Wildfire 2-Car Lift Time Lapse Install Video & Review

[Bamafan]

This first post will be to share some background and a time lapse video / photos of the install. My next post will contain a review.

BACKGROUND
My build thread gives all of the details of my garage build: https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=368982

In short: I could only build a garage that was 30’ wide by 22’ deep. We decided on a 2-story carriage house to create extra living space. That made for a fine 2-car garage, but I needed it to hold more cars. So, from the beginning, we decided to install a car lift or lifts along with the build.

After many, many hours of research, I decided on a 2-car lift. It would not compound the tightness of the garage with extra posts, and, if properly integrated, would not visually intrude on the space either (perhaps my wife would even forget the extra cars hanging above her).

THE DECISION
That narrowed down my choices considerably and, frankly, I was not satisfied with any of the options (lack of response from customer service and/or lack of space under lift and/or price and/or lacking some of the key features I wanted). However, during my research, I became convinced that the best in-home lifts were being built by Wildfire. I will go into more detail about why I was drawn to them in my next post, but suffice it to say their designs always seemed to incorporate more elegant engineering and better solutions than the others. The only problem was that Wildfire did not advertise a 2-car lift. I called them to ask about making a 2-car lift (they actually answered the phone when I called) and was told they were in the final stages of designing one. For me, it was worth the wait. So I waited several months.

THE BUILD
Here is an unedited time lapse video of the build. For perspective, the garage door is 18’x8’ and the ceiling is 12’.
<iframe src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/261950403" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" webkitallowfullscreen mozallowfullscreen allowfullscreen></iframe> <p><a href="https://vimeo.com/261950403">Wildfire Lifts Double Wide Timelapse</a> from <a href="https://vimeo.com/user80737105">Wildfire Lifts</a> on <a href="https://vimeo.com">Vimeo</a>.</p>

I am the guy in the black sweatshirt that occasionally appears on the video to sweep the floor, clean up trash, or hand them a tool. My main job was occupying the many, many neighbors that stopped by to watch. Since this was their first 2-car lift install, I negotiated to have the folks from Wildfire come down to install it. I used a GoPro to shoot the video.

Here are some photos we snapped during the build:
DSC_0090 by Jill Viselli, on Flickr

DSC_0098 by Jill Viselli, on Flickr

DSC_0116 by Jill Viselli, on Flickr

DSC_0135 by Jill Viselli, on Flickr

DSC_0145 by Jill Viselli, on Flickr

DSC_0185 by Jill Viselli, on Flickr

DSC_0209 by Jill Viselli, on Flickr

DSC_0213 by Jill Viselli, on Flickr

DSC_0235 by Jill Viselli, on Flickr

 

[Bamafan]

My last post showed how my new Wildfire lift was assembled. This post will be my initial review of the finished product.

As I stated in my last post, when I first spoke to Wildfire, this lift did not exist. It still doesn’t exist on their web site. But I would imagine you could order one since I have one in my garage! I’ve listed the specs at the end of this post so you can see the details.

The lift arrived with minimal nicks. Each component was wrapped, so nothing was scraping against another part. I was impressed that this lift, from their first batch of double-wide lifts, went together with no issues.

Here are some of my thoughts after using the lift for two weeks:

1. It’s HUGE.
And I needed it to be. I have a ’66 Lincoln Continental convertible that will “live” on it, so I needed it to be able to handle big, heavy cars. It has a 10,000 lb. capacity, 16 foot runways, and is almost 18’ wide. It has 6’ 9” of space under the deck, so I can easily park my SUV under it.

DSC_0202 by Jill Viselli, on Flickr

DSC_0209 by Jill Viselli, on Flickr

DSC_0235 by Jill Viselli, on Flickr



2) The attention to detail is impressive.

• The sprockets have ball bearings, not bushings. The Wildfire guys told me they took apart some lifts with bushings and saw some wear, so they went with this solution.

DSC_0154 by Jill Viselli, on Flickr

• There is an extra pulley to ensure the cables stay put over the longer space they need to span.

DSC_0125 by Jill Viselli, on Flickr

• The casters worked smoothly the only time I have used them. They are far nicer than the ones I have seen from most lift companies. They even have Teflon-infused pads on them so they don’t scratch the lift. But they are quite a bit heavier than I anticipated. I think I’ll store them in the attic since I really don’t plan to move this beast around much.

