Go Back   The Ford Barn > General Discussion > Model A (1928-31)

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)

Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
Old 02-04-2016, 08:39 PM   #1
charles=fla
Senior Member
 
Join Date: May 2010
Posts: 337
Default need ideas to lift model a on 2 post lift

has anyone made a adapter so as to lift a model a by the 4 wheels,using a 2 post lift..i really don't like lifting the A,using the frame,and have the front en rear axle hanging down..i hope some thinkers out there have figured it out.)..thank you//Charles..)..
charles=fla is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-04-2016, 08:42 PM   #2
Mitch//pa
BANNED
 
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Bucks County, PA
Posts: 11,454
Default Re: need ideas to lift model a on 2 post lift

I have no problem lifting by the frame using 1ft adapters.. A quality lift is essential for stability... Buy a 4 post if it is an issue for you
Mitch//pa is offline   Reply With Quote
Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)
Old 02-04-2016, 09:28 PM   #3
charles=fla
Senior Member
 
Join Date: May 2010
Posts: 337
Default Re: need ideas to lift model a on 2 post lift

...I am looking for a idea on how to lift the A ,using a adapter, using a 2 post lift..anyone have any ideas..or experience??thank you..Charles..)..I saw a old posting where a old garage lifted the A by the front and rear axle ,instead of lifting by the frame..or the wheels..gotta try to sleep en think on that..)..
charles=fla is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-04-2016, 09:37 PM   #4
Mitch//pa
BANNED
 
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Bucks County, PA
Posts: 11,454
Default Re: need ideas to lift model a on 2 post lift

I think I posted that old time picture your talking about.
Good luck
Mitch//pa is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-04-2016, 09:42 PM   #5
Joe31
Senior Member
 
Joe31's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2013
Location: Port Jervis/Greenville
Posts: 208
Default Re: need ideas to lift model a on 2 post lift

I took a 1 3/4" x 14"x 14' long Micro-lam. 1 for each side. drilled 3" holes to sit on lift arms to hold in place.
Plenty strong just drive your A right on. No longer have that set up so I cant give you pictures. Joe
Joe31 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-04-2016, 10:20 PM   #6
tbirdtbird
BANNED
 
Join Date: May 2012
Location: inside your RAM
Posts: 3,134
Default Re: need ideas to lift model a on 2 post lift

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)
The term 2 post lift means something different now than then.
Then it was two large hydraulic cyls in the ground. One was moveable fore and aft. You lined up the stationary rear cyl to the rear axle, and using lever controls moved the front cyl underneath the front axle, and then lifted the entire car by the axles.

The EPA banned all buried hydraulic cyls, so now the cyls must be above ground.
So today a 2-post lift means one on either side of the car with the lift arms to the frame. Using the tall adapters you can get by the brake rods, muffler, etc. An A is not a heavy car and is safe to lift this way. Have hoisted countless hundreds of cars of all vintages this way with no problem. Of course you always check your arm positioning once you make contact with the frame and you always try to wiggle the car once in the air about a foot to check for stability. These are common sense rules of lift usage for any car
__________________
'31 180A
tbirdtbird is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-04-2016, 10:20 PM   #7
charles=fla
Senior Member
 
Join Date: May 2010
Posts: 337
Default Re: need ideas to lift model a on 2 post lift

good idea.....where could I find this Mico-lam and look at it ..like the idea about a 3"hole..tomake it stable..thanks..)..
charles=fla is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-04-2016, 10:38 PM   #8
jbond
Member
 
Join Date: Sep 2011
Posts: 61
Default Re: need ideas to lift model a on 2 post lift

How about something like this?

jbond is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-05-2016, 06:32 AM   #9
Joe31
Senior Member
 
Joe31's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2013
Location: Port Jervis/Greenville
Posts: 208
Default Re: need ideas to lift model a on 2 post lift

micro-lam or also known as LVL can be bought at lumber yards there used for framing longer spans than lumber. Joe
Joe31 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-05-2016, 07:32 AM   #10
charles=fla
Senior Member
 
Join Date: May 2010
Posts: 337
Default Re: need ideas to lift model a on 2 post lift

..jbond..now that's a idea, I was hopin for..thank you..)..I was a=thinkin about using those 4 little wheel wheel dollies.and mod. them to fit on the end of the arms..hummmmm...
charles=fla is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-05-2016, 07:41 AM   #11
Mitch//pa
BANNED
 
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Bucks County, PA
Posts: 11,454
Default Re: need ideas to lift model a on 2 post lift

Click options and accy's link on the site
http://www.mohawklifts.com/wp/automo...lifts/system1/
Mitch//pa is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-05-2016, 07:59 AM   #12
fiftyv8
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Jun 2010
Posts: 141
Default Re: need ideas to lift model a on 2 post lift

Two post hoists are great for space saving and swing away arms etc, but too precarious for some tasks and older body cars IMHO.
Firstly, it is a long way down for a car to fall if it slips and secondly, I sure would not want to be under one when it fell.

