Car lift - is it worth it when you're old
- Thread starter UpstateNY
- Start date
NHtoolguy
Well-known member
That's my issue with paying for vehicle services. I cringe every time time I leave my cars at the shop, even for basic work. I try to do everything myself. Which, at age 64, is not getting easier. I really want a lift!
Upstate NY Rochester area. A bit far for you, but I appreciate the thought. I have a few guys to help me, and one guy has a mini tractor with a bucket to lift the ramps.
No, I have not ordered it
. I'm a world-class procrastinator.
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Old Man Roger
Well-known member
NewYork is nice in the summer.lol
Higgins
Well-known member
Yup
Me too!!
78 and still working on cars. 88 Corvette, 07 corvette, 2005 GMC PU truck, and 23 Toyota Camry.
My issue is the constant up and down. Hard on back and knees.
Have health issues, just enjoy working on so the $$$ isn’t the issue. Already widened the garage door to 9 ft, and a high lift door .
It’s been my hobby for 50 yrs and enjoyment.
The 07 vet just out of the body shop , so time to find 4 post lift to install.
AL
Higgins
Well-known member
Yrs ago I had the 79 vet on the lift when my wife and daughter walked through… it was aprox 3 ft of the floor and I was cleaning waxing chrome wheels.
After they saw how easy it was to work on the car, there cars were placed on the lift so they could clean their wheels and rocker panels !!!
Get a tool creeper.
Al,
A member here sent me their spreadsheet on 4 post lifts, pm me email if you want it, it's a bit dated, but useful. He bought a Forward brand 4 post, identical to Direct lifts. I'm leaning towards Direct too, they get good reviews and will do the job. Bendpak is better, but a Direct lift will do the job for a lots less $$$
Torque&Recoil
Well-known member
Buy the lift. Just buy the lift.
I will, I promise. I just need to perform a certain amount of whining, kvetching, and hand wringing before I do !
Kurt4440
Well-known member
I will gladly go if it means another member will spend time in his garage enjoying working on his vehicles. Besides, I am probably only an hour or so away.
Buffalo, Syracuse or southern tier ?
Torque&Recoil
Well-known member
Hey man, we're all getting old. Heck, some of us are still young. I got my 2-post lift a few years ago, and it has been a game changer. These days, only a few thousand dollars, (sure, easy for me to say) regardless, not a terrible amount, and it makes everything easier. If you disagree, sell it ! Buy the lift !! You want me to come over and help you install it? NE Ohio,,,
Thanks all for the generous offers to install, everyone here is so helpful. I got a couple of guys to help me, and as I mentioned above, one has a 50 hp mini tractor with a bucket to lift the 2 ramps into place (or you can use an engine hoist) . All else is a 2 man job they say, it's the ramps that you need help with.
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Old Man Roger
Well-known member
Damn, no NewYork pizza then.
LWB
Well-known member
Subbed. Waiting to see if you buy it.
I have a mid rise and mostly do fluids/brakes and suspension work. It allows you to work longer with less pain. It's more enjoyable.
I have a mid rise and mostly do fluids/brakes and suspension work. It allows you to work longer with less pain. It's more enjoyable.
Kurt4440
Well-known member
Suburb of Buffalo, but, I also have some property out towards Rochester. I had a total knee replacement one month ago today, fortunately my recovery is going very well. I figure by the time your lift is delivered in a few weeks I will be 100%.
snorvet
Well-known member
I’m 69 also, and never consider years of use based on my life expendency when considering a purchase.
i just think about the old saying “If you don’t spend your money, someone else will!”
i just think about the old saying “If you don’t spend your money, someone else will!”
Byrdnyrd
Well-known member
Upstate,
My wife and I installed my BendPak 4 Post lift. Our combined weight is less than 275lbs, I buy milk by the quart so I can lift it into the fridge!
I have a Kubota Tractor that I used as well as 2 Floor jacks! It really was easy. Hardest part was getting the Electrician to call me back!
Youre in too deep—- we are all watching this thread! If you don’t buy the Darn lift, we’re revoking your Man Card!!
Cheers,
BN
PS pretty cool how many guys offered to help!
My wife and I installed my BendPak 4 Post lift. Our combined weight is less than 275lbs, I buy milk by the quart so I can lift it into the fridge!
I have a Kubota Tractor that I used as well as 2 Floor jacks! It really was easy. Hardest part was getting the Electrician to call me back!
