Garage Lifts
 

Any body have any experience with swapping their garage door to accommodate a garage lift? I'm curious as to what the pit falls are. Any drawbacks?

Are you talking about an in-ground (dig up the floor, usually hydraulic) or above ground lift (two tall posts, electric cable system)?

Sorry, Above ground.

Okay. Well, we've got one of these at our shop.

https://www.miataturbo.net/attachmen...ine=1369871541


One of the hydraulic lifts broke, and that was cheaper. Posts are about 12 feet tall. It's electric powered, so you don't have to worry about supporting it via jack-stands when you're not working on it. The offset arm lengths are kind of a pain, especially for racking something as small as a miata.


As for the garage doors, I think the easiest method would be this.

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BxhPa_i99h...9.29.16+AM.png


Yes, I am aware that's probably a normal garage door. I'd make it a "gate-style door, with the doors opening like a typical french door set. Offset the hinges back a bit, so the opening remains the same. I'd figure normal weather stripping would work well enough around the seals. Use a simple post, with a nice rope or polished chain, to hold the doors open. Stylish, and unbelievably functional.



tl;dr - Unless you garage is really tall, it ain't gunna fit. Electric garage door + lift + short roof = Not gonna happen.

Why not a roll up style door?

Edited my misunderstanding.

If a rollup door can be found that is aesthetically pleasing enough that would work.

Piece of cake..

https://www.miataturbo.net/attachmen...1&d=1369895318

https://www.miataturbo.net/attachmen...1&d=1369895318

https://www.miataturbo.net/attachmen...1&d=1369895318

https://www.miataturbo.net/attachmen...1&d=1369895318

https://www.miataturbo.net/attachmen...1&d=1369895318

Yes, we plonked the same roof right back on top of the new stub walls... Made some partial "storage mezzanines" to bolster the strength of the long walls, and reconnected the same roll door tracks to them. The only limitation was that you can't have the door open when a car is up in the air, but it otherwise works great. Took a day and a couple buddies (and a crane) to do the whole thing.

For a less radical option, without sweating the garage door at all, consider one of these mid-rise scissor lifts. Not the greatest for pulling a trans or installing an exhaust, but it works great for most routine stuff.

https://www.miataturbo.net/attachmen...1&d=1369896909

Pinky, raising the roof like that is exactly what our friend and neighbor did to his shop.

I feel like those scissor lifts are only for the lazy or older people. Doesn't seem like there's anything you can do on those that you can't do bent over with some jack stands. Less even, since you can technically get some big jack stands and a tranny jack and swap trannys. If you wanna hate your life that is.

I've told the fiance that the one requirement when we move to another home is that the garage gets bigger. Our econo single car garage is not cutting it. I also described the benefits of a lift.

"well get one then!"

She's a keeper.

LOL. Emphasis on "fiancee." Just wait. :bowrofl:

I don't have a lift right now because when I asked about it all she said was "is it a need or a want?" and I hesitated for just a half second and that sealed my fate.

I was thinking something with more of a store the miata in the air and park a small car underneath it application.

Was curious if anyone had been able to this in a regular garage.

Partially agreed. They're not great for stuff under the middle of the car, but they're not useless either. It's sure a lot nicer to work on brakes and suspension standing up rather than crawling around on the ground. Same goes for anything that requires getting under the motor; starters, oil changes, changing hoses and rads, the list goes on and on. I use my two post most of the time, but the mid-rise is handy when I have something on the big lift waiting for parts and such. If I couldn't fit a two-post in a garage I'd definitely prefer having a mid-rise over working on my back. They're also great for detailing, body work and paint prep.

Like so?

https://www.miataturbo.net/attachmen...ine=1369923743

https://www.miataturbo.net/attachmen...ine=1369923743

https://www.miataturbo.net/attachmen...ine=1369923743

Like this?

https://www.miataturbo.net/attachmen...ine=1369925380

I am not sure I understand the question. What do you have now and what would you swap the garage door to?

If you have a roll-up garage door (i.e. the normal style), I would think the question of whether or not a 4-post lift will fit is going to be more of a function of your ceiling height.

