New place

[Old School]

Almost (initial contract is signed) bought a commercial building (approx 33x33 feet) to use as garage. Initial contact is signed, now awaiting for a couple of agreed improvements like installing water lines and 400V power.


Thinking about building an L-shape storage room in the right corner with a roof to store large items on top. The open overhang space will then be used to sit and have a beer or two.


On the left I want to put a lift with the work benches against the walls. To divide clean and dirty side (grinding, welding, blasting) I might build a small wall against the rear wall, what will also give me extra space to put a bench or machinery against.


Because of the limited height (just over 9 feet) I'm thinking about installing a scissor car lift in the floor. Any experiences with this type of lifts and leaf spring cars?

 

[texashunter]

That is some nice space. jealous.

 

[Bib Overalls]

Wish I could help with your scissors lift question. I do know that there are a number of build threads here where a scissors lift was installed in the floor to keep the surface level. You might do a search for "scissors lift" and if you get hits follow up with personal messages to the posters. From what I have seen here most (or all) of the folks that have them are happy they put one in.

 

[Old School]

Thanks for your input. I've done exactly that and got at least one positive response about this intended use. My only concern now are the cal-track bars (traction bars) running parallel under the leafs. Not sure if there'll be enough space for them with the car on the blocks since they run all the way up to the front porch.

 

[Old School]

Ok, the place is mine by now. Got some work to do. Will post some Q's regarding the plans I have. My first Q is what do you think of the general setup which will dictate the rest of the plans/connections?

The idea behind it is to have a general disassembly area: I've drawn a two post, but that's the only one item on the drawing I don't posses. Still in doubt between a scissor lift and a two post. Lowest point on the ceiling in that area is 10' and I'll be working on a leaf spring car.

Then a 'clean' working area to the right of the lift. Transmission/rear end assembly etc.

'Dirty' working area down from the hydraulic press and around the storage room with a compressor in the back.

Lifting table I can use for several purposes including welding, but also to lift a second car on blocks to work on the brakes or suspension.

What's the gang's opinion?

 

[Geezershop]

I have a 2 post lift that doesn't go high enough to stand under, but I like it much better than my friend's scissor lift. It is very comfortable to sit on a stool or an old office chair and I can get to whole underside of the vehicle. The scissor lift gets in the way.


Your shop layout looks good!

 

[Old School]

Made a slow start with the toilet and the storage room. Will build it from aerated concrete blocks. Never done it before, so I'm sure it will work just fine

 

[consti2tion]

Ok, the place is mine by now. Got some work to do. Will post some Q's regarding the plans I have. My first Q is what do you think of the general setup which will dictate the rest of the plans/connections?

The idea behind it is to have a general disassembly area: I've drawn a two post, but that's the only one item on the drawing I don't posses. Still in doubt between a scissor lift and a two post. Lowest point on the ceiling in that area is 10' and I'll be working on a leaf spring car.

Then a 'clean' working area to the right of the lift. Transmission/rear end assembly etc.

'Dirty' working area down from the hydraulic press and around the storage room with a compressor in the back.

Lifting table I can use for several purposes including welding, but also to lift a second car on blocks to work on the brakes or suspension.

What's the gang's opinion?

What kind of car are you working on? I guess the height the car to the roof would make a big difference on how high you can go with a two post, which I'm sure you have thought through many many times.

 

[Old School]

2x Camaro, so it's not a tall car by any means. But still it will be a (very) close call...

 

[consti2tion]

2x Camaro, so it's not a tall car by any means. But still it will be a (very) close call...

I imagine they will be fine. Might have to get you a rolling chair/stool just to keep from being hunched over for extended times

 

[Old School]

Installed the toilet and started with the walls. Had to split the main line for drainage from the sink.

 

[Old School]

The storage place is getting almost finished. 55x150 beams on top to carry all the stuff I don't need to see or will need on a short notice. The door frame 3mm steel bent to size and welded in place.

Monday a contractor is showing up to cut the floor for a lifting table and two spots to get the 4 post level on installation.