Lift modifications Thread- Lets see them!
- Thread starter ndm
- Start date
Nice. I wonder why they leave them exposed like that to begin with?
I love it when guys are not afraid to modify perfectly good stuff for their specific needs.
sberry
Banned
Do you figure the guys that design these are stupid? That they leave millions of these just dangling till some genius on the internet comes along and straightens them out?
Hilltopmasonry
Well-known member
- Joined
- Oct 12, 2015
- Messages
- 2,166
lol
2 post lifts are incredibly safe...just like anything there is a risk and you have to make sure you use the proper lift points and obviously the lift must be installed correctly
Its really no different than using a floor jack, if you put a jack under the floor pan of the car you might have trouble
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Oregon rock crusher
Well-known member
I would agree that two post lifts very safe when operated under normal conditions. That does not mean the design cannot be improved. Are you really going to argue that securing the top of the lift columns makes a lift less safe? Beam deflection at the top of the columns is nearly inevitable as a result of the two post lift design......not a deliberate design feature. Keeping those columns solid regardless of the situation is a good thing. Ed.
sberry
Banned
The people that build them said not to but you and others advocate it anyway. This is a listed certified hoist so I am with the crowd says don't fuk with it. what would be the response here to welding on air tanks or using pvc?
sberry
Banned
The guy started this doesn't own one and doubtful ever used one but now is going to advocate and become an expert in a couple threads.
sberry
Banned
The mods may be fine, just becaue they are not engineered doesn't mean they are not safe but when I do this or violate a code I do so at my own risk.
Oregon rock crusher
Well-known member
Ahh....common ground. I trust my own judgement regarding the use and modification of any tool, system, or vehicle implicitly. When I modify it I own it and I can live with that responsibility. Hopefully that does not make me an "internet genius" which I take exception to. Ed.
csp
Well-known member
Q: Why is it that they say not to make any modifications?
A: Because it's easier than saying which modifications would be acceptable and not threaten the integrity of the posts/lift. That and it's a CYA thing.
The lift you're picking on is sure a helluva lot safer looking than some of the stuff you've proudly posted.
sberry
Banned
I wasn't talking to the particular lift in question and only slightly to the OP and the reason I know some of this is I made the mistake. Same for pipe and wire size, did it all wrong and more than once.
What my comments were aimed at is the advocacy and the perception that somehow this is faulty to start with. Then the pile on tha5t implies there is something wrong here needs to be fixed. The likelihood of a problem with the equipment and its design here is about zilch, the operator is everything.
The OP has come to a determination (this isn't just him) somehow despite knowing nothing about it that the unit is somehow unsafe which is totally false, its so statistically false it should be made very clear.
I am not saying I havnt had my share of brain farts but if I was on a welder forum and someo0ne came along and says, all the Miller welders are junk and need extensive work before they are usable there would be an argument. Especially if this was a guy never used one.
We got electricians here that are code obsessive and rightly so but it seems there are schemes often endorsed to modification after a listed product but have a baby with a 10 cable on a small 5 hp motor. Make sure the incoming wire is up to spec but ok to put a bunch of junk on it after.
In my daily work rarely use the words "it don't matter" and found out it usually does at least to some extent. Just as we heard before it started in this thread,,, the engineers will be here,,, well ya duh but seem to get JUST as excited when someone mentions this may not be such a good idea.
I am not saying something bad is going to happen. I am saying you do it at your own risk and from my personal experience when I did this I usually found out I didn't understand it as well as I thought I did at the time and still may not and there are a lot of things I didn't consider.
I bout burned my place down a couple times with brainstorms, took me a long time to realize there was **** I didn't even consider.
My argument is simply a matter of statistics, there is one above which says something about the difference between fact and opinion and the fac6t is that it must not be an issue as the 1 hoist related incident we saw here in recent times didn't involve the unit which stood up just fine. Considering the millions of these in use if it was a real problem we would see 1 a day.
My opinion about it is that I should really understand how it works before jumping to conclusions which are not only not accurate but such a stretch that it clouds any real problem. We seem to feel we are "special" that we use more than other people, do more, need not only a couple extra outlets but 6 times as many and "our" big 5 hp comp is going to put out more air than the next.
