Kwiklift Hardware Replacement

[Emulsifide]

Hey everyone. For the past couple of months, I've been mulling around the idea of either getting a Kwiklift or a mid rise lift. I promised myself I'd hold off until I could nab a decent deal on Craigslist or somewhere else. Low and behold, overnight a Kwiklift showed up on Craiglist in the southeastern Detroit area. I immediately emailed the guy and told him to give me a buzz in the morning. At around rush hour, I picked up a well used Kwiklift:

The custom powdercoat color is Jaguar Green and was chosen by the original owner (the guy before this past owner). The ramps are scratched up pretty good at this point, but I think it gives it that extra character and doesn't really bother me. I inspected all of the welds and they seemed to be in decent shape even though they have a moderate amount of surface rust on them. I'll probably end up hitting them with some rust immobilizer and then I'll make the decision to repaint or just spot paint the ramps.

Even though the picture doesn't show it, I have everything except the 8 bolts, 8 nuts, and 16 washers that are mentioned in the manual and hold the two piece ramps together. I think I made out pretty good. I got the whole thing for $550 with an included centerlift bridge.

My question to the Kwiklift owners on GJ, can you get me some specs on the bolts that I need to put the ramps together? Looking at the ramps and the manual, it doesn't look like much load is put onto the bolts (since the ramp pieces slide into each other for support and rigidity), but I don't mind going with high strength hardware to be on the safe side. Also, are the nuts normal, locking, flange, or serrated flange?

Thanks in advance!

 

[darkk]

You can never go wrong with grade 8 bolts....

 

[Defender Chassis]

Just thinking out loud, why not call the manufacturer?

 

[Emulsifide]

Just thinking out loud, why not call the manufacturer?

Because it was almost midnight when I put up my post and I figured someone would be kind enough to have a look at their own Kwiklift. I'll give them a buzz in a couple hours.

 

[lcrabtree]

Just regular nuts, bolts and flat washers came with mine.

Lester

 

[Call me the Breeze]

Let us know how you like it when it's up and working. Been looking at those for years, just never bit the bullet on one.

 

[butcherted]

I have had one for about 5 years and it works great.

 

[Steves32]

The Kwiklift just comes w/ standard nuts, bolts & washers. I replaced mine with grade 8.
I also drilled the floor & installed a bracket at each tower to keep it from sliding forward when driving up on it.

 

[Emulsifide]

I called Kwiklift and they didn't answer the phone. Oh well. You guys seemed to have answered my question, so thank you for that.

Steve, that's a fantastic idea that I might do as well. I've seen plenty of people throw grip tape down the entire length of the ramp, which I don't mind doing either.

 

[gandyj]

I've had mine since '04 and used it exclusively until I got my 4 post lift.
I bought it from the previous owner through the manufacturer for $1000.
I thought about selling it a couple of times.
I have my '84 Mercury Capri RS sitting on it now.

 

[Bender78]

You’re going to like the Quiklift. I’ve had mine for a couple of years now; got it from a local craigslist add for almost as good a deal as yours.

Mine came with ungraded hardware. If you look at the way the ramp pieces slide together, the hardware is not put under stress. Even so, I had some new grade 5 bolts so I used those.

Did you get approach ramps for when the lift ramps are in the down position?

 

[Ray-CA]

When you put the bolts in, make sure that the nuts are on the inside of the ramps. It might save you a painful gouge or two.

I've had my Kwiklift for several years and its great. It's currently at a neighbors under his '70 Mach-1 while he restores it. A second bridge is a good idea, lets you take all four wheels off at the same time. I hinged and riveted the little approach ramps to the ends of the lift ramps. Don't have to search for them and they flip up out of the way. Also put a set of clips to the side of the ramp to store the short bar used to rotate the lifting bar. That kept finding its way under my tool box or rolling down the driveway. Spend the money and get the dollies that fit under the lift. They only add an inch of so to the overall height and are well worth the money.

Ray

 

[Emulsifide]

WOW Ray! Your mods are excellent!! Unfortunately, I didn't get any wheel chocks or the little ramps with it. No big deal. I plan on buying the little ramps shortly and will probably end up doing what you did. Thanks for the great pictures!