| Author | Message | ||
     PETER DIXON Frequent User Username: petenlinid Post Number: 52 Registered: 8-2003 |
I assume that many readers of this forum own their own car hoists. Having committed myself to continued nurturing my Silver Shadow a bit longer and acknowledging that economics demand that to do so I need to undertake more of the maintenance and repairs myself in future than I have in the past, and having spent the last two days flat on my back doing relatively minor tasks that should have taken me a quarter of the time I am seriously considering installing one myself. I would appreciate any comments and recommendations on best type for purpose, suppliers etc. I Was considering a 2 post, 4 ton, single phase (240V) mostly because the are much cheaper than 4 post. Any advice and recommendations would be greatly appreciated. I should say that love working on the old girl but would love it even more if it was a tad easier. | ||
| Martin Cutler Prolific User Username: martin_cutler Post Number: 187 Registered: 7-2007 |
Hi Peter, I have 4 hoists in my workshop, favourite for working on old cars is a Bishamon 4 poster, with scissor plate in the middle, means I can lift the front or rear wheels off the ground. Don't really like lifting chassis cars on a 2 poster, but on a monocoque car like a shadow, it should be ok. Bought the Bishamon second hand for $4000, runs 3 phase. Cheers Marty | ||
| Nigel Johnson Frequent User Username: nigel_johnson Post Number: 75 Registered: 12-2008 |
I'm not to sure about lifting Shadows and Spirits on post lifts. ACH 01253 had been lifted on a four poster and the back flanges on the jacking points were damaged.How about a conventional roll on lift or even dig a pit. Regards Nigel | ||
| PETER DIXON Frequent User Username: petenlinid Post Number: 53 Registered: 8-2003 |
Many thanks to all for your responses. I have pretty much settled on the 2 post 4 ton hoist concept plus the use of extra supports front and rear as and when necessary. I still struggle with the idea of having all those mechanical bits and pieces hanging off a suspended body, but by a multitude of sources I am assured it is the only way to go. It's also useful that the 2 post fully installed will cost only slightly more than half the price of a 4 poster. | ||
| Brian Vogel Frequent User Username: guyslp Post Number: 67 Registered: 6-2009 |
Peter, I've lifted SRH33576, my '78 Silver Shadow II, on a two-post Rotary lift many times and it's been just fine. The only thing I'd strongly recommend is using sill blocks at the lift points just like you'd do if you were lowering the car on to jack stands (or if you're jacking the car up at the side center jacking point with a floor jack). Brian | ||
| Jan Forrest Grand Master Username: got_one Post Number: 336 Registered: 1-2008 |
As best as I recall, without resorting to delving into the workshop manual again, I believe that Crewe recommend that the rear wheels not be allowed to hang from the rebound straps for extended periods of time as it can strain the Detroit joints at the inner ends of the drive shafts. Although I think that this can be mitigated by removing the rear wheels to relieve some of the weight. Even so I would still slip a chock of timber into each of the straps to limit the drop of the drive shafts before lifting the car if it was to remain up in the air for long. | ||
| Lungmuss Unregistered guest Posted From: 92.13.21.58 |
Hello Jan, Just seen this thread re: hoists. I believe you are based in the UK? About 2 years ago I purchased a 3 ton scissor lift from www.automotechservices.co.uk. I see from their website they are also suppplying 2 post lifts etc. The company is based in Staffordshire if you would like more details I would be pleased to assist. Good luck, Clive (Message approved by david_gore) | ||
| Jeffrey McCarthy Prolific User Username: jefmac2003 Post Number: 294 Registered: 5-2007 |
Just on this. The problem for most of us would be where to put the lift; not having a garage a)with enough vertical space and b)horizontal space to be able to park the car and still open the doors. I have the space outdoors to do it but obviously it's not a good idea to put an electric lift outdoors. The best suggestion, short of digging a pit, that I've come across is one of those drive on cantilevered contraptions they use in car yards. The ones where you drive up a ramp and when you cross the fulcrum the rear end of the ramp lifts up. Apparently used ones come on the market from time to time. SRH20280 is currently at the colour painting stage - apparently I'm going to meet her again in the fullness of time...  | ||
