[Vintage-race] Need advice on lifts

[Eric J Russell]

A lift is on my Soon List, also. There are advantages & disadvantages to 
either. I am planning on a four post lift as it will be primarily for 
storage & occasionally for service. A two post lift is touted as better for 
service but less so for storage.

A four post lift typically needs only a 'standard' concrete garage floor 
(3"-4" thick IIRC). Some two post lifts require slightly stronger/thicker 
floors (5" - 6"). A few two post lifts require much stronger/thicker floors 
(10" -12") - at least where the lift bolts to the floor. I believe that 
depends on how much weight it will be capable of lifting and how far 'off 
balance' that weight will be.

You can specify 'high lift' garage door tracks that will put the tracks (& 
door) close to ceiling height. A jack shaft door opener mounts against the 
wall next to the top of the door (either side) and operates a torsion spring 
mounted on the wall above the door (instead of tension springs that mount 
above the tracks). That will avoid having a door opener hanging in the space 
where you wish to lift up a vehicle. I have
LiftMaster 3800 door openers.

There are lots of lift BTDT's (and opinions...) if you browse the forums at 
www.garagejournal.com (be forewarned, that web site can be addicting...).

When you are comparing prices be sure to include shipping. If you can 
arrange to pick it up at a freight terminal you will likely be able to save 
on the shipping costs. You will need a flat bed trailer capable of carrying 
the weight and size (a four post lift comes in a package about 17' long X 4' 
X 4'). If you want it delivered to your home address you may need to figure 
how to off-load the unit. IIRC, there is an extra charge for that, too.

Eric Russell
Mebane, NC
http://home.mebtel.net/~ejrussell
----- Original Message ----- 
Subject: Vintage-race Digest, Vol 33, Issue 10

> I'm thinking of getting a lift for my home garage

> Mark Palmer