Since I am setting up a track car I need a place to keep it, and work on it. Also, since my last project of rewiring my car in the carport was such a miserable experience, it could not come at a better time. We moved into the country so I am making good use of the old barns around the property. I would like to get suggestions to make the best of it. I am converting this dairy barn to be a functional work enviremont to keep me out of the elements and have proper lighting. I hope to put a small lift, which I definately need help deciding which would be best. Since I am doing a good bit of the work myself it will be a slow progression. Tommarrow I pour cement where I removed a raised concrete platform used to stand above the cow slop.

Steve

 

looks like some good progress

 

Lots of lights. Like twice as many as you think you need.

Lots of outlets, too.

 

haha van you should see the plans for our new garage. over 6000 square feet with 20' ceilings.

 

And 220 outlets

 

didnt he just say that.

 

no. He said outlets, yes...but by outlets most people assume 110V. I was making the comment to make sure to add a few 220V outlets too as it's sometimes something people overlook or think they won't need. Always nice to have them though.

 

oh haha that went right over my head. I don't have any 220 in my shop and i never need them. we do full maintenance on our fleet.

 

That is going to be a real challenge to put in a lift that is tall enough to walk under. Looks like a good block structure, any chance you could change the roof to allow at least a 12 foot ceiling? With a two pole lift with the cable going across on the floor, the pole are around 9 feet tall. The problem is the car has to be lifted 7 feet and you have to add on the height of the car. You could lift it less or make a slot in the roof structure just big enough for the car to fit into.
http://completehydraulic.com/

Outside of that, a scissor jack would work but you would still need to be on your back under the car. I never liked to look of them, they just don't look stable.

 

or dig a pit to work on under the car

 

Pits are not only dangerous but a complete PITA. Not to mention most home owners insurance companies will not cover them.

It's going to be next to impossible to get a lift in there unless you feel like raising the car up half way and sitting under it.

You could get away with a mid rise and still be able to do 95/100 jobs on your car.

 

Looks like, in the 2nd picture, that if he positions his lift so that it is centered in the peak, he may have enough room.

 

haha he does what i would do. rides the lawn mower around his place hahaahhahha. thats a snapper man! there fast!

 

I'd recommend a scissor lift that you can slide under the car - then you can just lift the car up just a little bit.

 

Thanks for the input.

I thought about a pit. But it seemed to be a major pain to do. I dont need a super lift, as most work I need help w/ my mechanic. He lives about 2 hours away, so anything major i take it to him. We are working out details for another shop build near his house , as his shop stays crammed. I will have a dedicted spot in his new shop. There a lift or two there will not be a problem. I need a spot here for small jobs where I can work out of the elements and have a nice oraniztion of toos. I have no problem working under my car on my back.

BTW look closely that snapper is force fed and does about 50.

Steve