Any ideas out there of making my 1 car garage hold 2 hot rods? I am looking at some 4 post lifts for about $2000. I would also use this to work on my cars in my garage. Any other less espensive ideas of thoughts? BC
Not sure, but I don't think I would cheap out on something like that, for your own safety if not the cars as well. I'd be sure to get some good quality stuff. Maybe check local sales for used units out of old garages. Could even check commercial real estate listing for garage spaces and let the realtors know you are looking. Might come across a space that was an old repair shop that wants to convert to something else and they might just toss something like that instead of fooling with taking it down properly and trying to sell it. When I was looking for cool old industrial type office space in the past, I came across a couple like that.
Wow I was just thinking about that this weekend! My garage is tall and I have a couple short cars that it could work for! interested in what other have to say.
Get a good one, seen some pics of inferior units drop the top car on the bottom one . Pooh! and double check your height. Most 1 cars aren't very high.
Mine raises to give 83" of clearance under the ramps. It's in Canada but they must have them south. www.liftpro.ca. I think Costco does the Danmar which is a good certified lift too.
As others have said, make sure you get a good lift, American made if you can find one. Second, ALWAYS make sure after you lift the car, lower it back down until it is resting on the locks.
The guy who owns a repair shop down the way from our shop told me one time that the guys who sell and install new lifts sometimes have used ones for sale that they have taken in on trade or have repossessed when a shop goes under. Might be a good source there if you ask around. Don
If all you have is a one car garage, how are you going to do any work with that setup? If you have the space and it's secure from scum and nosey people, a carport/garage may be a better deal for you. I have a hoist for extra space, but don't work under it (too cramped).
These guys took care of me real well. http://www.bencostuff.com/mpages/contact_us.html Sorry, just saw you were in NY
i found a back yard buddy one that had a tall height version so that when totally raised it was 7' 4" under neath, 9" inside from post to post and 16' 9" long model number is 7000#overheight, so if i everget the kids college loans paid of and weddings paid for i may have this when i am 90.....i even built the garage with extra reinforced concrete for this one http://www.backyardbuddy.com/automo...0-lb-4-post-lifts/overheight-lift-dimentions/
I really am limited on how much work I can do to the car underneath but it does add additional storage especially in winter. My garage ceiling height is 11'6". This lift is from Greg Smith Equipment in Indiana. Bolt it down no matter what brand you get!
I figured the cost of a lift was cheaper than the cost to make the garage larger (cheaper to go UP than OUT). Plus, you will be amazed at how much you will use the lift when working on projects. Money well spent! Jim
I have a storage lift. It's great, I switch around between using it for working on the cars and storing them. Turns a three bay shop into a four bay! If you do bolt it down use it a couple of times before you do so you can get it in the right place. Mine is not bolted down and I feel its very stable.
I use a 2 post lift it's a rotary I bought used for $400 which was a great deal but I see them go for $800 used often, easily one of the best tool investments I've ever made, you will wonder why you waited so long. the 4 and 2 post lifts have some diffrences, 2 post gives great access to the chassis but opening the doors can suck on most cars, 4 post the doors are easy access while the ramps can get in the way at times when doing chassis work, something to think about. I use saftey stands at the front and rear of the car which means the car below has to be smaller than the car above. for storage i would get the 4 post if your working on your car alot i prefer a 2 post.
I got a Greg Smith too..I made adjusting feet in the mounting holes, plumb the columns and when up is solid..bearings in Castor wheels are a joke but the lift is great and one person can assemble..
If you have the room, go with a 2-post lift, no question. There's a LOT more stuff that you can do with a 2-post that you can't do on a 4-post than vice versa. 4-posts are more compact, but they're basically useless for chassis/suspension work. Really, IMO, they're great for storage but crap for working on cars. Like seventhirteen just said, a used Rotary is a GREAT thing to buy. The cheap ones are all chinese junk, I'd rather have an American one, a good Rotary will outlive you if taken care of.
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