| PETER DIXON Frequent User Username: petenlinid Post Number: 54 Registered: 8-2003 |
Once again thanks for the food for thought regarding this matter. After a bit more research and discussion with private hoist owners and my wife (who absolutely hates the concept of only two posts holding up "that great big car") I have changed my mind in favour of a four poster. Net result is I have bought a professionally reconditioned Tecalamite with a portable jacking beam, giving me a bit of the best of both worlds. One thing I have learned from this process is that there are one or two really shonkey dealers out there who are selling absolute junk followed up with the same quality of support and after sales service. It is very much a case of caveat emptor. | ||
| lungmuss Unregistered guest Posted From: 92.5.147.87 |
Hello Jeffrey, I had a similar problem of where to put a 4 or 2 post lift. I chose the scissor lift as although it is outside under my carport it would fit easily in a garage. it goes almost flat to the floor, requires a flat hard surface and you can store it under the car. I wrote a short piece for Rob's Crew'd Jottings issue 26, page 6 with photo's and a diagram. Again any questions or further information I would be pleased to help. Just to say I wish I had purchased one years ago. Good luck, Clive (Message approved by david_gore) | ||
| Nigel Johnson Frequent User Username: nigel_johnson Post Number: 76 Registered: 12-2008 |
Sorry, I made the assumption that a four post lift was the type with adjustable arms that radiate from a central ram. I live and learn, the role on type are excellent. Regards, Nigel. | ||
| Dave Puttock Experienced User Username: ariel Post Number: 25 Registered: 5-2010 |
I once saw a 4 post lift outside with a carport type roof over it, such that when the lift went up the roof went up with it. The rest of the time it just looked like a regular car port. Quit clever I thought and unobtrusive. | ||
| Omar M. Shams Grand Master Username: omar Post Number: 1364 Registered: 4-2009 |
look at this guys.................. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4k4AFt9lf7k | ||
| Geoff Wootton Grand Master Username: dounraey Post Number: 1864 Registered: 5-2012 |
Hi Omar From the video I saw that the operator used a kneeling pad. I didn't realize such things existed. I will get one. It will save me having to tie on knee protectors every time I need to get under the car. Geoff | ||
| Omar M. Shams Grand Master Username: omar Post Number: 1366 Registered: 4-2009 |
Dear Geoff, When we had a our Geek Meet last September in Beauliue, Alan, Richard and I saw many stalls selling variations on foam pads for kneeling and working under cars. We also thought that they were a great idea. | ||
| Jan Forrest Grand Master Username: got_one Post Number: 947 Registered: 1-2008 |
Omar. I've checked eBay this evening and the only one I can find on there at the moment comes from Austria and costs €1,200 plus postage. As for the kneeling pad, Geoff; I get mine from the £ shop. Can you guess how much they cost?  | ||
| David Gore Moderator Username: david_gore Post Number: 2748 Registered: 4-2003 |
I use these joinable foam rubber mats on cold concrete floors all the time; soft, comfortable, versatile, easy to clean and cushion dropped tools/parts: https://www.bunnings.com.au/polytuf-50-x-50cm-solid-black-foam-mats-4-pack_p4490383 AUD12 for a pack of 4 - what more can I say...... | ||
| Geoff Wootton Grand Master Username: dounraey Post Number: 1866 Registered: 5-2012 |
Hi Jan Good to see you on the forum again. I was out earlier and picked one up from our local hardware store - Lowes. 10 bucks, so a little more than the pound shop. It's decorated with bright yellow and black stripes to give it the workshop look. I'll use it just as soon as I can get the cat off it. Geoff | ||
| richard george yeaman Grand Master Username: richyrich Post Number: 878 Registered: 4-2012 |
Hi Jan I agree with Geoff. Richard. | ||
| Alan Dibley Prolific User Username: alsdibley Post Number: 113 Registered: 10-2009 |
A bit of ostentation here. My kneeling pads are a pair of ex-Silver Spirit lambswool rugs. Super comfortable and washable. My choice of car-lifter is a half-pit/half-ramp outside under the car port. It solves the weather problem and the height problem. Folk said "Beware the fume build-up in the pit" but a gentle breeze solves that and in extreme conditions I've used a fan to clear a bit of petrol fume, with anti-spark precautions. About 3 feet deep pit (with stairs at one end) + 2 feet high ramp made of breeze-blocks (so no danger of collapse or falling off. Alan D. |
