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An old gas station

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ranchgarage

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Several years ago, I joined the Forum wanting to build a big garage.....still do but never got it going. So, in a world of too many ideas and projects, I recently bought an old gas station. So, now what? I have no clue.

+20 years ago the steel UG tanks were removed plus an environmental rehab was completed. For the past +20 years, it has been home to a shop that recently closed. So now I have it or it has me in the absence of a plan.

It has the original in ground lifts(inoperable). On the to do list, is to level the bay floors and remove the lifts. Any suggestions as to a removal process?

All comments welcome.
 
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Stuart in MN

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Before doing anything drastic I'd check to see if the in-floor lifts can be repaired. There have been a few threads on them here in the past that may help, if you're lucky an advanced search will turn up something.
 
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FullRaceMerc

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Stuart in MN said:
Before doing anything drastic I'd check to see if the in-floor lifts can be repaired. There have been a few threads on them here in the past that may help, if you're lucky an advanced search will turn up something.
Click to expand...

x2. If the in-ground lifts can be made to operate safely, they are sure nice to work with.

Congrats on the station. What company was it? How about some pics? (Non-phloaterbucket pics, of course).
 
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koditten

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Install a 2 post lift and use it to remove the in ground unit.

I couldn't get rid of the in ground unit fast enough.

The environmental time bomb issue would compel me to have it gone before any oil could leak into the ground.
 
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RWorth

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The new incround lifts are generally set in a plastic tub to contain leaks, I would look into reinstalling them in one of those plastic tubs. But only if I was trying to "restore" the building. single post inground lifts **** to work with, the lift is always in the way for any undercar work, they were only good for tires and brakes.

If you do want to get rid of them I'll bet you could find someone local that wants to restore one, to pull them for you. If I were near you, I'd take one for my shop.
 
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DTE

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For what it's worth considering removing the lifts, here in NC if you leave them alone they are not a problem. But when you go to remove them then you are dealing with a environmental issue. Texas may be different. You can always remove the head , fill the cylinder with sand and cap it off. That is how most of them I have seen here are done.
 
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oilslick

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I removed one from our old gas station, was only used for about 7 yrs in the 60's. It was pristine but the piping and tank were definitely not in good shape, found no leaks but if I was to have put a load on it, could have been bad! . Mine was anchored deep in crete ,good luck!
 
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rburke65

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NUTTSGT......You never saw an in ground lift? Curious....can I ask your age? I must be getting old! And yes....we need pics of your new purchase!
 
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1507dennis

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I have old gas pumps and I would love to have an old gas station........
IMG_4119_zpsaayubiz7.jpg
2896aad8-5d58-4a29-b306-c9cdb8c3b098_zpskiddrqga.jpg
IMG_1189.jpg
 
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rburke65

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1507dennis.....looks like you have way more than on pump! I want an Eco Air Meter.....got 2 gas pumps.....been looking for ever for an Eco Air Meter. One of these days.....
 
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Worsedog

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mechanic217

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Pull the lifts before they leak and cleanup becomes your problem, also check to see if a separate hydraulic tank is buried also. Good luck.
 
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NUTTSGT

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rburke65 said:
NUTTSGT......You never saw an in ground lift? Curious....can I ask your age? I must be getting old! And yes....we need pics of your new purchase!
Click to expand...

BillK said:
I was just thinking the same thing :)
Click to expand...

I'll be 48 next month and yes I have seen them and know where one was located...really close to where I'm sitting.


Somethings are just better left unmentioned, unknown and never heard from again. . . . makes life easier sometimes. :cool:


Worsedog said:
Goes right along with these are not the droids we at looking for...........:thumbup:
Click to expand...


:thumbup:
 
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NYBODYMAN

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Can't wait to see the progress of this one. Good luck and post a lot of pics.
 
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1507dennis

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I restored all of them and will start retorting #20 this week. I just keep looking for them from other collectors, craigs list, swap meets and etc.....
 
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Nathan.Johnson

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1507dennis said:
I restored all of them and will start retorting #20 this week. I just keep looking for them from other collectors, craigs list, swap meets and etc.....
Click to expand...

Ok...I seem to have a hard time finding them for a decent price. If you don't mind me asking...How much do you usually pay for one that needs to be restored? Or should I say, what is the maximum amount I should pay for one?

I apologize if this is a stupid question, I am new at this. :)
 
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skippydoo

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If the lifts work or are repairable remove the oil and replace it with what we call peanut oil which i'm pretty is biodegradable. Take a look at the lift controls to make it go up/down, is their one or two levers? Post some Pix
 
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ranchgarage

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Sorry for the slow reply.....been swamped.
Former Humble, Enco and Exxon.

And thanks for all the feedback! Most appreciated.
 

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ranchgarage

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What's left of 2 lifts. Wall mounted controls are single lever each. Air compressor is long gone.
 

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ranchgarage

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Locally there is a company that services in ground lifts. They may actually have records on the station...long shot. I think maybe restore one to original and replace the other with a 2 post.

Then there is plumbing, electrical, windows, security, roof etc. For starters, the interior could use a good power wash.

Also, going to contact Exxon archives. Another long shot.
 
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skippydoo

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ranchgarage said:
What's left of 2 lifts. Wall mounted controls are single lever each. Air compressor is long gone.
Click to expand...

I would remove the pipe plug in the center of the cylinder and check the oil height and oil condition. Your lifts are semi Hydraulic. Parts are available thru a company , SVI International.
 
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dbabicky

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Remove what can be seen of the lifts above the floor, bury and pour concrete over the top. Let sleeping dogs lie. Install new lifts over the top.
 
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ranchgarage

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dbabicky said:
Remove what can be seen of the lifts above the floor, bury and pour concrete over the top. Let sleeping dogs lie. Install new lifts over the top.
Click to expand...

Thought about removing any oil and filling with sand. Then redo the floor. If getting one lift to work is feasible, I might keep it and convert the other lift to a 2 post. Or junk both and do a pair of 2 Post.

skippydoo said:
I would remove the pipe plug in the center of the cylinder and check the oil height and oil condition. Your lifts are semi Hydraulic. Parts are available thru a company , SVI International.
Click to expand...


Thanks. I will run that trap.
 
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matt_i

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I have only worked in 1 garage with multi in-ground lifts but aren't the arms missing?

I would think that part to be hard to find or expensive. Reason is most of the "weak links" that were found over time would probably be soft seals or corrosion of the actual outer case-tube or piping in the earth. The lift arms would probably last thru a couple of lifetimes.

Obviously some research and calls would help decide on whether its useful to continue down that road.

How is the crime rate in the local area, the big glass would make me nervous about storing much that would be in-view constantly. My trips to Texas suggest its probably pretty low but one never knows. A monitored security system could help but a good suggestion is to also harden any land-line phone connection.
 
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walrus

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Unless you have the top frames, arms and pads those lifts are pretty useless .

Sent from my SM-G950U using Tapatalk
 
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