Things that happen in my garage

dlcwent · Oct 22, 2015

So I bought a Atlas 412A a couple of months ago. Here's some pictures and my opinion of it.

Arriving on the ramp truck. This thing is heavy 3500 lbs. shipping weight.

I was happy that I hired a experienced driver with a ramp truck. It was hard off loading it from the box of the truck. And had to be shoved off the flat bed when it got to my shop.

dlcwent · Oct 22, 2015

Re: My Atlas 412A

Maybe a little history should have been told to begin with.

I bought a John Bean Pro32 alignment machine a little over a year ago. The machine is capable of doing alignments on a 2 post lift. Let me add that it is possible to do alignments on a 2 post lift, but not very convenient. Arms get in the way of the cameras, posts get in the way on larger vehicles, etc. So decided to but a 4 post alignment rack. It was a toss up between a Derrick Weaver and Atlas through Greg Smith Equipment. I chose Atlas because there is a branch located in Hudson NH. And I thought I could just drive down to get it and save some shipping

.

Getting it unpacked. Sorry about the fuzzy one.

dlcwent · Oct 22, 2015

Re: My Atlas 412A

There was no "man handling" this thing.

It was a lot of work just to get the ramps flipped over. Then it was time to drill some new holes in the cement.

My brother Tinker Rick using the 3/4" core drill. We took turns as it was about 80* that day. And we had 20 holes to drill after some very careful measuring. We didn't want to have to re-drill because of a poorly planned layout.

dlcwent · Oct 22, 2015

Re: My Atlas 412A

Let me tell you guys something. The instructions for set up were very vague. We were joking how it was translated from Chinese to Spanish then to English. Something got lost in the translation.
Okay, we're not experienced lift guys, but we've been around machinery our whole lives.

A few of the set up.

dlcwent · Oct 22, 2015

Re: My Atlas 412A

And four days later, here it is.

So now I'll tell you what how it's working out for me. But I'll let you guys in on the conversation if you're interested.

sublime68charger · Oct 22, 2015

Re: My Atlas 412A

Is this like that one commercial where the guy is having tomorrows lunch. Leftovers for supper tonight?

Just wondering?

Or is this a stree relief post?

Regards sublime

dlcwent · Oct 22, 2015

Re: My Atlas 412A

I'm working on it sub. It's a cliffhanger. Stay tuned.........

MaineGuide · Oct 22, 2015

Re: My Atlas 412A

**Reserved for future response that quotes an unnecessary amount of pictures that everyone already saw because they were in the original posts.**

sublime68charger · Oct 22, 2015

Re: My Atlas 412A

MaineGuide said:
**Reserved for future response that quotes an unnecessary amount of pictures that everyone already saw because they were in the original posts.**

Ohh me 2
This way tomorrow a can put in what I wanted to write yesterday before this three existed!!

Dlc hanging out on the cliff!!

sublime68charger · Oct 23, 2015

Re: My Atlas 412A

nice sideway's pics DLC,

ahhh the stress has warped your posting!!!

looks good though,

just think how nice it will be when all setup?

dlcwent · Oct 26, 2015

Re: My Atlas 412A

Sub, you can let me have it for real now. You're on.

dlcwent · Oct 26, 2015

Re: My Atlas 412A

Later I'll post an alignment through the process.

nine4gmc · Oct 26, 2015

Re: My Atlas 412A

Nice lift DLC!

Sent from my iThingy using Tapatalk

dlcwent · Oct 26, 2015

Re: My Atlas 412A

Thanks Nines, it has made life a lot easier. Now doing an alignment is actually profitable.

sublime68charger · Oct 26, 2015

Re: My Atlas 412A

dlcwent said:
Sub, you can let me have it for real now. You're on.

kick kick kick

strike one two and three, Im out.

very nice lift you have there!!! :thumbup:

wish you was closer the 68 could use a good alignment that is for sure :3gears:

dlcwent · Oct 26, 2015

Re: My Atlas 412A

sublime68charger said:
kick kick kick

strike one two and three, Im out.

very nice lift you have there!!!

wish you was closer the 68 could use a good alignment that is for sure

Sorry I'm not. Would love to do it for you. But Cuda Chick is coming to pick me up for a ride and I think I'd like to give her an alignment first. And I'm going to take picture to show Tampa. :bounce:

sublime68charger · Oct 26, 2015

Re: My Atlas 412A

dlcwent said:
Sorry I'm not. Would love to do it for you. But Cuda Chick is coming to pick me up for a ride and I think I'd like to give her an alignment first. And I'm going to take picture to show Tampa.

lucky dog!!!

Tampa sorry looks like your out on this one!!!

dlcwent · Oct 29, 2015

Re: My Atlas 412A

So I thought I'd put up a few pictures of an alignment in progress. (Well , not the actual adjustments)

The camera and target set up

Got to get the wheel run out first.

now we have the specs. of the vehicle

Now we are seeing a live image of the position of the wheels. This is going to be a real easy one. Only thing out is toe on the right front wheel.

