another lift question

[woodersen]

Does anyone have experience in working on X-FRAME cars. Exampled 58 to 64 chevys, impalas. Im in the market for a lift, before i get my slab poured, and i need one that will reach the frame on these cars, alot of lifts wont, and that results in lifting from the rockers.....dont want to do that if im spending money on a lift.

 

[SaddleBronc]

In my late teens I inherited a '62 Impala, and it's long gone but I am familiar with your problem.

I just put in a BendPak 4-post lift and a single bridge jack, but several members here have also purchased a second bridge jack. I am fairly certain that with two bridge jacks, considering their adjustable arms and ability to position anywhere front-to-back, you could easily handle your x-frame toys.

In my research, it seems that normal 3000psi concrete at any thickness over 3.5" can handle a 4-post and its load in the sub-9000lb range. If you plan to have the lift in a fixed position, you could beef up the slab by creating some "beams" with a little extra depth in some channels in the fill/earth and an extra stick of re-bar or two. Wouldn't cost much more and you'd have no cause for worry with just about any lift.

 

[woodersen]

In my late teens I inherited a '62 Impala, and it's long gone but I am familiar with your problem.

I just put in a BendPak 4-post lift and a single bridge jack, but several members here have also purchased a second bridge jack. I am fairly certain that with two bridge jacks, considering their adjustable arms and ability to position anywhere front-to-back, you could easily handle your x-frame toys.

In my research, it seems that normal 3000psi concrete at any thickness over 3.5" can handle a 4-post and its load in the sub-9000lb range. If you plan to have the lift in a fixed position, you could beef up the slab by creating some "beams" with a little extra depth in some channels in the fill/earth and an extra stick of re-bar or two. Wouldn't cost much more and you'd have no cause for worry with just about any lift.

Thanks for the response and info. Im not really wanting 4 post lift. I plan to use the lift for routine maintenance oil change brakes, rotate tires, cleaning under etc.....but the main purpose would be to lift cars off of frames, and roll the frame out from under the body.....cant do that with a 4 post unless theres something im missing??

 

[Wadd2]

Rotary

 

[GeorgiaHybrid]

You can do what you want with a 4 post but you would need to add a bridge jack to make it happen. If you needed all 4 tires off at the same time, you would need 2 bridge jacks. That is expensive to say the least.

I would look at a symmetric 2 post with 3 stage arms and a good reach. A little simple math given the length of the arms and the width between the columns should get you the reach to get to your lift points. If you are planning on lifting a modern car, I might change that to another lift type but for older cars and trucks only, it is hard to beat a symmetric.

 

[woodersen]

You can do what you want with a 4 post but you would need to add a bridge jack to make it happen. If you needed all 4 tires off at the same time, you would need 2 bridge jacks. That is expensive to say the least.

I would look at a symmetric 2 post with 3 stage arms and a good reach. A little simple math given the length of the arms and the width between the columns should get you the reach to get to your lift points. If you are planning on lifting a modern car, I might change that to another lift type but for older cars and trucks only, it is hard to beat a symmetric.

Thanks. I will always have an x frame car, will probably always have a fullsize truck. Also have a small honda and a midsize suv.....would like a lift that can do all these....

 

[SaddleBronc]

You'll find members here that swear by each type - 2-post and 4-post. Personally, I don't want the balance issues or risks of a 2-post and plan to do most all of what you say with my 4-post. Yes, perhaps more expensive, but my choice.

My first project will be to yank the factory bed off of my F350 dually:

1. Drive on, lift truck, undo bed bolts/wiring.
2. Lower lift, drive off.
3. Raise lift, back bed of truck underneath.
4. Lower lift to 1-2ft above truck bed.
5. Use beams stradding runways and straps/chains to connect bed to lift.
6. Raise lift, separating bed from truck chassis.
7. Drive truck from under bed, hook up trailer.
8. Back trailer under bed which is still suspended under lift.
9. Lower lift, disconnect bed, haul it out. Job done.

If I wanted to pull a body from a frame, I'd do it via some alteration of the above steps.

You can probably also manage it with a 2-post, but I don't like the general feel of it.

Whichever way you go, I'm sure you'll enjoy the flexibility and ease-of-use that a lift provides.

 

[GeorgiaHybrid]

SaddleBronc, it is easier to pull a bed on a truck with a two post lift. I've done a bunch of them doing fuel pump replacements or putting floats on fuel sending units on Fords. You can either go above the bed and lift or just put the pads under the bed and lift.

 

[my58dodge]

I am able to lift my Father in Law's 1963 Impala with my Bend Pak XPR10A set up in the wide configuration. The car must be perfectly centered under the lift and adjusted fore and aft, and the arms fully extended to reach the X-frame.

 

[woodersen]

I am able to lift my Father in Law's 1963 Impala with my Bend Pak XPR10A set up in the wide configuration. The car must be perfectly centered under the lift and adjusted fore and aft, and the arms fully extended to reach the X-frame.

Thank you!. I found a used lift for sale on craigslist, about 10 miles from home. Hopefully i will drive my 62 over there tomorrow and see what happens.

 

[Car Collector Chronicles]

Does anyone have experience in working on X-FRAME cars. Exampled 58 to 64 chevys, impalas. Im in the market for a lift, before i get my slab poured, and i need one that will reach the frame on these cars, alot of lifts wont, and that results in lifting from the rockers.....dont want to do that if im spending money on a lift.

Does a '62 Olds count? My Mohawk A-7 works just fine with it.

 

[joe_padavano]

Does a '62 Olds count? My Mohawk A-7 works just fine with it.

Last time I checked, the 62 Olds has a perimeter frame, not a pure X-frame.