I bought this Bend Pak P6 for $1300 brand new. I've had it for a year and it has already paid for itself in time savings and reduced hassle. Can I stand underneath it? No. Does it save time on a ton of common jobs? Absolutely. It takes me all of about 10 minutes to change four wheels and tires (and two front brake pads) now to get ready for the track.

The center section is entirely open, so no problem using it for working on transmission, clutch, exhaust, suspension, or the underside of the motor/ engine bay.

For a value option, this one is hard to beat.

https://www.miataturbo.net/attachmen...ine=1369927678

https://www.miataturbo.net/attachmen...ine=1369927730

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-N...s800/photo.JPG

Thats really interesting. I have not seen a scissor lift in that style before.

For the ceiling limited wanting a bit more than that scissor style. There's always a 4 post lift. IMO in a residential install they're safer than a 2 post because there's less change of a tipping failure. And you you put it on a standard thickness concrete pad rather than an extra thick one.

I'm ceiling challenged. That Bend Pak looks like a nice option. Hmmmmm . . . .

Curly, can I borrow your fiancee to ask permission?

I just started renting out a 1250sqft industrial space rather then messing with low ceilings and pissed off neighbors.

https://www.miataturbo.net/attachmen...chmentid=70732

I'm not sure it's transferable.

It's only transferable if fluids are exchanged in the process.

Hmm, I can get one of those style for free from my buddy's body shop. It's air over hydraulic though. They changed all of theirs out for standard hydraulic. I hve been saying I'd stop by to look at it but never found the time as I thought it would be kind of worthless.

Was the lift included?

Lol no. That was another $2300.

Man if industrial space like that wasn't so damn expensive around here I'd be all over it. Houston is exploding right now though, everything is getting crazy expensive.

inb4mtbendpacgroupbuy :party:

+1

How the hell did you find that for $1300? They're about $2200+ as far as my searches show. I'd be all over one for 1500 bucks.

Is it bolted down, or can you move it around?

Still leaning towards an Ezcarlift. Too expensive for what they are (unpowered), but they're cheaper than the P6 by about $500, portable and leave the center open for access.

I'm still looking for a nice 2 post lift for the shop.

We need something that will handle at least 5-6 tons though.

I've been considering this for awhile:

MaxJax Portable Two Post Lifting System by Dannmar

It's expensive for only getting the car 4' off the ground, but it's better than jackstands and the ~ 2' of that bendpak. Plus it fits in a normal sized garage and rolls away for storage. Costco has them for $2k shipped (cheapest I can find):

Dannmar MaxJax

My problem with 2 post lifts is that my garage floor is crap. Can't bolt into it to secure the posts.

Been looking at the Atlas mid rise lift. This one: Auto Lift 6,000lb. Portable Mid-Rise Frame Lift

Has open center, powered, no mounting requirements. Still can't get myself to pull the trigger on 2 grand just to save myself the effort of putting the vehicles up on stands.

thats another decent option! i assume it bolts into the floor as well. the FAQ reads it needs 4inch thick concrete.

I'm paying just over $5 a sqft per year. That is actually a tad above average for the area but these are some of the nicest kept parks I've seen. I started splitting it with one friend at first and after I got the lift got another "roommate" and it keeps costs very reasonable.

I've got this lift: Atlas 9KOH

I was able to pick it up, so no delivery charges. Was under $1800 including taxes, hydraulic fluid, and hammer drill bit.

After using it for 6 months, I'm kicking myself for not getting one sooner.

I want this when I get my own garage.

I wonder if that would fit in my 1 car garage...

Yeah, seriously, where did you find it for $1300? $1500 is a steal compared to what I'm seeing online and $1300 gives me another $200 in the beer budget :party:

fwiw- 2 post lifts have specs for new concrete pads. Cut/remove your old floor and install new pads. This is actually the process used for the ultra-duty lifts used on commercial trucks.

Most home garage ceilings can be raised by modifying the existing trusses using a box or scissor type to gain the needed height for a 2 post lift. I think the posts on my Rotary are 12'2". A ~10k lb lift usually lists for 4' x 4' x 6" @ 3000psi pad, rebar keyed to the existing floor. And it doesn't take much $ to exceed that with thickness and psi.

