stngfever
Well-known member
In the months leading up to the ground breaking for my "man cave", routine searches we're performed on craigslist throughout the state for a 2 post lift at a decent price. Found some that we're over my price range, too far away, or just a tad late. This would go on for a few months, then one day found an ad that was merely 2 hours old. Here are the pics from that add:
Made contact with the seller and found they we're located within a couple hours drive. The seller had purchased this lift ~ 6- 12 months prior also from a craigslist add. Turns out he was having difficulty starting an auto shop in a very small town. I made the drive to have a first hand look at the lift. Looked for signs of leaks, worn out parts, tested unit, took down make and model number info, measurements, etc... One of the first things I noticed was how "Hefty" this unit was built compared to a majority of new ones. It's a Weaver AFH-88 with capacity of 7000lb's.
Research began in earnest that evening to determine if it was worth pursuing this unknown Weaver lift. I found that Weaver was no longer in business since they we're bought our by a competitor in the late 80's. Parts diagrams we're readily available online (primarily from SVI & Panzita). Also appeared that parts could be ordered (although later I find that these parts are expensive if done via the parts diagram, more on that later). That evening I decided it was worth trying to strike a deal as the asking price was less than $1000 for a 7k capacity asymetrical lift that campares in workmanship to Mohawk lifts.
A deal was struck, removed, loaded on a trailer and stored in a friends pole barn with 2 days. A few months later after the "man cave" buillding structure was completed, the lift was moved from temp location:
It would sit in the middle of the "man cave" for another 16 months while I spent time finishing the inside. Early February of this year it was time to begin re-furbishing. Starting with chain wheels. Removed all chain wheels removing the pressed in bearings to determine replacements. While most bearings appeared to move somewhat freely, I chose to replace all 10 bearings as i was able to find new high quality bearings online for ~$11 each. Inspection of the metal sleeved chain wheels found all to be in great condition (just needing a good cleaning). Thanks to other GJ posts as it related to vise refurbishing/cleaning, I decided to try out the apple vinegar. Bought a couple gallons and let the all removable metal parts (chain wheels, arm gears, arm pivot pins, etc...) soak over night. Removing from vinegar next day then onto a water rinse. Quick towel dry it was time for wire wheel treatment. The apple vinegar had loosened all the rust and grime to the point that wire wheel was quick and easy as the gunk would nearly fall off at this point. Then onto an oil bath then drip dry overnight.
Chain wheel prior to cleanup:
Arm safety gears before and after cleanup:
Stay tuned for updates!
Made contact with the seller and found they we're located within a couple hours drive. The seller had purchased this lift ~ 6- 12 months prior also from a craigslist add. Turns out he was having difficulty starting an auto shop in a very small town. I made the drive to have a first hand look at the lift. Looked for signs of leaks, worn out parts, tested unit, took down make and model number info, measurements, etc... One of the first things I noticed was how "Hefty" this unit was built compared to a majority of new ones. It's a Weaver AFH-88 with capacity of 7000lb's.
Research began in earnest that evening to determine if it was worth pursuing this unknown Weaver lift. I found that Weaver was no longer in business since they we're bought our by a competitor in the late 80's. Parts diagrams we're readily available online (primarily from SVI & Panzita). Also appeared that parts could be ordered (although later I find that these parts are expensive if done via the parts diagram, more on that later). That evening I decided it was worth trying to strike a deal as the asking price was less than $1000 for a 7k capacity asymetrical lift that campares in workmanship to Mohawk lifts.
A deal was struck, removed, loaded on a trailer and stored in a friends pole barn with 2 days. A few months later after the "man cave" buillding structure was completed, the lift was moved from temp location:
It would sit in the middle of the "man cave" for another 16 months while I spent time finishing the inside. Early February of this year it was time to begin re-furbishing. Starting with chain wheels. Removed all chain wheels removing the pressed in bearings to determine replacements. While most bearings appeared to move somewhat freely, I chose to replace all 10 bearings as i was able to find new high quality bearings online for ~$11 each. Inspection of the metal sleeved chain wheels found all to be in great condition (just needing a good cleaning). Thanks to other GJ posts as it related to vise refurbishing/cleaning, I decided to try out the apple vinegar. Bought a couple gallons and let the all removable metal parts (chain wheels, arm gears, arm pivot pins, etc...) soak over night. Removing from vinegar next day then onto a water rinse. Quick towel dry it was time for wire wheel treatment. The apple vinegar had loosened all the rust and grime to the point that wire wheel was quick and easy as the gunk would nearly fall off at this point. Then onto an oil bath then drip dry overnight.
Chain wheel prior to cleanup:
Arm safety gears before and after cleanup:
Stay tuned for updates!
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