DSC_0238 by Jill Viselli, on Flickr

DSC_0239 by Jill Viselli, on Flickr

DSC_0142 by Jill Viselli, on Flickr

• Aluminum center sections have handles so they are easy to lift out. These sections came with the lift. I have actually developed the practice of removing them after the lift is up so more light can get through. They are very light and very sturdy. I need to come up with some method of storing them.

DSC_0134 by Jill Viselli, on Flickr

• The dual-locking mechanism seems very robust. Wildfire has had these since day one. Here is a picture of one without the cover installed:

DSC_0156 by Jill Viselli, on Flickr


3) It is 110v, but it is faster than I expected.
It takes 93 seconds to go up fully loaded, and about 60 seconds to go down.


4) The long aluminum ramps work really well for my cars.
They came with the lift. If you are thinking about ordering a lift that does not come with them, I recommend paying for an upgrade.


5) I'm glad I paid for aluminum center sections.
They are very sturdy, so having these installed effectively turns it into a mezzanine. It also provides a very clean look underneath, which matters to me since I want my wife to be comfortable around it.

DSC_0185 by Jill Viselli, on Flickr


6) It came with 8 tire stops.
I’m not sure if it needs them, but they just drop in, so using them is easy and provides some piece of mind.


As I stated before, I don’t see the lift on Wildfire’s web site yet, but here are the dimensions they gave me when I was asking about them:
• Height of Corner Posts = 100" / 8' 4"
• Clearance Under Deck on Top Locked Position = 81" / 6' 9"
• Size of Column / Base Plate = 5" x 5" / 12" x 12"
• Runway Length = 192" / 16'
• Runway Thickness = 7"
• Runway Width = 19"
• Floor Footprint = 204" L x 213" W / 17'L x 17' 9"
• Overall Width Outside Posts = 206" / 17' 3"
• Outside Width Runway to Runway = 76" / 6' 4"
• Width Between Runways = 38"
• Overall Width Between Posts = 196" / 16' 4"

 

[NotOrganized]

Wow, that is one cool lift. Looks like the perfect tool for your garage.

 

[Bamafan]

Thanks. It has been so far. I was really just trying to turn a constraint (narrow lot) into an asset. I am very pleased that it goes up high enough so that my wife and daughter feel comfortable under it. And it is great to have most of my cars back together in one place.

 

[cajunfirehawk]

Thanks. It has been so far. I was really just trying to turn a constraint (narrow lot) into an asset. I am very pleased that it goes up high enough so that my wife and daughter feel comfortable under it. And it is great to have most of my cars back together in one place.

Gonna go out on a limb here and guess that the installers are from wildfire since they both appear to be wearing their shirts so this install must have been some kind of R&D effort has I don't think they actually offer installaltion for their own lifts? I love everything about your lift but man that's a lot of steel hanging overhead! I wish you many safe years of operation!

PS; that conti is sick!

 

[chrismenke]

Sure wish I could get one of these about 16 feet wide. They all measure in at ~18 and won't fit my narrow garage.

 

[Bamafan]

Gonna go out on a limb here and guess that the installers are from wildfire since they both appear to be wearing their shirts so this install must have been some kind of R&D effort has I don't think they actually offer installaltion for their own lifts? :

Correct. I covered that in the first post, but there is a lot of text so it is easy to miss. This is a new style for them. I took advantage of that a bit and convinced them to come down to see how it went together. In exchange I took care of airfare and accommodations, and allowed them to take their own photos for the install instructions they are writing. It actually went together with no issues.

 

[Rc_Guy]

I like that lift, I might have to look into getting something like that.

I'm guessing your garage is wider than 30"?

 

[Bamafan]

I like that lift, I might have to look into getting something like that.

I'm guessing your garage is wider than 30"?

Thanks for catching my typo!! It is exactly 30 FEET, as that is the widest we are able to build in this neighborhood. A good portion is taken up with the stairwell, so the actual interior garage space is about 25’.

 

[firebirdparts]

that is a nice lift. Love the Lincoln!

 

[Rod N]

Wow. That storage garage is what I call no expenses spared.

 

[Trey T]

Having a combination of NSX and S2000 to drive/own is a cool collection. If NSX and S2000 had an offspring, that would be perfect.

 

[Bamafan]

Wow. That storage garage is what I call no expenses spared.