After the adjustments are made.

dlcwent · Oct 29, 2015

Re: My Atlas 412A

My opinion of the rack itself is good. One of the biggest drawbacks that I see is the turntables have (should) be removed when the lift is being used for other work. One of the reasons I bought this model was because it said "turntable covers" The covers do not fit over the tables. It's a PITA to have to put them on and off.

The rack itself is well constructed IMO. I would also say it has it's limitation on vehicle size. A 4 door full bed p/u stretches from end to end. (No extra room, it JUST fits)
The rolling jacks are nice, but seem to be very slow picking up any larger vehicle. This may be normal as I have never used rolling jacks before.
Would I recommend this lift to someone else? Yes I do think it is a nice lift and very affordable.

drivesitfar · Oct 29, 2015

Re: My Atlas 412A

DLC: nice lift and looks like its working nicely with your laptop.

Just curious after you drilled the holes in the floor what kinds of bolts did you use? Did you epoxy them in or just use compression bolts?

So forgive my ignorance because i dont work on cars much, but is this lift just for alignments?

dlcwent · Oct 29, 2015

Re: My Atlas 412A

Thanks Drives, the bolts are concrete anchor bolts. You drop them into the 3/4 hole and as you tighten them, they expand the sleeve. The lift is a universal 4 post 12k. When it is not being used for alignments, the turntables are removed and the rear slip plates are pinned. I'll get a picture up on that feature.
Thanks for stopping by.

drivesitfar · Oct 29, 2015

Re: My Atlas 412A

DLC: once i build a nice shop im thinking of getting a max jax so i can work on my hondas and maybe teach the grand kids what i didnt have time to teach my own kids to do.

More pics and details when you get time and more full views with cars and trucks on your lift to get sizing might help to show what you are talking about when you say just fits.

Cheers

dlcwent · Oct 29, 2015

Re: My Atlas 412A

I'll get some up ASAP Drives.
And a funny thing about grandkids. We always have more time and patience with them. Our lives allow us to spend the time we didn't have with the first round. At least it is how it works for me. And I have way more time to watch all those little things that kids do. If I could be 58 and my kids where little, I'd probably be a lot better father than I was. I don't think I was bad, just thought I didn't take the time I should have. Little things like fishing and watching more of the things they did.

dlcwent · Nov 3, 2015

Re: My Atlas 412A

Drives, this is what I was talking about. When you get something with a little size, it lets you know it could've been a little longer. But at least they do fit on it.

nine4gmc · Nov 3, 2015

Re: My Atlas 412A

Those trucks are huge!

Sent from my iThingy using Tapatalk

dlcwent · Nov 3, 2015

Re: My Atlas 412A

Yeah nines, that's its limit for sure. Not that it has any problem lifting them. But I don't see putting anything bigger (longer) on it. But one thing for sure, I feel better having them on this lift instead of the 2 post. And by the, both of those trucks HAVE been on the 2 post. :willy_nil

drivesitfar · Nov 3, 2015

Re: My Atlas 412A

DLC: thanks for the pics. Wish we lived closer and maybe we could swap some skills. Not surecwhat i have to trade but i know i could learn something frim you about cars and trucks.

The story about the cycle of life is a good one. Im sure you were a great dad. I married in to two teenagers and had a little girl and twins within 3 years so survival was the key. At least im alive now to even show the grand kids or my older kids something. Funny how the older ones finally give me a little credit for knowing something.

Cheers

dlcwent · Nov 3, 2015

Re: My Atlas 412A

Well drives, I think you probably have a lot of things that we all can learn from. Working on vehicles is something I've been around my entire life. I would love to share what little I know. You are a selfless man that cares about other people, and have become one of my good friends here on the GJ. Maybe someday we'll get together and share some of our lives experiences. Thanks for caring enough to comment on this thread. I posted it in hopes of letting others know how this "tool" has worked out for me. I was hoping that I might be of some help to others if they were looking at different types of lifts and I could share my opinion of this one.

bczygan · Nov 3, 2015

Re: My Atlas 412A

That is some serious equipment you have there.

Some of you guys are way professional in your work, not shade tree at all.

Bill

CudaChick1968 · Nov 3, 2015

Re: My Atlas 412A

dlcwent said:
Sorry I'm not. Would love to do it for you. But Cuda Chick is coming to pick me up for a ride and I think I'd like to give her an alignment first. And I'm going to take picture to show Tampa.

How did I miss this?? You guys are priceless!!!

I've heard it called a lot of things before, but never an 'alignment.' :evil:

dlcwent · Nov 4, 2015

Re: My Atlas 412A

CudaChick1968 said:
How did I miss this?? You guys are priceless!!!

I've heard it called a lot of things before, but never an 'alignment.'

