2post column location

[ms fowler]

Is there a web site that shows where to position various vehicle in reference to the columns? My ceiling is 10', but there will be 10' long area that will be 14' above the floor. This area will accommodate the columns and the greenhouse area of the car. I need to know where to place the columns within that 10' area so I can get the greenhouse up into that space. Two specific vehicles are 82 Mercedes 300SD,and a 94 f250 extended cab 8' bed. Also may need info for post war Packards.

 

[LXCam]

It will depend on if you get a asymmetrical lift or not.

Maybe this will help

http://www.gregsmithequipment.com/Asymmetric-Two-Post-Lifts-Vs-Symmetric-Two-Post-Lifts

 

[Rod N]

I think the general rule is if someone was sitting in their car their shoulders would be inline with the posts.
You are lifting a greenhouse?

 

[bobj49f2]

The Automotive Lift Association has a book that has suggested lift points for most vehicles, http://www.autolift.org . I have a copy I'll try to look through it when I get home tonight.

 

[bobj49f2]

I found my ALI lifting guide but the oldest Mercedes it listed was a '92, ten years could be a big difference in the design of the model of car. '97 for the F-250 but the drawings in the book only show where to place the pads of the arms on the frame.

Even though I bought the guide when I bought my lift I rarely reference it unless I am going to lift a cheapy modern tin box that really doesn't have a real frame and you have to lift it by pinch welds. Most of the stuff I lift has a full frame or a partial sub frame.

Sorry I couldn't be of more help.

 

[Falcon67]

I know what you're asking and you should just measure the dog house on the cars to see how long it is. Then figure the posts will be lined up between the steering wheel and driver - somewhere in that space will be the balance point. Most of my reading says the steering wheel. Then position the posts according to the direction the car enters the posts. In my case, I will have to back the cars into the posts if I want all the height because the "tray" has to be offset towards the rear wall of the shop and the posts need to be centered in the bay (front to rear) for best overall work access. If I place the posts so I could pull in nose first the nose of the car(s) would be nearly right on the back wall. So in my case, I'll opt for backing in if I need the most lift height.

To be maybe more clear, it's 5' 6" from the steering wheel in the Mustang to the rear part of the dog house (notch back car). With the car nose first in the bay, about 2' of rear of the dog house is outside the tray ceiling area. With the car backed in, the entire dog house will clear the ends of the tray ceiling and the car will be reasonably centered with plenty of work space around it.

 

[ms fowler]

Thanks, so I should use the steering wheel as the design point? That is probably close enough. I hadn't thought about backing vehicles in--that opens up some possibilities.

I have been debating 2 post versus 4 post for over a year. I hope to pull the trigger in the next 4 to 6 months. I had been leaning 4 post, but 2 posts are now making a strong run.

 

[Falcon67]

I was a 4 poster for a while, finally bought a 2 post. I think it's the best overall choice for what I do. It's not up yet but there are a lot of marks on the floor debating the post locations LOL. I only have 8' to work with before I cut into the ceiling and 23' 4" of depth..

http://www.gregsmithequipment.com/Where-Do-I-Position-My-Two-Post-Lift-In-My-Garage

Quote -
"If a vehicle is to be asymmetrically positioned on the lift, then 30% of the vehicle will be in front of the columns and 70% of the vehicle will be positioned to the rear of the columns."

Derek Weaver - my lift supplier - says about the same thing, with the arms allowing much latitude. I used the steering wheel as a convenient starting point. Should be "close enough".

 

[Falcon67]

https://www.derekweaver.com/learn/car-lift/