I think the danger is with 2 post hoists if you lose sight of its capability and start getting to vigorous with a job that is not working out, I definitely see an accident waiting to happen.

Although in saying all that, I've never heard of a car falling, but maybe I just live a sheltered life...

Last edited by fiftyv8; 02-05-2016 at 08:44 AM.
fiftyv8 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-05-2016, 08:20 AM   #13
tbirdtbird
BANNED
 
Join Date: May 2012
Location: inside your RAM
Posts: 3,134
Default Re: need ideas to lift model a on 2 post lift

"Although in say all that, I've never heard of a car falling,"

exactly.

jbond's idea is also good for those who cannot get under the car any more to set the arms
__________________
'31 180A
tbirdtbird is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-05-2016, 08:46 AM   #14
fiftyv8
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Jun 2010
Posts: 141
Default Re: need ideas to lift model a on 2 post lift

Yes, I totally agree, that setup is a great idea.
I've never seen anything like it being used, which kind of surprises me.
fiftyv8 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-05-2016, 08:52 AM   #15
Keith True
Senior Member
 
Keith True's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Epping N.H.
Posts: 2,969
Default Re: need ideas to lift model a on 2 post lift

I have two 10' pieces of 12" wide mobile home frame I set on each pair of lift arms .I intended to use them under the A's,but it is really way more bother than just setting the standoffs in the right places.It takes more time to put a Ford Ranger on the lift than the A does.I need the wheels hanging free for almost everything I do on A's anyway.If it goes on the lift it is because I need to get at the rear or front end,transmission,brakes,clutch.I won't bother with the lift just for greasing or oils.I have a Gilbarco single post in-ground drive on lift that I haven't installed yet.I got it from an outfit that still services in-ground lifts.The owner told me that he does very little of it anymore,it doesn't take much service work to surpass the price of a new above ground lift.He said the in-ground lift is not illegal,but you HAVE to convert it to peanut oil.He said that has been the bulk of his work in the last few years,changing oils.
Keith True is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-05-2016, 10:51 AM   #16
Tom Wesenberg
Senior Member
 
Tom Wesenberg's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Mpls, MN
Posts: 27,582
Default Re: need ideas to lift model a on 2 post lift

"He said the in-ground lift is not illegal, but you HAVE to convert it to peanut oil. He said that has been the bulk of his work in the last few years, changing oils."

Oil came from the ground, but we can't put it back in the ground.

Just before I started working at the GM dealership, a guy was fired for sloppy work. He was carless with setting the hoist arms. We had all in ground hoists and he had a large plumbing cube truck in the air and not well balanced. Just minutes after everyone went to lunch the truck fell sideways off the hoist and knock the next two cars off the hoists also.
Tom Wesenberg is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-05-2016, 11:45 AM   #17
Keith True
Senior Member
 
Keith True's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Epping N.H.
Posts: 2,969
Default Re: need ideas to lift model a on 2 post lift

I have no idea how many in-ground lifts are still in use around here.the guy the services them knows of about 200,but he didn't know of the six that I do near me.I know of one from the Model A era that is still in use.The old Ford garage burned close to 50 years ago,but the lift wasn't hurt.The man that bought the property had a VW salvage yard and built a building right on the old concrete.It was a perfect lift for old VW's,it was just two H-beams that you drove over and stopped.On the A's the axles rested on them,on the VW's the flat bellypan sat on them.You almost didn't even have to look under first.I have no clue if he's ever had to repair it or not.When I bought the Gilbarco I still plan to use a drum of peanut hydraulic oil(it;s not just peanut oil)was about $40.more than plain old hydraulic oil.I really don't have a problem with that,I have one well just outside of my garage,and another in the inside corner of another garage.I keep one A in a shed with a well right under it.I'm pretty careful where my anti-freeze drips in that one.
Keith True is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-05-2016, 11:46 AM   #18
Bob C
Senior Member
 
Join Date: May 2010
Location: So Cal
Posts: 8,713
Default Re: need ideas to lift model a on 2 post lift

Quote:
Originally Posted by fiftyv8 View Post
Two post hoists are great for space saving and swing away arms etc, but too precarious for some tasks and older body cars IMHO.
Firstly, it is a long way down for a car to fall if it slips and secondly, I sure would not want to be under one when it fell.

I think the danger is with 2 post hoists if you lose sight of its capability and start getting to vigorous with a job that is not working out, I definitely see an accident waiting to happen.