Garage door rails are raised with the ceiling - requires spring upgrade and possibly opener upgrade. Seen here

Garage Journal thread documenting the work to install a full size 2 post lift in a typical 2 car garage with 9ft ceilings.

Something to consider- I used a local installer to source my 2 post lift (got the name from a local shop.)He offered a 12k lbs Rotary Asym. (repo'd) delivered, installed, 1 yr. parts/service warranty for $2200. The price was competitive with a new no-name brand- which I would then need to pick up and install myself. I figured having a local contact was a bonus if it needed service. I just missed out on all the 8k lbs 2 post lifts he had from Saturn dealerships- $1600 installed.

I didn't realize I got such a steal. I bought it from a guy that Jason @ Enthuza turned me on to. I had him fab some exhaust for the Lexus and he had just gotten the lift when I picked the car up. He put me in touch with a guy here in Atlanta named Mike Hickam that sells all sorts of garage equipment. It was $1300 picked up, $1400 delivered, or $1500 delivered and installed. I opted for #2, so technically I paid $1400.

You can and *should* bolt it down, but mine isn't bolted to the floor yet so I can reposition the ramps as needed.

Looks like getting to know the local guy is key.

Anyone have a Direct Lift 8S? I'd be interesting in hearing your real life experience with it, what it was like to assemble, what you've lifted with it, etc.

Four Post Lift - Pro Park 8S (Standard)

https://www.miataturbo.net/attachmen...ine=1393868676

A quick google search (aka: not reliable) reveals that you can get a useful 2 post lift for roughly $500 less. Why not that route? You can still park a car under, and it's actually useful for things besides lifting on the car. You know, like working on it.

First of all, I won't buy a lift without ALI/ETL certification, and I don't know if there's any sub $2k two post lifts out there with that. Secondly, the main reason I'm looking at 4 post is because my concrete floor might just barely be thick enough to support a 2 post at 4". I would prefer a greater safety margin than that. A 4 post lift doesn't need to be bolted down. Third, I'm not sure it's ok to store a car on a two post with the suspension at full extension for long periods of time. And with the 4 post I linked there are no posts right at the drivers door to avoid smacking when I get in and out of the car so it will be a lot more livable.

Yes, a 4 post lift makes it more difficult for wheel work but it still can be done with jack trays that let you lift the wheels off the runway. But the fact that you can still access a great deal under the car and it's a nice storage solution outweighs those downsides in my mind. Each lift style (2 post, 4 post, or mid-rise scissors) has it's own ups and downs.

The 9000FP from Worth Equipment claims to be only 108" inches tall. I might be able to fit that in my garage.

I've had a DirectLift asymmetric 2-post for about 4 years now. No major issues, and I think it was $1700 picked up. I doubt it would hold up as well if I were lifting 5,000lb+ cars on a daily basis, but if you need to put a 2500lb sports car in the air every once in a while, it's the way to go. No experience with the 4-post version, but I wouldn't let the low price scare you away.

Definitely like this one better than the other one on page 2 because of the extra bracing up top. Dont really like the 4 bolts per side holding all the force especially with the leverage added to the arms.

One little crack in the garage floor of either of the 2 outside bolts and the entire thing goes down.

That shouldn't stop you IF you really prefer the 2 post. fwiw- Standard procedure is to demo, excavate and install concrete to the manufacturers spec (or beyond.) The installer I got my two post lift from said this actually the procedure he always uses for commercial lifts (the kind that pick up heavy equipment- utility trucks, school buses) because there's never existing concrete meeting the requirements for these lifts on site.

Based in your experience do you have any ideas as to ballpark figure for cutting out, say two 4x4 foot areas and pouring them 6-8" deep? I have no idea if this is a $500 or $1000 job. Probably depends on how far the concrete truck needs to drive.

- Rent a stone saw with diamond blade to cut perimeter. If you have a friend who is a landscaper he/she would likely have the saw and blade for cutting patio stones or interlock so borrow it.
- Try using a sledge to break-up the concrete into manageable pieces.
- If this doesn't work you can:

a) Rent an electric jack hammer and break it up (Note: I used air powered hammers which are significantly better so I would ask the rental company how effective an electric unit is at your floors depth) or
b) Cut the chunk into smaller squares and use a pry-bar.