Here is another opinion, the GJ crowd is way more talented and can do more than most, probably equal or better than the avg trades person and some as good as the best. In some respect better as the time/cost constraints of contracting are not always there. I will do something again if I don't like it or go back for details or improvements where the contractor is done and gone.
What my comments were aimed at is the advocacy and the perception that somehow this is faulty to start with. Then the pile on tha5t implies there is something wrong here needs to be fixed. The likelihood of a problem with the equipment and its design here is about zilch, the operator is everything.
The OP has come to a determination (this isn't just him) somehow despite knowing nothing about it that the unit is somehow unsafe which is totally false, its so statistically false it should be made very clear.
I am not saying I havnt had my share of brain farts but if I was on a welder forum and someo0ne came along and says, all the Miller welders are junk and need extensive work before they are usable there would be an argument. Especially if this was a guy never used one.
We got electricians here that are code obsessive and rightly so but it seems there are schemes often endorsed to modification after a listed product but have a baby with a 10 cable on a small 5 hp motor. Make sure the incoming wire is up to spec but ok to put a bunch of junk on it after.
In my daily work rarely use the words "it don't matter" and found out it usually does at least to some extent. Just as we heard before it started in this thread,,, the engineers will be here,,, well ya duh but seem to get JUST as excited when someone mentions this may not be such a good idea.
I am not saying something bad is going to happen. I am saying you do it at your own risk and from my personal experience when I did this I usually found out I didn't understand it as well as I thought I did at the time and still may not and there are a lot of things I didn't consider.
I bout burned my place down a couple times with brainstorms, took me a long time to realize there was **** I didn't even consider.
My argument is simply a matter of statistics, there is one above which says something about the difference between fact and opinion and the fac6t is that it must not be an issue as the 1 hoist related incident we saw here in recent times didn't involve the unit which stood up just fine. Considering the millions of these in use if it was a real problem we would see 1 a day.
My opinion about it is that I should really understand how it works before jumping to conclusions which are not only not accurate but such a stretch that it clouds any real problem. We seem to feel we are "special" that we use more than other people, do more, need not only a couple extra outlets but 6 times as many and "our" big 5 hp comp is going to put out more air than the next.
Here is another opinion, the GJ crowd is way more talented and can do more than most, probably equal or better than the avg trades person and some as good as the best. In some respect better as the time/cost constraints of contracting are not always there. I will do something again if I don't like it or go back for details or improvements where the contractor is done and gone.
sberry
Banned
I have went back the last 10 years fixing the stuff I fukked up the first 20. We fix a lot of appliances, I don't by pass safety features and stick pretty close to original design when it comes to features or design elements. I used to cut off cords and put my own **** on, still fixing that, its the main reason I write about it on here, today wouldn't do it.
I been around this long enough to know when something is or isn't such a risk from seeing it. Start a conversation on here about wire size or service overload. It will fly right to the fire danger and I asked my Bud and a question in a fire science class, ever see a welder or air comp wire be the cause of a fire? How many air tanks exploded?
It has happened is a fact but the risk is nothing compared to smoking a cig, eating a burger, not using a seat belt or driving a car.
Never seen a comp burn the joint down, seen lots of fires, had an acquaintance killed on a snowmobile the other day and a traffic death or 2 on the news every day,,, have never seen a comp tank killing anyone on the 6 news, not once. Even electrocution is relatively rare.
I been around this long enough to know when something is or isn't such a risk from seeing it. Start a conversation on here about wire size or service overload. It will fly right to the fire danger and I asked my Bud and a question in a fire science class, ever see a welder or air comp wire be the cause of a fire? How many air tanks exploded?
It has happened is a fact but the risk is nothing compared to smoking a cig, eating a burger, not using a seat belt or driving a car.
Never seen a comp burn the joint down, seen lots of fires, had an acquaintance killed on a snowmobile the other day and a traffic death or 2 on the news every day,,, have never seen a comp tank killing anyone on the 6 news, not once. Even electrocution is relatively rare.
sberry
Banned
Get no argument from me there.