Youre in too deep—- we are all watching this thread! If you don’t buy the Darn lift, we’re revoking your Man Card!!
Cheers,
BN
PS pretty cool how many guys offered to help!
finn
Well-known member
When narrowing down your lift choices, make sure aluminum approach ramps are in the “must have” column.
My Advantage lifts both have them, and they’re great.
My Advantage lifts both have them, and they’re great.
Notgrownup
Well-known member
Just to be able to look under the car when I want while standing up or sitting on a rolling stool would be a good excuse enough.
OccupantRJ
Well-known member
@Kurt4440, You might want to go ahead and get a one inch thick kneeling pad If you do not have one. You will need it if you can even use that. Some people cannot. I had double knee replacements 20 months ago and luckily can still kneel on the pad to get up and down to the floor to work under a car. I do not linger on it. Each knee took about 3 months to feel relatively “normal” to me. Also ask your doc about using ladders. Good luck on your recovery. Was the first month fun?
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rust in the eye
Well-known member
Yes, Yes, Yes
I spent decades sliding around on my back or trying maneuver creepers over some tiny bit of detrius with not even enough working room to swing a long wrench sometimes.
Now I can STAND with adequate light and not have to scoot in and out a million times on my back each time I need a tool.
Just do it! Be sure to buy an ALI certified lift, not something constructed from recycled appliances booger welded together by ten year olds in some God foresaken corner of the planet.
Best $$ I ever spent on "tools" hands down.
I spent decades sliding around on my back or trying maneuver creepers over some tiny bit of detrius with not even enough working room to swing a long wrench sometimes.
Now I can STAND with adequate light and not have to scoot in and out a million times on my back each time I need a tool.
Just do it! Be sure to buy an ALI certified lift, not something constructed from recycled appliances booger welded together by ten year olds in some God foresaken corner of the planet.
Best $$ I ever spent on "tools" hands down.
brit vet
Well-known member
This is a good point, mine are steel and they weigh a ton
c39er
Well-known member
I planned for when I would be older.
I have always worked on cars and trucks.
Am retired now for eight years.
Have two four posters with rolling jacks...12,000 and 14,000 lb'ers.
No bending down and teaching for ligt arms to place.
I'm set for the rest of my life working on my cars in easy fashion.
Get a lift.....or two!
I have always worked on cars and trucks.
Am retired now for eight years.
Have two four posters with rolling jacks...12,000 and 14,000 lb'ers.
No bending down and teaching for ligt arms to place.
I'm set for the rest of my life working on my cars in easy fashion.
Get a lift.....or two!
Attachments
I've had a 4-post with bridge jack for almost 10 years and cannot imagine life without it. I just it for many more things than I expected. It's very rare I'm in the shop and don't do something that involves the lift. Motor service, transmission, half way up doing brakes or wheels. It is the best cleaning rack in the world. I can clean the side of the car at eye level and then raise it to clean the lower half of the sides. You won't regret it. And it will keep you more active. I did a Bendpak HD9.
Tom
Tom
My Old Tools
Well-known member
Nope, I do not consider my longevity at this stage of life (70). I have more than enough money, so I'm going to enjoy my remaining time as best I can. I intend for us to live our best life for whatever time we have left together. If you think you will enjoy having a lift a can afford it, buy the damn thing and enjoy your life.
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jumpstart
Well-known member
Just got ahead and get it. Life's too short.
Being Fathers Day today, there's lots of lifts on sale today.
Get it ordered!
Being Fathers Day today, there's lots of lifts on sale today.
Get it ordered!
Old Man Roger
Well-known member
Cool, can I come over and change my oil? lol
landrover bodger
Well-known member
i am 63 just had a new knee plenty of groans and pains. we are looking at moving soon the one thing on my part is a big garage with a lift or no moving. make life as easy as possible and enjoy it.
gizardlizard
Well-known member
Congrats and welcome to the club. 
Byrdnyrd
Well-known member
WhoooooHoooo!
nice going Guys! We made him spend Money!!
Now you need a BOAT!!
nice going Guys! We made him spend Money!!
Now you need a BOAT!!
langss
Well-known member
I'm 77, and the only reason I don't have a 4 Post Lift in my Garage as we speak, is a 9' Ceiling. Otherwise Hell Ya... You can't take it with you.
You guys shamed me into this. You ought to be ashamed, but you're not, you like spending my money !
OccupantRJ
Well-known member
You got it! We’re almost like extra wives!