My neighborhood rules dictated the finishes, so I was stuck with those. But we did a lot to minimize the costs, and kept the entire thing well under $100k. (I can't believe I'm now thinking that was "reasonable"!)

The lift itself was pretty reasonable...something like $7,500. That was a lot less than adding two bays, even if I could have.

 

[Bamafan]

Having a combination of NSX and S2000 to drive/own is a cool collection. If NSX and S2000 had an offspring, that would be perfect.

They're both great cars.

I prefer the NSX. It's just about a perfect sports car. Great sound, all the power I really need for the street, elegant engineering solutions, timeless design, reliable, very comfortable for long distance drives, supremely "tossable", and feels special to drive.

My wife prefers the S2000 because she knows how much I like the NSX and is therefore afraid to hurt it.

 

[JCQuick]

Wow thats really cool.About a year ago I was talking to my son's and telling them that i would like to find a lift company that could build a 2 car lift for my VW's I just may have to call these folks up

 

[grkmec]

Looks great and seems like the perfect fit for your space.

 

[Bamafan]

Looks great and seems like the perfect fit for your space.

That’s something I like about 2-car lifts. They tuck into a 2-car garage door nicely. Mine is an 18 foot door, so you can still see the posts. You could completely “hide” it with a 16’x7’ door. You really wouldn’t even see the base when it was fully raised, since it can go up almost 7’.

 

[Trey T]

They're both great cars.

I prefer the NSX. It's just about a perfect sports car. Great sound, all the power I really need for the street, elegant engineering solutions, timeless design, reliable, very comfortable for long distance drives, supremely "tossable", and feels special to drive.

My wife prefers the S2000 because she knows how much I like the NSX and is therefore afraid to hurt it.

I agree to all except for "timeless design" and I'm referring to the drive-train, the engine layout. They missed the mark on that with letting it sit sideways.

Never own either one but I have always admired their innovations. No body does better when it comes small engine sitting side-ways and FWD, and let's not forget they pioneered variable valve-timing.

Had they put that V6 longitudinally, a well-balanced mid-engine, it would be a perfect collector's car.

 

[polexican23]

Any though of maybe adding a corded led 4 foot light to the bottom of the aluminum track, then wont have to remove to let in light.

 

[Bamafan]

Any though of maybe adding a corded led 4 foot light to the bottom of the aluminum track, then wont have to remove to let in light.

Just starting to think about that, along with wiring in a couple of trickle chargers to maintain the batteries of the cars I have lifted. I had outlets installed up high where the lift would be located when I built the garage, so it shouldn’t be too difficult.

 

[casmurbax]

very nice garage, cars and lift.

Thanks for sharing.

 

[LX-Markham]

Aluminum center sections have handles so they are easy to lift out. These sections came with the lift. I have actually developed the practice of removing them after the lift is up so more light can get through. They are very light and very sturdy. I need to come up with some method of storing them.

Great looking lift! Some nice features. Good to see another double-wide brother

When I got mine there wasn't really a lot of options, Bendpak was the only one I found. Mine didn't come with the aluminum center sections, so I made some up using aluminum grating. Lightweight, and lets the light (and heat) through.

 

[lakeroadster]

I like your set-up, nicely done.

Is your Wildfire an ALI certified lift?

No way, no how, I could bring myself to trust 4 cars to a non ALI certified lift.

That being said, have they lift tested that design to 150% of it's capacity? Any documentation, video's or certification documents related thereto?

 

[Bamafan]

Great looking lift! Some nice features. Good to see another double-wide brother

When I got mine there wasn't really a lot of options, Bendpak was the only one I found. Mine didn't come with the aluminum center sections, so I made some up using aluminum grating. Lightweight, and lets the light (and heat) through.

I saw your build thread. Great use of space and cool storage ideas. The roll-up door is cool...there is no way I could get one passed by my homeowner organization!

I took a look at the Bendpak when I was looking for mine. I had the luxury of designing the garage with this type of lift in mind, so I made the ceiling 12' flat to lift two cars. But my garage is a bit wider so I don't need the rest of the lift for storage.

 

[Bamafan]

I like your set-up, nicely done.

Is your Wildfire an ALI certified lift?

No way, no how, I could bring myself to trust 4 cars to a non ALI certified lift.

That being said, have they lift tested that design to 150% of it's capacity? Any documentation, video's or certification documents related thereto?

