Aspkiller

[B][B]Finally decided to give up on the 4 post idea and go with a two post lift, in spite of the fact that the posts were taller than the ceiling. Several mfgs make short columm two post lifts that only go to about 9'5". My ceiling was 9'-0", but the ceiling (floor) joists above were 16" deep, leaving enough room to cut a hole in the lid and angle/slide them into place.

One downside to this lift is the need to put the cables and hoses on the floor, under a plate. It interupts te easy manuvering of a wheeled seat under the car.

The bottom of the 928 tranny carrier is at 60", which doesn't let too many of us stand up straight. I could squeeze another 3.75" out of this particular lift, but would run the risk of hitting the ceiling when releasing the safety stop. After a couple of stiff necks and pulled muscles, I got several different chairs to use when I'm going to be in one place for more than a few seconds.

Now that I have it, can't believe I waited so long to get one.

finally!

DAYUM! That garage ROCKS!

Can I come move in with you?

Aspkiller

Be careful what you wish for. More space = more junk & more to clean (as in floor mops and buckets).

S4ordie

Now that is some engineering. Why not trench out under the lift to get the added headroom. I'm serious, not trying to sound like a smart a$$.

Lizard928

Just remember to close your hood and hatch before raising the car!!!

I am so thankful that I managed to get 2x two post hoists for a smokin deal. And glad the shop has a 24' ceiling!

Aspkiller

Thought about it Dan and may still do it. But for now, most of the work I do here in Phoenix is pretty normal maintenance stuff. Oil changes and brake/tire/alignment work are the main things. Occasionally find myself doing an r & r on an exhaust. It's just really nice being able to lift and lower a number of times without jacks, jack stands and creepers.

Randy V

Nice.

Aspkiller

Colin-
The race car has a wing problem, so I have to keep a pretty good eye on it. But the hoods just kind of close on their own if they are up. What I also have to watch is the beam that is just in front of the windscreen. Get too far forward and it can hit before getting to the last stop. That's why there is a yellow tennis ball hanging down from the ceiling to mark the stopping point.

But the thing I wanted to point out is that some garages with low ceilings have attic space above that would allow for taller lift posts. Some might even be able to rework the trusses to allow for a full height lift.

Imo000

Uhhhhhhh Hhmm..... that's a pretty good idea.

IcemanG17

Me likey the garage.......

dr bob

Larry--

Nice install, and a very creative solution to the height problem.


Now for some other news...

Most garage ceilings are currently spec'd to at least a 2-hour fire rating when there is living space above. I think that's a double 5/8" fire-code rated drywall ceiling. I took that a step further, doubling that thickness around the support beams in my ceiling. The opening you have for the column will look a lot like a chimney flu to a fire, so the double-double thick approach is probably appropriate there. Turns out drywall is pretty cheap. Plus your fire/homeowner's insurance might not cover you with those holes if a fire starts in your workspace and eats the house.

HTH!

G Man

That is very nice. Is there some sort of stop or limiting device built into the lift so it will stop automatically when it gets to your desired max height?

Richard S

Your garage is so big you need a shopping cart to fetch the parts? That's awesome!

Rich

jeff spahn

I agree with Dr. Bob. The best way to fix your ceiling for fire code would be to dry wall up to the opening of the posts and use a fire stop caulk to seal around the post where the drywall meets. This should meet code for you. I was looking at the thickness and it could be a 3/4" drywall you have there. Some states use that as fire code in the garage between living spaces as well. Just use the cutouts you have from the posts and make the patches from that. The fire stop caulk is expensive but works.

Aspkiller

I'm what is built into the lift to keep it from lifting my bed in the room above. Marks on the post tell me where the last safe stop is.

Insurance wise, if it burned today, no problem with coverage. That being said, the holes have been framed in with a fire stop. While this was the first house I ever built for myself, I did build a few hundred for other people.

And, I love my shopping cart. I just wish I had stolen it from Walmart, instead of finding it in my yard.