You'd be surprised how often you are talked about here on the GJ. And the best thing is it's always in a positive way. You are our undisputed Queen. :rocker:

And thanks Bill, I'll take that as a complement. :dunno:

CNGsaves · Nov 4, 2015

Re: My Atlas 412A

Wow, nice 12K lift that will be useful for all kinds of work, on top of alignments. :thumbup:

Friend has much older Hunter drive-on alignment lift (air powered).
It's mirror system so it's REALLY old !!

He's more of shade tree mechanic and just does a few alignments on the side.

Keep pics coming, that's a very functional shop and lift you have. :beer:

dlcwent · Nov 4, 2015

Re: My Atlas 412A

CNGsaves said:
Wow, nice 12K lift that will be useful for all kinds of work, on top of alignments.

Friend has much older Hunter drive-on alignment lift (air powered).
It's mirror system so it's REALLY old !! He's more of shade tree mechanic and just does a few alignments on the side.

Keep pics coming, that's a very functional shop and lift you have.

Thanks CNG. I'll try to keep it going. Maybe someone would like to ask how a certain job is done. And I'll post up some pictures of the process to help them out. And I don't need the obvious great techs toying with me. But I'll be happy to give a DIY guy a hand if I can. And then the "real" pros can chime in and correct me if I'm wrong. :dunno:

bczygan · Nov 5, 2015

Re: My Atlas 412A

CudaChick1968 said:
How did I miss this?? You guys are priceless!!!

I've heard it called a lot of things before, but never an 'alignment.'

Yeah, I don't think calling it an "alignment", is going to help one bit, with selling it to MY wife!

Bill

dlcwent · Nov 5, 2015

Re: My Atlas 412A

If Cuda Chick lets me give her an alignment. I'm going to tell the world how I got to work on her front end. I don't think she's going to need anything done to her rear end. I think her read end is just fine and won't need any adjustment. :bowdown:

bczygan said:
Yeah, I don't think calling it an "alignment", is going to help one bit, with selling it to MY wife!

Bill

drivesitfar · Nov 5, 2015

Re: My Atlas 412A

DLC: for a thoughtful, kind very happily married man you sure went off the reservation with that post. I love Cuda and she knows how to take it and dish it out. I respect her for that and i used to love when she would post on the big vise thread and make the guys blush and hope she does again.

Did you ever start a garage gallery thread for just your stuff? Yours would be a favorite and we could talk more about other stuff besides just your cool big time lift.

Cheers buddy

Cuda: happy to know you are still putting up with us. Any chance you might have powder coated a vise or tool box yet?

bczygan · Nov 5, 2015

Re: My Atlas 412A

dlcwent said:
If Cuda Chick lets me give her an alignment. I'm going to tell the world how I got to work on her front end. I don't think she's going to need anything done to her rear end. I think her read end is just fine and won't need any adjustment.

Don't forget that front end work always requires proper lubrication...

Bill

drivesitfar · Nov 5, 2015

Re: My Atlas 412A

bcz: Geeeeeeeze

dlcwent · Nov 6, 2015

Re: My Atlas 412A

drivesitfar said:
DLC: for a thoughtful, kind very happily married man you sure went off the reservation with that post. I love Cuda and she knows how to take it and dish it out. I respect her for that and i used to love when she would post on the big vise thread and make the guys blush and hope she does again.

There was nothing wrong with what I said. Her Cuda doesn't have any rear end adjustments. It only a front end alignment on her car. What others read into it is out of my hands.

Did you ever start a garage gallery thread for just your stuff? Yours would be a favorite and we could talk more about other stuff besides just your cool big time lift.

Cheers buddy

Cuda: happy to know you are still putting up with us. Any chance you might have powder coated a vise or tool box yet?

If I did that drives, I'd get too many responses that I was being a show off. It seems that that's most of the feed back on the lift. And that's the last thing I was trying to do. I thought maybe some of the guys here might like to see behind the scenes of a alignment. I don't think a lot of those guys realize that this is my business and not a hobby shop. But I'll think about it.

drivesitfar · Nov 6, 2015

Re: My Atlas 412A

DLC: the ones that think you are showing off don't know you and you shouldn't care about their opinions. you have to have a little tough skin to be around here as Cuda and I know.

your lift is a great addition to your shop and sounds like it might pay for itself in no time. i'm guessing it wasn't an impulse buy? When you started the thread you just want to show the guys that maybe are looking for something similar and telling everybody what you know about yours.

making a garage gallery thread is a good way to show your talent and also get ideas from others when you have questions. so you have my vote. also until you start filling it with pictures and stories don't expect a huge following right away. it's sort of like a blog, but I'm sure it would be a fun thread. i started the Vise Repair 101 thread because i was mainly tired of having to search hundreds of threads to get an answer to a question or get some answered that i couldn't find. it was maybe a few weeks or maybe months before more than just a couple of the members posted their wisdom. now it pretty much runs itself and has close to 200,000 views.

good luck and have a smoke free day (BTW for those that don't know DLC quit smoking 3 months ago after 40 years so give him kudos and support if you can)

Things that happen in my garage

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