AS the person that started this thread....I ask that we please keep this on topic.
I am not trying to argue if mods are safe or are not. I am just trying to document the mods that people have done. The direction of this thread is starting to turn in toward that ugly place that many internet forums tend to go and I want to prevent that.
So if you have mods, whatever they are, please post pics here. If folks want to debate those mods, please open your own thread.
Now let's get back on track folks with some photos.
Now I have used quite a few 2 post lifts in my days. I used to build custom cars and trucks for a living to include custom suspensions (static and air) as well as complete custom paint. I am not a stranger to the 2 post lift at all. I also used them at the auto shops on base during my service to the USA while fixing my own vehicles.
I make no claim that 2 posts are not safe in general. I just want to see all the things folks are doing to theirs and hopefully have a one stop thread for all things lift modification.
I am not trying to argue if mods are safe or are not. I am just trying to document the mods that people have done. The direction of this thread is starting to turn in toward that ugly place that many internet forums tend to go and I want to prevent that.
So if you have mods, whatever they are, please post pics here. If folks want to debate those mods, please open your own thread.
Now let's get back on track folks with some photos.
Now I have used quite a few 2 post lifts in my days. I used to build custom cars and trucks for a living to include custom suspensions (static and air) as well as complete custom paint. I am not a stranger to the 2 post lift at all. I also used them at the auto shops on base during my service to the USA while fixing my own vehicles.
I make no claim that 2 posts are not safe in general. I just want to see all the things folks are doing to theirs and hopefully have a one stop thread for all things lift modification.
sberry
Banned
Just want to reiterate. I am not pointing fingers at the 2 post being safe, not safe I just want a place to put modifications of the lifts. I dont care what they are. It can be lights, added support, sheds, cranes, compressed air reels, electric outlets, custom paint.....whatever. I simply want a place to document these mods. I was searching around for creative stuff that people have done and could not really get any solid info. I am attempting to make this thread a solid place.
I mean no malice toward 2 post, 4 post, scissor, 1 post, etc.
I dont need to actually have my own in order to start planning what I would do to or with one. Again, I have used many and that includes 2 post lifts at my buddies shop right down the street from my home. I no longer work there due to my position in a different industry. But I had 24-7 access to use his lift and know all about them. He had a bendpak 12kunit.
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sberry
Banned
Ok, you would be correct, the original post didn't exactly scream vast experience, who knew.
The bracket lets the hose swing around the corner of the posts. I am not sure I really need it, its been there long enough I cant remember, must have had a problem to come up with a solution.
Its kind of vague but seem to recall the hose snagging the controls I guess, might not need it on the other side.
The bracket lets the hose swing around the corner of the posts. I am not sure I really need it, its been there long enough I cant remember, must have had a problem to come up with a solution.
Its kind of vague but seem to recall the hose snagging the controls I guess, might not need it on the other side.
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Cool. I like your mods.
I am that guy that makes everything I own custom for me. May it be paint, reconfig, adding strength etc..I just have always made things better for me. I think it started with tinker toys and advanced to legos as a kid. I am a modifier of things. LOL!!
I will also develop plans to modify things before I even own them. I literally designed the custom audio in my SRT jeep before I bought it. It is a curse and a blessing at the same time. My future home lift will be no different.
One thing is for sure...That is a nice Mohawk you have there!
sberry
Banned
Additions and attachments are one thing, modifying fundamentals is another. This is my only point, yes, dress it up, be all it can be.
Cool. I never had this problem because all but one of my lowered vehicles had air ride in them.
I will have to remember this though once I have mine. I plan to forget about late model cars completely after my current ride is paid off and go all old school and every vehicle will be lowered.
polexican23
Banned
hhhmmmm engineers get paid to make something affordable and profitable at the same time.
code/certification requirements...hhmmmm hows the whole EPA doing with the river in Colorado these days? still golden brown from what I have seen.
Mod away.
I have a wheel chock ready to go on my bendpack midrise. pictures will be posted eventually.
code/certification requirements...hhmmmm hows the whole EPA doing with the river in Colorado these days? still golden brown from what I have seen.
