tbennett017

I think I have finally mentally pulled the trigger on a Mid-rise lift. I checked out the Bend Pak yesterday and it's pretty cool. I was holding out for a two-post, but really the mid-rise makes more sense, especially with the moveable arms for setting the pickup points. I can get one shipped free for $1900

Thinking about this one:
http://www.bendpak.com/car-lifts/spe...ts/md-6xp.aspx

and I know a lot of you have experience with these. I'll want to build 'ramps' around it as the drive-over height is 4.75" and the 964 has many points lower than that.

Any hints? Thoughts? Favorite dealers?

RicardoD

You don't want to go with a maxjax or something similar? Much more free access for under the car.

tbennett017

The issue there is that I don't have the concrete depth in my garage to mount the posts. I might do a MaxJax later if/when i pour a new garage foundation, but for this year I think the BendPak works. I have a two-car garage now, and I also wonder if the lift posts will 'widen' my allotted space in the garage. I need to accommodate my wife's car in the same space... and this will cut down on the room.

I do like a two-post design, especially for long term as I'll want to store one car above another in the winters.

RicardoD

With your space constraints, you are right, the mid-rise may be the way to go. Sure beats jacking up the car and using jack stands. Can you do an engine drop with one of these?

tbennett017

I think so... as there is clear space behind the wheels. I can also use the blocks to raise the car up above the floor of the jack itself by a few inches.

Laker

LouZ has dropped his engine with another brand:
https://rennlist.com/forums/964-foru...ar-lift.html#3

jimq

I have the bend pak lift for about 6 years and it paid for itself many times, I think it was $1500 when i got mine. I am going to use it next week on the 996TT to do a clutch accumulator change out. Sure nice to sit on a rolling chair while working on the car. My ramps are 2 - 2x12's with beveled end. It helps to bolt or pin the ramps to the floor so they dont move around. I park on top of mine. This is the day i put it together.

DWS964

Modifying a BendPak mid rise lift for dropping an engine:
LINK

LouZ

Yea, many times! Just like the Bend PAC. I just cut off the rear crossmember, there are no obvious problems removing it.

Unfortunately, I just returned from a DE at Summit Point, where I blew the differential, so I will be putting the scissors lift to use again!

To raise the car enough to clear the lift, use the JimQ approach. I got 2x12 x 12' long, cut 2' off the end on a 45 degree angle. Get a 2x4 and cut it in 12" pieces ( really 11 1/2", the width of the 2 x 12). Fasten the cut 2x4's about 1' apart from front to back, then at the end, fasten the cut 2' long 2x12 so about 1' extends out the back. This makes a good ramp. I also added another 2x4 on the top at the other end to act as a stop.

I also got a set (4) 6" carriage bolts and drilled thru the ramp, right into the concrete so I drop a bolt through the ramp and concrete so the ramp won't slide on you when you drive up. I'm not home to take a pix of the ramp. If you need a picture, let me know.

Marc Shaw

I love my MD-6XP.

I built a frame around it too using 2 x 12 and 2 x 4 lumber that fits together like Lincoln-Logs so can be completely removed once the car is up in the air and I can roll stuff underneath easily.

Marc

RicardoD

Tom,

I forgot Marc has a mid-rise lift. With all the stuff I've seen Marc do to his car I think your all set.

tbennett017

Yeah, I'm in the "if Marc Shaw does it, I bet it works just fine" camp... Thanks for the advice guys. I am intrigued by cutting off the rear crossmember on the lift, but always leery about modifying safety gear... Thanks for all the input. Will happen as an early birthday present next month. I'll keep you updated. :-)

jimq

weld a piece on each side with a hole in them then you can bolt the bar back on when you dont need it out of the way.