ALI certification didn't really matter to me when I was looking at lifts. Some lifts seemed pretty flimsy, and I avoided them. Some, like this one, were incredibly overbuilt. I have tested all of the safety mechanisms and gone over every inch of my lift, and I am satisfied that it is more than up to the task. I don't see consensus that ALI is necessary, and I did a quick check of the ALI site, and they don't even list any certified 2-car lifts.

 

[lakeroadster]

I don't see consensus that ALI is necessary, and I did a quick check of the ALI site, and they don't even list any certified 2-car lifts.

Not sure what consensus you would be after? The certification is merely a 3rd party inspection and test that the lift does what it says it will.

Seems like you would think that is a good thing?

From what I gather Wildfire has no lifts that are ALI certified, not even their std 4 post single car lifts.

I wonder if they have ever tested your style of lift?

I see your garage is on the Wildfire website..

 

[Bamafan]

I see your garage is on the Wildfire website..

Great to see it made it! Though I see they still don’t officially have the post lists for sale.

Not sure what (or why) you are implying, but perhaps you missed my first post where I said I talked them in to coming down to install it. Of course they have pictures. I also begged them to build it in the first place.

 

[lakeroadster]

Great to see it made it! Though I see they still don’t officially have the post lists for sale.

Not sure what (or why) you are implying, but perhaps you missed my first post where I said I talked them in to coming down to install it. Of course they have pictures. I also begged them to build it in the first place.

Just that that was cool that your video was on there.

 

[Bamafan]

Just that that was cool that your video was on there.

I haven’t seen the video on there. I saw a few of the pictures.

 

[lakeroadster]

I haven’t seen the video on there. I saw a few of the pictures.

It's on the same page I linked to above..

Not sure what consensus you would be after? The certification is merely a 3rd party inspection and test that the lift does what it says it will.

Seems like you would think that is a good thing?

From what I gather Wildfire has no lifts that are ALI certified, not even their std 4 post single car lifts.

I wonder if they have ever tested your style of lift?

I see your garage is on the Wildfire website..

 

[Bamafan]

Cool. I can’t find it when I go to their site on my iPhone, but I see it on your link. Glad to see they are using the time lapse video and the pics. The video is from a GoPro I borrowed.

I need to do a “review” video for them at some point.

 

[scottmoyer]

Just so people are aware, Wildfire Lifts is a knock off of Advantage Lifts. The owner of Wildfire Lifts actually owns, or did own an Advantage Lift. Advantage Lifts is in the NW suburbs of Minneapolis and so is Wildfire Lifts.

 

[Bamafan]

Just so people are aware, Wildfire Lifts is a knock off of Advantage Lifts. The owner of Wildfire Lifts actually owns, or did own an Advantage Lift. Advantage Lifts is in the NW suburbs of Minneapolis and so is Wildfire Lifts.

In searching for lifts, I found an abundance of rumors and speculation about different lift companies. One poster on GarageJournal insisted that the owner of Wildfire Lifts is a dentist. I met the owner when they installed my lift. He is not a dentist; his other business is actually importing products for Big Box stores.

I also noticed that all of the 2-car lifts with boxed posts (Advantage SXS 1000, Attitude Buddy Lift, Gemini Super Twin) are incredibly similar. I wouldn't be surprised if they are all made in the same factory, like many other competing products that are made in China. But I really have no idea.

One exception: BendPak's design seems to me to be unique (but less sturdy since it isn't fully boxed). So I would imagine they have a "dedicated" plant.

The similarities I noticed did not just apply to 2-car lifts. Many of the better-known 1-car lift brands seemed to be very similar products.

 

[bradysdad]

Just so people are aware, Wildfire Lifts is a knock off of Advantage Lifts. The owner of Wildfire Lifts actually owns, or did own an Advantage Lift. Advantage Lifts is in the NW suburbs of Minneapolis and so is Wildfire Lifts.

That is the exact reason I purchased an Advantage lift. After speaking with both Advantage and Wildfire and looking at both, I didn’t appreciate the business practices of Wildfire. Tony, the lead guy at Advantage, has been in the lift business for years and has true design experience. The fact that Wildfire purchased one of the Advantage lifts and sourced the design to China for duplication, did not sit well with me.

On top of that, Advantage has lifts in stock that ship in a day or two. Wildfire told me they are “backlogged” and would need 4-6 weeks to deliver a lift. My guess is that they are made to order.

