Presto resto......shop lift makeover

[RMERR]

I've been wanting/needing this exact model, a Presto C74-1000 (74" lift ht. 1000lbs cap) for current and upcoming projects. This came up on CL for $500 but with "issues", namely 12v battery and charger. This lift is not for everyone, but perfect for me, my shop and the stuff I do. It's a counter-weight design with steel in the cabinet to counterbalance the load. This means no forward legs to bump into things.

First bought a new battery, but just couldn't spring for a replacement charger from Presto at over $400. Got a couple extra bells I'm sure, but at the end of the day it"s a damn trickle charger. Decided to buy an inexpensive solid state charger off Amazon. I cut out all the old charger stuff, cut a hole in the dash and fabbed a mounting plate for the new charger. Welded a shallow fence on the backside to position the charger's LED screen under a milled window. Welded some ring clamps in to secure it. A tad funky, but effective and underneath so doesn't show.

I also ditched the cord and cord cleat, enlarged the hole and installed a thru-wall Marine/RV type 120v charging port. Gives a cleaner look with less **** hanging off the sides to catch on stuff.

Really disliked the gaudy orange so decided to give it a "quickie" (yeah right, ever con yourself with that line?) smoke gray paint job. Nothing special, rattle can paint. Bought new stickers from Presto, most of which I ditched or modded. The side stripe/logo isn't from Presto, that was my design, felt like it needed something there. Had a local graphics place print it as he was changing the color on another large sticker which was an equally gaudy lemon yellow. Sucked up at least 7 wks of my life, but tuned out pretty darn nice. Check out the F/U post for the accessories I built.so

 

[gleman]

Nice work! That looks handy to have in the shop and the cleanup and paint will make your money back if you get bored with or get a different one.

 

[RMERR]

As I knew I needed some accessories for this, I decided to press on and build them now. But first...

*******SAFETY ALERT!!******

Per every manufacturer, NEVER drill holes in the ends of your forks!!!

Ok where was I, oh yeah...so I had a machinists drill and tap 1"-8 holes in the ends of my forks. Wanted to be able to easily secure and change these accessories around. First cut down some 1" bolts and had my machinist guy clean up the ends and shafts. These are now stop posts, one for each fork.

Next a hook attachment, cut the hook holder off of a full size single fork hook attachment. Welded it to a new jig I made. Capacity will drop to about 500lbs. at the fork ends here, but still more than enough for my needs

Finally a platform to load something from the floor or just use as another adjustable work surface.

With no great place to store these accessories, I felt like an accessory caddy was now needed too. I bought a HF rolling mechanics stool w/drawers, chopped off the side trays and ditched the little foam seat. The handle was from a scrapyard platform dolly. I shortened it, welded on some hooks and welded to the seat frame and painted. Made a small topper from a scrap of butcher block. It has a small footprint, rolls and holds all my new accessories, as well as all my other lift rings, bolts, hooks etc. I'm pleased with the project but really glad to finally move on.

 

[Ohmthis]

Wow, that thing is sweet! I can see it being so handy. You did a great job on that!

 

[deltamachineservices@]

Nice job on the restoration. Glad I was able to help a with the pins and forks. Looks good

 

[RMERR]

Thanks gleman and Ohmthis. deltamachineservices, couldn't have done it without you! And "Likers" too, much appreciated.

 

[Jayman17]

Excellent work and a very tidy set-up. Nice looking organized shop in the background too.