Mod away.
I have a wheel chock ready to go on my bendpack midrise. pictures will be posted eventually.
LX-Markham
Well-known member
oh, forgot about that one.
I did a ramp extension as well. Car was scraping otherwise.
HAP
Well-known member
Great post! It will indeed be useful as I have done a similar search in the past. Thanks for starting it.
R,
HAP
R,
HAP
Fastfish
Well-known member
Just thinking how great it would be to be able to lift my 4 wheelers and motorcycle with my 2 post lift. Has any one modified theirs to accomadate those types of vehicles?
Adding this one....Concrete leveling pads for his 4 post.
How bout these two videos....
the second one is soooooooo sketch. Cannot believe it still that they lived to post the video.
LX-Markham
Well-known member
While it's nice that the post baseplates are all level with each other, doesn't raising the front ones prevent the front cross beam from lowering right down to the ground? i.e. the car has to climb up higher onto the ramps?
forAK
Well-known member
11th pic in the post shows the ramps used.
Adding this thread where I found the mirror mod for aligning the car to the lift easily.
www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=139980&highlight=lift+mirror
www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=139980&highlight=lift+mirror
mirrors..... works everytime. got'm free on craigslist
Adding one of the most ballzy mods I have seen yet. BRAVO!!!
Takes a bandsaw to a brand new lift to get it to be able to roll out of the garage!
Takes a bandsaw to a brand new lift to get it to be able to roll out of the garage!
Partially together stand up one of the posts and it looks very tall!
Of course the sales person was here prior assuring me it would fit under a 8' door. The post is 96.5" and the door opening is 96" and that does not account for the plate and end of cable that sticks up nor does it count for the caster in order for me to move the 2450lb hoist.
The company does not take returns. Its 3500.00 out the window . . .
I tried but not worth the fight trying to get them to take it back.
I need a minimum of 4"
Door height is 96" + or _ 1/4" depending on where you measure.
Height of posts are 96.5" and that does not account for the cap on top and nut and cable sticking out or the casters which I need to roll it in and out.
Deal from the get-go was I needed to be able to push it in and out of shop.
Really struggled on the 427 project header build. needed something inside of shop. Would fit in shop once there but shop too cramped to leave it there unless in use.
I just marked off the posts and whacked 5" off the top, anyone know a good way to shorten 1/2" cables? LOL
1st up is a pic of the 4 post after some pretty major mods chopping the height down 5" so I could roll it in and out of shop. I did find out the hard way the casters do not like to move well if I have any weight on it . .
A few of what I did to make a bit more room to move around and so I could get the cherry picker in and out to lift the dash and other heavy items. The hoist is as far as it will go using upper most safety catch and still being able to get garage door open. Of course when I thought of putting a 4 post in shop to work on the bottom sides I never thought of opening and closing of door! At least I will be in heat and cool when the time arises.
jcthorne
Well-known member
I added full length LED lighting along the inside of the ramps on my Bendpak. Makes the underside much easier to see...
aka Larry
Well-known member
That is sweet. I so wish I could do that on my 2-post.
LX-Markham
Well-known member
that is fantastic!
more details on the LED lights.
more details on the LED lights.
sberry
Banned
I did have a cycle on it but cant remember the details now.
Attachments
Dolfan
Well-known member
Not a mod to the lift but for storage or lift ramps.
These ramps are great as they are so light but taking them off I need a place to store them where I'm not worried about them getting knocked over and potentially hitting a car.
So I built this hanger out of some scrap wood, plywood , and 1/2" dowel pegs. I drilled 1/2" holes in the back of the ramps so they would fit the hanger. I made the hanger 52" long so I could catch the studs at 48" for a secure mount.
These ramps are great as they are so light but taking them off I need a place to store them where I'm not worried about them getting knocked over and potentially hitting a car.
So I built this hanger out of some scrap wood, plywood , and 1/2" dowel pegs. I drilled 1/2" holes in the back of the ramps so they would fit the hanger. I made the hanger 52" long so I could catch the studs at 48" for a secure mount.