Author Topic: Car Lift (Read 11532 times)

crossboss · « **on:** June 14, 2019, 01:42:19 PM »

Boys,
What brand car lift are you using? Bendpak two or four post? Considering buying one after all these years…what do you guys recommend. Thanks in advance.

69Z28-RS · « **Reply #1 on:** June 14, 2019, 01:56:13 PM »

I have both. I purchased a 'Superior' 4-post many years ago to get an additional 'parking place' in my garage. It works for such 'double parking' IF you have sufficient ceiling height. Mine worked for two Corvettes but not for anything taller. The only 'work' I've been able to do using the 4-post is to remove/install C4 Corvette exhaust, which come right down the center of the car adjacent to the driveshaft.

A couple of years ago I purchased a 2-post (Atlas 8000) which is a good inexpensive lift. I've used it for practically everything for the past 2 yrs while building a custom '57 Nomad. I probably had the body up/down off the frame 2 dozen times. If you want to WORK on the underside of your car, from wheels/tires/brakes to exhaust etc, the two post is the way to go IMO.

Pacecarjeff · « **Reply #2 on:** June 14, 2019, 04:53:37 PM »

I've had my Mohawk 2 post lift for over 15 years. With an 8 ft. garage ceiling, the wife's car can still fit between the hanging down wheels.
A 4 post would never allow that. - - No, I can't stand completely upright underneath, so I use a reclining office chair - works just fine.

Mike S · « **Reply #3 on:** June 14, 2019, 05:04:03 PM »

The last time I had a cat on my car, it left a claw mark in the clear coat on the fender (must have been when it jumped up and used its hind legs to climb). I had to scuff & re-clear the whole fender.

Mike

R68GTO · « **Reply #4 on:** June 15, 2019, 12:28:57 AM »

I have a Bendpak HD9-XW. Selected a lift, then built my garage around it lol. 14 foot ceiling height so I can raise my car all the way up with the hood open and still clear the lights on the ceiling. Can get my 1/2 ton pickup underneath it. Also bought an air-powered lift jack to make wheel work easy with a 4 post lift. The lift is by far the best tool I ever bought.

BillOhio · « **Reply #5 on:** June 15, 2019, 02:47:15 AM »

I just bought a challenger 9000 pound 4 post. My dealer sold them and bend pak. He said they had better luck with warrantee issues and getting parts with challenger. They are in Louisville Ky. About the biggest difference I could see, bendpak needs an air supply to release the locks, the challenger has a lever. I believe both need to be held until the lift is clear down. I dont have a compressor on all the time so this worked out ok. Bendpak does have a device that is supposed to pump a bit of air as it goes up and store it. The salesman told me after I had bought mine, that the installers didnt like the device. Not sure why. They wanted 850 to deliver and assemble mine and a friend and I did it ourselves. We had a bit of a snag but wasnt bad after we got it moved in the building. It is heavy and we used a skid loader.

crossboss · « **Reply #6 on:** June 15, 2019, 01:58:10 PM »

Boys,
I appreciate everyone's input! Looks like the two post is for me…this way I can lift my car, and do some work with wheels, tires, suspension, etc not installed.

janobyte · « **Reply #7 on:** June 15, 2019, 04:57:53 PM »

I got a 12000# 2 post we pulled out of a closed Cadillac dealership. With 12' ceilings, just cleared, we set up between the joists.easy job for me and three buddies. Have to look at the paperwork, as the shop painted all the lifts red, but Bendpak rings a bell. I like the cross brace at top which tie the posts together. Also pulled out a 1200# hydro trans jack, which has way more uses then just trans work. AND four tripod screw jacks. Strongly reccomend those for stability. They also come in real handy doing suspension work . And serve to keep the wheels from free hanging while the cars stored. I use cardboard on the pads also for added underbody finish protection. My old f250 doesn't get that special treatment, lol. You will need , or makes the job way easier, a rotohammer drill motor for the wedge anchors. My 1/2 " Milwaukee worked great. My buddy brought his shim kit over to get the posts perfect. Only talking maybe a few thousandth off,mine was anyway probably not a must. But nice to have if you need them.

Charley · « **Reply #8 on:** June 16, 2019, 12:10:59 AM »

I have both a two and four post. I love the 4 post and hate the 2. 90% of needing the car up in the air for me is routine stuff that a 4 post handles just fine. For most other things including removing wheels I have a sliding jack that will lift the front or rear off the ground quickly. I just hate having to make sure you have the car in just the right spot with the two post. You end up getting down on your knees numerous time getting the arms in the right spot. Four post I just drive right on. My back is junk so I'm kinda biased as I don't work on stuff as much anymore.

maroman · « **Reply #9 on:** June 16, 2019, 01:02:04 AM »

Have a 2 post, 7000 lb. need to look at the name. It was used very little before I got it and still is used very little. If you buy used contact the manuf. and get installation instructions before you do anything. Mine only required 5 inches of concrete under the feet. I put about 10 and got 9 inch anchors, 3/4 diameter. Easy to install, don't be scared.

JKZ27 · « **Reply #10 on:** June 16, 2019, 01:04:36 PM »

We use mostly Rotary asymmetrical two posts at work all day, probably the best. We also have a Challenger asymmetrical that gets constant use and I feel like it's as good as anything out there and possibly a little easier to set a car or truck on than the Rotary. The Challenger has round, screw type feet with rubber pads.
I installed a Rotary two post in-ground lift at home because I got a deal and I dislike the clutter of an above ground lift in a small garage. I realize that's not very practical for most.

