,439
Likes: 3
From: MN
St. Jude Donor '06
Originally Posted by mneblett
The first question must be: What type of lift do you want? A four-post lift (two long tracks with an open center section), a two-post lift (swing-away center arms), a side lift (self-explanatory)?
here's the hi-rise version:
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show...nd+pak+scissor
here's the low-rise version:
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show...ighlight=norco
Good luck - I'm still noodling over this
Pro
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 746
Likes: 5
From: Williamsburg, Va
Originally Posted by hotwheels57
A "yesterday" opinion is no different. That's why I qualified my comments and I did a lot of research with the information available to me at that time.
Do you know if BACKYARD BUDDY now has independent third party testing done? I'd be interested in doing another comparison between BEND-PAK, SUPERLIFT, EAGLE EQUIPMENT and the others that are out there now.
The BACKYARD BUDDY doesn't specifically address independent third party testing that I found, so I sent them a message.
Do you know if BACKYARD BUDDY now has independent third party testing done? I'd be interested in doing another comparison between BEND-PAK, SUPERLIFT, EAGLE EQUIPMENT and the others that are out there now.
The BACKYARD BUDDY doesn't specifically address independent third party testing that I found, so I sent them a message.
Race Director
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 14,372
Likes: 2
From: Indianapolis IN
St. Jude Donor '05-'06-'07-'08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15-'16-'17
Try this company in Indy and Delaware. The prices are excellent with no Corvette Tax. 2 and 4 post lifts.
https://www.gregsmithequipment.com/c...x.php?cPath=33
2 and 4 post lifts.https://www.gregsmithequipment.com/c...x.php?cPath=33
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 2,572
Likes: 3
From: Rehoboth MA . . . NRA Life Member
St. Jude Donor '06-'07
Originally Posted by hotwheels57
Don't rule out KWIK LIFT...it's a nice alternative for the price.
Absolutely, that's the route I went! It's a great addition to any garage especially those with limited head room.
Check out the link below for my photo's.
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show....php?t=1411085
Last edited by BobbyG; Jul 25, 2006 at 06:54 PM.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 306
Likes: 1
From: MI
Burning Brakes
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 1,201
Likes: 2
From: Frederick Md
Originally Posted by racer34v
also theyre 100 miles from the house, makes pickup possible
I am now 62...real bad knees, I sold my 2 post life 20 years ago... and I have 5 Corvettes in the Garage.
Got a 4 post lift and was happy until the 1st brake job... Went out and purchased a low raise lift that had swing arms that forced me get down on the knees to adjust the lift to the car...JUST for doing brake work..
(my 72 is too low so I bolted 2 2x12's to the floor..
end of problem.....
I have since purchased a second 4 post lift...HAD to buy another car..and could not fit it in the garage unless I double parked...what can I say...
5 Vettes 3 Lifts, bad knees...and old.. thats me
BUT
I have good brakes, The Cars are easy to drive on the 4 post lifts to clean...after driving in the rain 10 it only takes 10 minutes with a spray can of WD40 and I can sleep like a baby...
The only repair I had problems with was shocks..Needed to stretch a little but honestly that was not a big deal...trailing arms came out using the
low raise lift also not a problem..
Enjoy...
Bob G.