I have been seeing ads for car lifts. Since I have a garage with a ten foot ceiling and use it only for storing my olds I was dreaming about a lift. Any direction or leads for cheap but safe lifts. Thinking @ $1,200-$ 1,500. Am I way off on price. I have seen prices up to 3500 bucks. Just want it for hobby work on the 88.

 

http://www.garagegadgetsinc.com/prod...products_id=32

Here's one place with reasonable prices. I'm making no claim about how good they or anything else about them. I have no experience with any of their products. Just throwing it out there.

 

Just MHO, I would go cheap on this item. You're going to be under the thing

 

What, you don't like him?

 

Jamesbro - I think you meant WOULDN'T GO CHEAP!!!

 

I like it better the first way. Freud would have a field day.

 

You get what you pay for...the cheap Chi-Com lifts are just that.

I bought a used Weaver over 15 years ago... a big HD 9K two post that has been bulletproof... paid $1800.00.

 

I would recommend a bend-pak. Not too expensive but still twice what you want to pay.
Are you talking about a 4 post? If so, I would buy the HD9.
Your 88 is a big car.
If you're talking about a two post, you'll likely need to modify the concrete where the posts go.
Also, with a 10 foot ceiling, you won't be able to stand under your car. Plan on working under it while on a rolling stool. If your planning on parking under it with a 4 post, keep in mind that you will have about 9 feet of space. That would be two cars 4.5 ft. tall cars max. Don't forget to allocate money to modify your garage door to a high lift system.

 

http://www.gregsmithequipment.com/

I have a friend who has one from here, he likes it, I've used it a couple times, seems great to me. Reasonable I think.

 

Sorry fat fingers

DO NOT GO CHEAP

 

I have this one and LOVE it. It is very strong and very safe. Has a safety and a back up safety. Had it for 4 years now with zero troubles. My ceilings are 10'4" and i can get the car all the way up with 2 inches left over.

http://www.gregsmithequipment.com/Atlas-9KBP

 

I have a "Forward" 2-post. rated @ 10,000 lbs. it's been great but have to reinforce someone's earlier post that w/10 ft. ceilings you will have to use a rolling chair or you r going to have a very sore back. I have 12' ceilings and w/hood up my '57 olds hood almost reaches the ceiling. Good luck.

 

Lots of info on www.garagejournal.com .....

 

I understand I will be using a rolling chair. The wife bought me a rolling chair from a used medical supply store and had a buddy weld on a tool rack .( Since I mentioned the medical supply store, great stuff: chairs rolling tables and cabinets cheap and great quality) I plan on doing a great deal of sanding and painting under the car. great suggestions and leads..

 

Sanding under the car = safety glasses or face shield
Sorry for mentioning the obvious but I know someone with a real bad story.
Don't be the guy someone knows with a bad story.

 

I have a Bend-Pak HD9 in a 12' garage and that is perfect. You will be a bit short with only 10'. I agree with others. Do not skimp. A good lift is money well spent.

 

Hi Also remember that a 4 poster takes up alot more room, and you have to jack up the suspension (on the lift) to do any wheel, front end, or rear end servicing. In my opinion adjustable arm 2 post lifts are much more convenient, even though you have to get down on your knees (That's tough for some of us older guys) to set the arms. best of luck! Please let us know what you decide.

 

May want to look for a used one where they have used for a year and need to get rid. Would be a good way to get a better lift at a cheaper price if you have some ability to remove if necessary. Heres a example. http://mankato.craigslist.org/tls/3533910925.html. This lift shows here for 1495.00 probably plus shipping http://www.eautotools.com/Two-Post-L...ifts-s/216.htm

 

The garage door I thought would be a problem...but I can easily change the tracks and adjust it to rake up to the ceiling. I want to get a lift I can take with me if I ever sell my house.

 

For what it's worth....

Someone more knowledgeable than I recently told me that 2 was great for doing work on a car, but it was much wiser to go for 4, if one was planning on storing a vehicle up there for any length of time.

The reason they gave was that cars are designed to sit on the suspension, not be suspended by the frame.

So I guess it just depends on how you plan on using it.

 

Yes, the door was almost an issue for me also. I was able to put the lift in deep enough to not have to change it. To make the door go higher before the arc you will also need to change the pulleys and cables to do it right. also make sure your door has a 2 spring setup. This way if one brakes it will not drop at full force and brake stuff.

like ddd777 said, I can say for sure that a 4 post is best if you are storing a car only. The 4 post is easier and faster to use. I like my 2 post best but i use it to work on them as much as storage.

 

A bridge jack is a nice addition for the 4 post. Makes it pretty easy to jack up for suspension work.

Jeff

 

ttt

Ya JUST CANT BEAT Greg Smith Equipment. They have a full range of models and prices and they are all quality products. Go to their website and shop for what you need and buy with confidence! I have bought numerous stuff from them including power hyd jacks and the stuff is all good and at the best prices!!!

 

I would buy a used name brand lift before I would buy a new cheap Chinese lift. A tool that holds thousands of pounds over your head is not the place to buy junk tools. JMO. I bought a used Rotary a few years back for $900.

 

I am leaning toward a 2 post due to low ceiling. The car will be on the lift only during work and not for storage of any length. I do like Greg Smith equipment. I am looking at a few other manufacturers. I am having a friend from my work complete a test bore on the concrete to assure the lift can be used in my garage. I am sure of the thickness but I am suspicious of the quality. Thanks everyone for leads and opinions...much appreciated.