John.

janobyte · « **Reply #11 on:** June 16, 2019, 01:43:00 PM »

Found the paperwork: Forward

Charley · « **Reply #12 on:** June 16, 2019, 05:49:36 PM »

I also like being able to roll the 4 post lift outside if I want to pressure wash the underside of the car.

jacmac · « **Reply #13 on:** June 16, 2019, 11:20:34 PM »

Ive had a 4 post for about 6-7yrs.I feel better with a 4 post but dont quite have as much access.
Backyard buddy.

uscrichter · « **Reply #14 on:** June 27, 2019, 09:01:08 PM »

If you are working on or planning on restoring a car two post are the only way to go! with easy access to all mechanical parts.

TODD · « **Reply #15 on:** June 28, 2019, 12:19:46 PM »

Love my two post but can see Charley's point on a lift you use often for service the 4 post would be superior, just drive on and go to work. Now if you're doing rebuild work then I think a two post shines. Heck buy both and then you'll have the best of both worlds.
My back is also junk so whether a two post or four I wouldn't be without one.

Kelley W King · « **Reply #16 on:** July 20, 2019, 11:48:11 PM »

Guys, I just installed an Atlas 4 post today. All went well until testing it. It went up fine but will not come down. Loosened the cables so it is not hydraulics . Have manualy held the safety locks since the linkage looked suspect, but it seems to bind coming down. Does not have a car on it. It is square and level?

69Z28-RS · « **Reply #17 on:** July 21, 2019, 01:18:09 AM »

I had no problem with mine, but I did call the supplier to replace a part. Call them... they should be able to help

Kelley W King · « **Reply #18 on:** July 22, 2019, 01:52:18 AM »

Left Atlas a voice mail. They are closed for weekend. I will see what they say.

Kelley W King · « **Reply #19 on:** July 23, 2019, 01:25:04 AM »

Called Atlas today, very helpfull and polite. Appears the cable routing diagram in the instructions is a little off. I did not know about the secondary locks nor is there any mention in the instructions. 15 minute fix and the lift works great. Should work well for cleaning for shows and minor work.

69Z28-RS · « **Reply #20 on:** July 23, 2019, 02:13:05 AM »

I've been very happy with my Atlas 8000 for the past 2 yrs... great tool for the price!

Charley · « **Reply #21 on:** July 23, 2019, 12:42:04 PM »

Kelly..Did you get the sliding jack ? I see them at trade shows for 500.00 but some places online have them higher. Very handy.

Kelley W King · « **Reply #22 on:** July 23, 2019, 07:58:58 PM »

I did not get the jack but it came with the tray. Might get it later but I wanted to try some ideas like a couple junkyard sissor jacks with socket heads I can run with my air tools. If things don,t work out I will order or pick up the jack. Should have got the lift a long time ago.

Charley · « **Reply #23 on:** July 23, 2019, 11:24:55 PM »

The above pictured jack can be found for 500.00 and worth every penny. Better than a scissor jack as it has safety stops. The also make the same one that uses air instead of the porta power unit but it costs more.

Tinkerr · « **Reply #24 on:** July 24, 2019, 09:02:30 PM »

I have one of the bridge jacks,very handy. I often wish I had a second one for tire rotation and such, but there are times when they get in the way. I don't know how much they weigh, fortunately they're designed to slide because your not picking them and moving it around. I used a engine hoist to set mine between the rails.

Kelley W King · « **Reply #25 on:** July 30, 2019, 12:56:50 PM »

After playing around with my new lift the jack is on my list. The lift is great for underside cleaning and servicing. I need to search my 302 better for a possible vin that I have not found on the side of the block also.

69Z28-RS · « **Reply #26 on:** July 30, 2019, 02:04:20 PM »

Not having the VIN stamped into the machined surface at the front of the block bothered me so badly, that after a few years, I pulled the engine and spent a LOT of time .. cleaning, illuminating, photographing, etc.. until I could *see* the VIN in the cast surface. It looks so 'clear' to me now, that it's hard to believe it took so much effort to finally 'see' it and photograph it..

After the effort I went thru, It's difficult for me to believe that the cast surface stamped VIN could be read on an 'in-place' engine. It's also difficult for me to understand WHY GM chose to do that..

? Maybe that was a means that some smart ass GM executive chose to thumb his nose at the state of Georgia for requiring VIN information on engines and trans??

Kelley W King · « **Reply #27 on:** July 30, 2019, 07:07:12 PM »

I think with the new lift and my access to better lights and tools I can find it if it is there. Might try a gentle rub with laquer thinner to clean off the paint. The previous owner said he never even tried.

69Z28-RS · « **Reply #28 on:** July 31, 2019, 02:11:01 AM »

Good luck! and let us know what you find... take a photo if you can?

Gary

Charley · « **Reply #29 on:** July 31, 2019, 03:01:05 PM »

A I-phone is great for reaching up to the side of the block to take pics. Also they sell cheap borescope wifi cameras.

https://www.amazon.com/DBPOWER-Semi-rigid-Adjustable-Waterproof-Telescoping/dp/B075ST873B/ref=sr_1_4?keywords=borescope+camera&qid=1564585343&s=electronics&sr=1-4

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Author Topic: Car Lift (Read 11532 times)