Although in saying all that, I've never heard of a car falling, but maybe I just live a sheltered life...


Check out the YouTube link. https://www.youtube.com/results?sear...ling+off+hoist

Bob
Bob C is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-05-2016, 12:16 PM   #19
1931 flamingo
Senior Member
 
1931 flamingo's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2010
Location: new britain,ct 06052
Posts: 9,389
Default Re: need ideas to lift model a on 2 post lift

When I worked at a small garage in the 60's we had 2 of the in ground lifts as in post#17. One night a car was left in the air. Over night the front post dropped about 4 feet, luckily the car was still on the lift.
The shop I work at now has about 7 of the modern 2 post lifts.
Paul in CT
1931 flamingo is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-05-2016, 12:44 PM   #20
katy
Senior Member
 
katy's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2015
Location: Red Deer, Alberta
Posts: 5,011
Default Re: need ideas to lift model a on 2 post lift

Years ago I had a '41 Mercury convertible, one time a shop raised it on a single post, in-ground, 4 arms hoist under the frame. The car sagged so much that the tops of the doors opened up about 3 inches.
__________________
If you don't hear a rumor by 10 AM, start one!.
Got my education out behind the barn!
katy is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-05-2016, 01:49 PM   #21
Mitch//pa
BANNED
 
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Bucks County, PA
Posts: 11,454
Default Re: need ideas to lift model a on 2 post lift

Quote:
Originally Posted by fiftyv8 View Post
Two post hoists are great for space saving and swing away arms etc, but too precarious for some tasks and older body cars IMHO.
Firstly, it is a long way down for a car to fall if it slips and secondly, I sure would not want to be under one when it fell.

I think the danger is with 2 post hoists if you lose sight of its capability and start getting to vigorous with a job that is not working out, I definitely see an accident waiting to happen.

Although in saying all that, I've never heard of a car falling, but maybe I just live a sheltered life...


I guess you are sheltered
Here is my special order Denali diesel getting prepped for delivery this year at the dealer.... Needless to say I ordered another one
Attached Images
File Type: jpg image.jpg (31.5 KB, 112 views)
Mitch//pa is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-05-2016, 06:45 PM   #22
charles=fla
Senior Member
 
Join Date: May 2010
Posts: 337
Default Re: need ideas to lift model a on 2 post lift

this is what I was thinkin about ,,thanks Mitch..
Attached Images
File Type: jpg two postramplift.jpg (12.9 KB, 73 views)
charles=fla is offline   Reply With Quote
Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)
Old 02-05-2016, 07:23 PM   #23
Phred
Senior Member
 
Phred's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2010
Location: IL
Posts: 303
Default Re: need ideas to lift model a on 2 post lift

Made these up, works well
Attached Images
File Type: jpg Lift 1.jpg (62.1 KB, 163 views)
File Type: jpg Lift 2.jpg (72.8 KB, 138 views)
Phred is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-05-2016, 08:34 PM   #24
fiftyv8
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Jun 2010
Posts: 141
Default Re: need ideas to lift model a on 2 post lift

We will need to start a Forum patents office with all these great innovations.
fiftyv8 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-05-2016, 11:42 PM   #25
Dodge
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: Sonoma, CA.
Posts: 1,491
Default Re: need ideas to lift model a on 2 post lift

Phred,
Gooooood idea, think I'll make one.
Dodge is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-06-2016, 12:17 AM   #26
Tom Wesenberg
Senior Member
 
Tom Wesenberg's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Mpls, MN
Posts: 27,582
Default Re: need ideas to lift model a on 2 post lift

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)
Quote:
Originally Posted by Dodge View Post
Phred,
Gooooood idea, think I'll make one.
I agree, that's a very good idea for a quick, easy to make and use, and safe drive on hoist.
Tom Wesenberg is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-06-2016, 08:42 AM   #27
emf
Senior Member
 
emf's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: Hudson, NY
Posts: 510
Default Re: need ideas to lift model a on 2 post lift

Quote:
Originally Posted by Phred View Post
Made these up, works well
Do you think 2" box tubing like that used on hitches would work. I like the idea...

Frank
emf is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-06-2016, 11:07 AM   #28
katy
Senior Member
 
katy's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2015
Location: Red Deer, Alberta
Posts: 5,011
Default Re: need ideas to lift model a on 2 post lift

Quote:
Do you think 2" box tubing like that used on hitches would work.
Depends on the wall thickness, I would think 3/16" minimum would be in order.
__________________
If you don't hear a rumor by 10 AM, start one!.
Got my education out behind the barn!
katy is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-06-2016, 11:27 AM   #29
tbirdtbird
BANNED
 
Join Date: May 2012
Location: inside your RAM
Posts: 3,134
Default Re: need ideas to lift model a on 2 post lift

a truly clever idea.
Looks like the thru bolts in the lift arm eyes are at least 1" diam
__________________
'31 180A
tbirdtbird is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-06-2016, 12:42 PM   #30
emf
Senior Member
 
emf's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: Hudson, NY
Posts: 510
Default Re: need ideas to lift model a on 2 post lift

Does the rigid frame bolted to the swing arms allow for cars of different wheel bases? I'm trying to picture how you could swing the frame forwards and still have the lift arms adjustable. Definitely going to make one....

