Re: 50 by 60 design and layout
How much room do you suggest be in front of a lift if you are going to do motor swaps? Distance from front of car/truck to work bench?
Thanks.
Depends on the vehicle I guess. If you are working on Triumph spitfires or extracab Ford trucks. I would probably get the biggest vehicle you plan on working on (even if you have to have your buddy come over with his) and drive it in the shop. Open the hood, get out the motorhoist and dry run it.
Most motorhoists are approx. 6' long. I would say add at least 4' to maneuver the hoist in front of the vehicle.
Like I said I much prefer to back a vehicle on a lift. 90% of the time you are going to be doing engine work and/or front end work. Make a rolling bench that you can bring with you around the shop, or a simple harbor freight plastic tool tray will work.
I set my lifts up using the biggest vehicle that I pictured working on, with each particular lift. I'll see if I can get a picture of my shop today.
I have a 12k 4 post drive on, a 9k 2post Rotary Asymmetrical, and a older 7k 2post Asymmetrical that I use for the smaller cars & older "long term projects"
FWIW: I like a good looking rear end, but I'm more of a headlight guy.....when I walk into the shop I like to see the headlights

I also just prefer the look of the vehicles backed in a shop, for some reason it seems cleaner looking, but maybe that's just me. If you have a "non working" garage and just tinker....most audiences want to see under the hood anyway, so why make them walk around and stand up against the wall to admire that awesome powerplant you have.