Agreed, I should have said it's not a DIY, like determining slab thickness.

I like seeing an Instron machine crush concrete core samples

 

Those 2-posts lifts seem flexy and are entirely dependent on the integrity of the concrete it's anchored to. And they'd also need more lateral space than most 4 post, drive on lifts, so you'd only be able to fit one car while this one is up. I like the 4-posts for the security/stability. I do agree with the need to be able to unweight the wheels though.

My Criteria:
Stable
Minimal lateral space needs
Be able to lift suspension/wheels
Low height
What's out there that doesn't cost more than say $1500? $2100 is too much for my budget.

I looked into those BendPak lifts. Only problem is those are made in China. And with all the recalls and substandard products made by American companies trying to save a few dollars while slave-laboring the Chinese, I'd pass on this one.

 

I called a testing company and they told me it would cost around $1200 for them to test my floor if they cut the sample. They want a 4" diameter full thickness core and did not know what the lab would charge if I cut my own core or where I could obtain the equipment to cut the core.

Furthermore, the guy said that most slabs in my area test at around 2500 PSI and he thought it was cheaper to assume that I would need a new footing for the lift anyway...

 

If your house is a newer home and not a custom built, chances are you have a slab that is not thick enough or rated at a high enough PSI. Basement and garage slabs are where they can get away with cutting some expenses. Especially since they will not assume anyone will be putting a lift in.

 

Has anyone purchased a LSS2P-BP (Ragtop Convertible) Lift from The Lift Super Store? It looks like it requires a clearance of 111". That's quite low.

 

Not really... those don't work in garages with ceilings close to 8'...

 

Agreed ^

A while back, I had access to an Instron....and LOTS of liquid nitrogen.....high temperature superconductors were interesting to play with.

 

Wachuco : Not really... those don't work in garages with ceilings close to 8'...

That's right not going to fit a 8' ceiling.
With most 964 @ 51-52 " (+6" Lift minimum clearance) - 96" = 38" left for those very small people.
I could not imagine a garage of only 8'. I am sad I only have 10'.
I guess I should not complain about my 10' ceiling.

 

Got my lift and did the install yesterday:

Here you go... a few photos...

In my case the lift was not lifting even on both columns... even after several tries to bleed the system...

Jeff (Bendpak)made himself available Friday and all day Saturday via phone. Way to go! After several bleeds and one column still lifting higher than the other Jeff suggested that I swap hoses to see if the problem was the flow divider... Sure enough, once the hoses were switch, the other side start to lift higher. So a new Flow Divider is on its way.

Anyway. This thing is awesome!!! :drool: Very smooth lifting, lowering... just awesome! I lifted two of my cars, pushed them while lifted... and all very stable...

You really need to follow the directions on the drilling... after following the instructions all holes aligned perfectly. I made additional holes to swap the towers between the single bay and the double bay. It helps that the hole are symmetrical so turning the tower 180 degrees only requires drilling one more hole for that column.

I did used the shims on one column to make the distance at the bottom of the column and the top to be equal.

I also needed to cut some of the washers to make them fit the colums as some of the holes were to close to the welds...

Anyway, enjoy the photos:

My brother is visiting... so I put him to work drilling the holes...



while I assisted by using the vac





Washers cut to fit...



Drilling on the second bay to have the capability to use on both sides...



One happy camper!

 

A few more:





Let's test it with something light first...





So far, so good...


Here is a single column use setup...



Guys! Looks like this is working... what do you say about trying a car?

 

Even more:

Here I am thinking about lifting the car... point of no return...











Well... it passed the test...







Since it worked with heavier car... let's try a lighter car just for kicks...





This one needed the extensions for the pads





That is all for now... enjoy the rest of the weekend!!!

 

Jaime, great pics, you have the worlds ultimate DIY'ers garage! I appreciated that the tt was the test car and not the 964!

 

No way I was going to risk the 964

 

What's that cool looking parked outside your garage? Looks like a sand rail? Is that yours too?

 

Yea where are you going to park the sand rail now? I noticed you put the lift in its normal parking spot