If the concrete is thicker than the blade depth you will still need to score the perimeter to ensure that the jack hammer doesn't break up the portion of the floor you want to leave intact.

All this comes from years of breaking-up concrete pool decks which varied significantly in depth. I personally (might be biased) would attempt it on my own. If I had these tools in hand and the depth was only a few inches I could have it done in less than a hour. NOTE: If your floor is reinforced with loads of rebar it might be worth paying. In this case you would have to break it up and then pry the broken pieces until you can use metal snips to cut rebar.

Obviously when the concrete is removed get out the shovel and dig. When you have prepped the area to the extent you are willing to go then pay for the pouring. Someone might know the concrete process and could give you the DIY, but given what is being lifted I would personally feel safer paying.

^True. Cost would depend on too many factors to guess, but I would definitely lean towards the lower figure. You can buy sacks of 4000psi fiber reinforced concrete at bldg supply stores. Rebar on the pads needs to be keyed to existing slab- but these specs can be had from the lift manufacturer. I bought my lift from a local certified installer. He located, inventoried (check/replaced all parts), delivered and installed a repo'd Rotary 10k unit for $2500- then warranted it for 1 year. I was considering a lighter duty new no-name lift, but opted for this instead. So you might ask around and see if you can find a local installer who comes across repos or deinstalls. The guy who did mine said I just missed a load (18) 8k lifts from Saturn dealerships - he was reselling them for $1500 installed.

Thanks. You're right, cutting it up and digging does sound like a an easy enough DIY job.

I've been barking up that tree for nearly a year. The closest I got was someone that had repo'd a nice Rotary two post with 12' columns and but that wouldn't fit in my garage. He said I "just missed" a bunch of good stuff when I first started talking to him, including a practically brand new 4 post from a Cadillac dealership that traded it in for a 2 post. He said that dealer couldn't give it away for scrap prices for a while. I'd like to know where these deals are now that I'm actually looking.

Anyone have this system? I don't see a picture of it in this thread, so i assume it hasn't been brought up. I see the bend pak one. This one is very similar costs slightly less and you can't drive over it, or aren't supposed to.

Ranger 5175185 3,500 Lb. Capacity QuickJack™

https://www.miataturbo.net/attachmen...ine=1393977775


Thinking about it for the garage, just to get the cars up in the air quickly. Portable. Usable at the track / autocross(with the 12v system(but i have a 110 inverter i'm sure it would work on)). Could take over to peoples houses, or shop.

Not sure how good it would be for exhaust, or transmission work as you can't get under from the sides. But it gets the car pretty far off the ground. It's small and perfect for our little cars.

I'm seriously considering this. I'm sick of driving up on blocks and spending an hour just getting my car in the air.

Raise your herra frush ride height and get this jack if you just want to avoid spending an hour getting it up. Reaches all the way to the front subframe from the front, wont reach the diff in the back (because the cross brace, would reach on a 1.6), but you only have to go to the bolt for the cross brace in the rear. Have the car up to the max height of the jack stands in 10 minutes.

Not a bad price, and I've considered it, but I really want something that will lift the Tacoma as well. Those suckers are heavy, over 4200 pounds. As a result, I'm seriously considering the EZcarlift. Sure it's expensive for non-powered, but it does what I want with no concrete work. Best of all, it is portable if I need to move it.

I'm on stock suspension fool.
Also i lift the back of the car from the rear tow hook. It works fine, have never had an issue.
I think this company (ranger)(look them up, they're pretty well known) is making a 5000lb lift just like the one i posted. Im almost positive, but it won't be released until later this year.

Can't find anything about a 5,000# version. If there was, I'd be ordering right now.

Thread: What I've been testing (QUICKJACK by Ranger Products)! - The Garage Journal Board

5k version post #49: The Garage Journal Board - View Single Post - What I've been testing (QUICKJACK by Ranger Products)!


Keep reading through that.
I guess they were supposed to ship mid February. Though that's what we were told about TECNA's too. :)