Another Lift Thread

[tegguy]

Alright I know this has been discussed a lot and everyone has different opinions but I'd like to hear from people who own 4 post lifts.

I'm doing the crazy thing and attempting to stack 2 cars in my residential garage of my 2 story house. I have a relatively low ceiling height (9' 8") but the numbers say it will work to stack any combo of my 72 Chevelle, 55 Thunderbird, 69 Triumph.

I do plan to incorporate some kind of safety shutoff so I can't run the top car into the ceiling since it's a game of inches. I know i'm crazy there is no need to reiterate that and no selling a car is not something I'd even consider doing. I know the lock height could be a killer I've already came up with a plan to possibly fabricate some custom stand offs that would act as locks if needed.

What lift do you guys recommend to accomplish this with? It would be 90% storage and 10% work

Requirements:
- Removable ramps
- Casters
- The thinner the ramps the better
- 110 preferred, 220 is available
- Drip trays will be a needed item at some point

 

[tegguy]

I've looked at Bendpak,Dannmar, Rotary, backyard buddy, atlas, challenger, autolift and a couple others.

I like the Bendpak HD-9 but I don't like the price especially with drip trays, casters, jack (if I want it) being extra.

There is a site with an Atlas lift, 2 jacks, casters, and drip trays for $3200 http://www.gregsmithequipment.com/Atlas-Garage-Pro-8-000-Two-Atlas-RJ-35s

The problem is everywhere I turn I find someone who says brand A ***** buy brand B and someone else says brand B ***** buy brand A. I was hoping people who own the lifts can chime in and provide feedback.

 

[tegguy]

Anyone?

 

[tegguy]

Anyone ever use a Direct Lift?

 

[59 wagon man]

I have had a direct lift for 15 yrs and no problems with it but I don't think you can stack your 2 cars in 9'8" unless they are lowered vehicles. I stack my 59 chevy above my saleen mustang and it is a tight fit with air suspension on the wagon and I think it is 10'4" at my lowest ceiling height

 

[tegguy]

I have had a direct lift for 15 yrs and no problems with it but I don't think you can stack your 2 cars in 9'8" unless they are lowered vehicles. I stack my 59 chevy above my saleen mustang and it is a tight fit with air suspension on the wagon and I think it is 10'4" at my lowest ceiling height

Thanks for the info I'm leaning towards their lift currently. I'm lucky enough to have low profile cars

72 Chevelle - 52.9" stock height
1955 Thunderbird - 50.2" stock height
Lift clearance - 8"
Total = 111.1
9'8" = 116"

Other car -- 1969 Triumph TR6 height = 50" (probably less than this is reality)

Math says it will work (although might be wrong) but the Chevelle is lowered. I'm looking at it this way.... Best case I can stack 2 cars worst case I have a 4 post lift I can do maintenance on. I'm also fighting a bulkhead at the front of my garage that my hood "should" be underneath when at required height.

 

[jrkrace]

You also have to look at lock heights as well. You need to lift a few inches higher to pass the lock and lower the lift to rest on the lock....

 

[tegguy]

You also have to look at lock heights as well. You need to lift a few inches higher to pass the lock and lower the lift to rest on the lock....

According to the company that sells and installs then the direct lift locks can be adjusted

 

[tegguy]

Is there an easy way to determine concrete thickness and strength? The house is 3 years old and I've looked at the plans but I can't find anything (perhaps I'm looking in the wrong spot)

 

[hootywampus]

This may help you out, it's a calculator we include on the site to determine if "it'll" fit in your garage. It'll being your pride and joy. The concrete strength and thickness would only depend if you plan on bolting the lift to the floor. You can just leave it unbolted and use it as is. They're made to do this. That's why the casters are include in the price.

http://www.directlift.com/ceilingCalc.aspx