car lifts?

[cooter9]

Has anyone here had experience with "Kwiklift"? I really need something besides jack stands do to my Packard and everyday car work. Jack stands just seem to be in the way and not as safe. Any homemade ideas out there? I am trying to find a safe but economical way.

[tbirdman]

I have a Rotary 4 post lift. However when I was doing my lift research I did not hear anything bad about Kwiklift. It seemed to be a economical and safe way to get under the car.

[Guest imported_Speedster]

Car Lifts ...... Ah yes, That's those Expensive Fancy things, I've seen on TV. <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" /> I only recently traded in my Cinder-blocks for Jack-stands. <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/shocked.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> I do have a good A-frame, I built, for pulling engines and bodies, tho. <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

[tbirdman]

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> Car Lifts ...... Ah yes, That's those Expensive Fancy things, I've seen on TV. <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" /> I only recently traded in my Cinder-blocks for Jack-stands. <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/shocked.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> I do have a good A-frame, I built, for pulling engines and bodies, tho. <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" /> </div></div>

I figured since I wanted to work under my car, and I didn't trust my ability to safely put jackstands, I felt the $ spent was worth it. I was surprised by the number of people who indicated that they knew someone killed by a falling car. Unfortunately my ceiling is too low to park another car under or stand up but it serves the purpose.

[tbirdman]

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">

I never quite understood the appeal of a four-post lift - except for, perhaps, parking two cars in one bay (provided your garage door doesn't get in the way). However, while the area beneath the car is completely open with a 4-poster, the wheels are still under load, meaning you'll have to spend more $$$ for some kind of jack (like those used on alignment racks) for tire, brake, and suspension work.

A two-post, above-ground lift, like the Bend-Pak MX-7CP, that provides a clear-floor underneath the raised car seems like a better choice, especially for tranny R&I and exhaust work, but they cost upwards of $3K (or more). Also, the two posts above the ground often get in the way of opening the doors.

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I did a complete rear end rebuilt and did front end suspension work without having to spend a lot of extra $$$. Just need to jack up the tires off the lift using inexpensive bottle jacks and jack stands. It would be feasible in a commercial space, but for the home owner who's projects are not time constrained, is not an issue. Also besides the possibility of parking underneath, the lift can be moved around the garage or into your driveway if you wish.

The two post lift needs to permanently anchored in the concrete and needs a thicker concrete floor than is normally used in home garage construction.

If I didn't have the $ for a four post, I might have gone the Kwiklift route.

[Guest imported_Speedster]

Yes, there are some new designs of portable lifts, I've seen on TV, that look Great. <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

I wish I had the space and money to 'Test' a few of them. <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/crazy.gif" alt="" />

[cooter9]

I think I am going to try the Kwiklift but would rather get a used one from someone who needs or wants to get rid of theirs. Anyone out there wanting to let go of their Kwiklift?

[Guest imported_Speedster]

I would think trying to find a good Used one of those, would be like trying to a buy a good Used Duesenberg. <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/crazy.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

[tbirdman]

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> I would think trying to find a good Used one of those, would be like trying to a buy a good Used Duesenberg. <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/crazy.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> </div></div>

I actually see them come up for sale every so often, but toughest thing is finding one close by so you can go and pick it up. If I remember correctly, you don't save much by buying used...at least to the asking price.

This Corvette Forum had a few posts about lifts when I was looking.

[cooter9]

I looked on the Corvette forum and their are a ton of topics, where did you find it? Under what heading?

[tbirdman]

Do a search under lift or lifts and you will fine a bunch of posts.

[tbirdman]

Actually if you haven't built your shop yet and you have the room, a used commercial lift is the cheapest and best bet. However they take up more than a single bay in a normal garage.

If I had been in this hobby 10 years ago when I bought my house,things might had been different i.e. buying a house with an RV garage or even buying another house with higher ceilings. It's not... fair... my neighbor's have 12' ceilings.