On a side note, Advantage has had the double wide lift available for quite a while. The design of both lifts is great, considering it is identical. Sturdy, boxed posts, safety features, etc... I went with Advantage due to my issue with Wildfire’s business practices. Happy with the communication, customer service, quality and price of the Advantage experience.

 

[Bamafan]

That is the exact reason I purchased an Advantage lift. After speaking with both Advantage and Wildfire and looking at both, I didn’t appreciate the business practices of Wildfire. Tony, the lead guy at Advantage, has been in the lift business for years and has true design experience. The fact that Wildfire purchased one of the Advantage lifts and sourced the design to China for duplication, did not sit well with me.

On top of that, Advantage has lifts in stock that ship in a day or two. Wildfire told me they are “backlogged” and would need 4-6 weeks to deliver a lift. My guess is that they are made to order.

On a side note, Advantage has had the double wide lift available for quite a while. The design of both lifts is great, considering it is identical. Sturdy, boxed posts, safety features, etc... I went with Advantage due to my issue with Wildfire’s business practices. Happy with the communication, customer service, quality and price of the Advantage experience.

The guys at Gemini say that Advantage coppied them as a Chinese knock-off (Gemini is made in the US).

The guys at Advantage say that Wildfire coppied them.

Unfortunately , speaking badly of competition seems to be the norm.

 

[bradysdad]

The guys at Gemini say that Advantage coppied them as a Chinese knock-off (Gemini is made in the US).

The guys at Advantage say that Wildfire coppied them.

Unfortunately , speaking badly of competition seems to be the norm.

You may want to do some research on Gemini. They are Chinese made, a C channel type design (not a boxed post as Advantage and Wildfire are) and have had a lot of business issues over the years from bankruptcy years ago to bad reviews of shady business practices. If you look at their Rad Lifts web site, there is a lot of hype but not a lot of information compared to other lift manufacturers.

As I said, both Advantage and Wildfire are quality units. I went with Advantage due to quick shipping and an overall comfort level after speaking with Tony. I did not agree with Wildfire’s business practices.

 

[Bamafan]

You may want to do some research on Gemini. They are Chinese made, a C channel type design (not a boxed post as Advantage and Wildfire are) and have had a lot of business issues over the years from bankruptcy years ago to bad reviews of shady business practices. If you look at their Rad Lifts web site, there is a lot of hype but not a lot of information compared to other lift manufacturers.

As I said, both Advantage and Wildfire are quality units. I went with Advantage due to quick shipping and an overall comfort level after speaking with Tony. I did not agree with Wildfire’s business practices.

Here are quotes from the Gemini site about the lift I was looking at:

“Enclosed Column Design. Our original design provides safety from moving parts and long –lasting great looks.”

“We know that you could settle for one of the cheap Chinese lifts, that’s just one of the reasons we have to make it better. We cut and form every part on CNC machinery in our factory in Burleson, TX. Your lift will also be welded by skilled American Workers and engineered by some of the finest in the lift business! The Mexican Lift companies invaded in the late 90’s and disappeared a few years later. It’s only a matter of time until China’s poor quality catches up to them.”

I don’t mean to sound like I’m debating. But I think you’re helping me make my point about the half-truths I see people spread.

 

[polexican23]

Glad this thread has turned into a lift ******* match and a knockoff comparison.

 

[lakeroadster]

Here are quotes from the Gemini site about the lift I was looking at:

“Enclosed Column Design. Our original design provides safety from moving parts and long –lasting great looks.”

“We know that you could settle for one of the cheap Chinese lifts, that’s just one of the reasons we have to make it better. We cut and form every part on CNC machinery in our factory in Burleson, TX. Your lift will also be welded by skilled American Workers and engineered by some of the finest in the lift business! The Mexican Lift companies invaded in the late 90’s and disappeared a few years later. It’s only a matter of time until China’s poor quality catches up to them.”

I don’t mean to sound like I’m debating. But I think you’re helping me make my point about the half-truths I see people spread.

Thanks for posting this. I'm liking the Gemini lift more that I know more about it.

Glad this thread has turned into a lift ******* match and a knockoff comparison.

Knowledge is good.

 

[Bamafan]

Glad this thread has turned into a lift ******* match and a knockoff comparison.

Yeah, me too. That wasn’t my intent at all.