Frank
emf is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-06-2016, 05:22 PM   #31
duke36
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Jun 2015
Posts: 1,414
Default Re: need ideas to lift model a on 2 post lift

If buying a new lift,concur about the 4 post variety. The post base mounting load requirements are spread over 4 corners rather than 2 as stated by others. In earthquake country, there are 2 schools of thought for the 4 poster: one, to bolt to a solid foundation, the 2nd, to leave the lift unbolted to allow the base plates to slide when lateral forces are at play. The latter seems counter intuitive, but an engineer should probably be consulted in any event for proper mounting.
duke36 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-06-2016, 07:27 PM   #32
charles=fla
Senior Member
 
Join Date: May 2010
Posts: 337
Default Re: need ideas to lift model a on 2 post lift

thought I sent this ,,butt here is what I was lookin for..good idea..)..
Attached Images
File Type: jpg two postramplift.jpg (12.9 KB, 37 views)
charles=fla is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-06-2016, 08:21 PM   #33
Tom Wesenberg
Senior Member
 
Tom Wesenberg's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Mpls, MN
Posts: 27,582
Default Re: need ideas to lift model a on 2 post lift

Quote:
Originally Posted by emf View Post
Does the rigid frame bolted to the swing arms allow for cars of different wheel bases? I'm trying to picture how you could swing the frame forwards and still have the lift arms adjustable. Definitely going to make one....

Frank
Yes, just pull or push the crossbars since the arms slide as well as swivel.
Tom Wesenberg is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-13-2016, 06:53 AM   #34
charles=fla
Senior Member
 
Join Date: May 2010
Posts: 337
Default Re: need ideas to lift model a on 2 post lift

mr phred posted a picture of adapters for the A...does any one have dimensions and size of material for this project..i wanna make me one..thank you for all inputs ,comments ,and ideas..Charles..)..
charles=fla is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-13-2016, 11:51 AM   #35
katy
Senior Member
 
katy's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2015
Location: Red Deer, Alberta
Posts: 5,011
Default Re: need ideas to lift model a on 2 post lift

Phred, are those long cross pieces solid? Schedule 80? Or?
Tnx, Ken
__________________
If you don't hear a rumor by 10 AM, start one!.
Got my education out behind the barn!
katy is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-13-2016, 12:41 PM   #36
Phred
Senior Member
 
Phred's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2010
Location: IL
Posts: 303
Default Re: need ideas to lift model a on 2 post lift

Long rails and short interior cross bars are 2" OD, 3/16" wall, DOM.
Exterior cross bars are 1 1/2" x 3" rectangle tubing.
1 1/2" x 1 1/2" angle caps the ends at the bottom for addition strength.
Each sections weighs about 75+ pounds.
Probably some overkill designed in to it.
Phred is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-13-2016, 08:52 PM   #37
charles=fla
Senior Member
 
Join Date: May 2010
Posts: 337
Default Re: need ideas to lift model a on 2 post lift

thank you mr phred..)..
charles=fla is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-13-2016, 09:29 PM   #38
ModAfan
Senior Member
 
ModAfan's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2014
Location: Near Boston
Posts: 135
Default Re: need ideas to lift model a on 2 post lift

Has anyone figured out how to adapt a scissors lift for use on a Model A? I have had the Mohawk lift in the photo for about ten years, but it's pads are designed contact the frames of modern cars, which are on the outside as opposed to the Model A, which have narrow inboard frames (as you all know). The pads do not line up with the narrow Model A frame.
Thanks
Attached Images
File Type: jpg mohawk.jpg (77.9 KB, 44 views)
ModAfan is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-14-2016, 12:12 PM   #39
katy
Senior Member
 
katy's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2015
Location: Red Deer, Alberta
Posts: 5,011
Default Re: need ideas to lift model a on 2 post lift

thanks phred
__________________
If you don't hear a rumor by 10 AM, start one!.
Got my education out behind the barn!
katy is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-15-2016, 05:33 PM   #40
Phred
Senior Member
 
Phred's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2010
Location: IL
Posts: 303
Default A few people have asked

for a bit more detail regarding post #36

Attached are some photos
Attached Images
File Type: jpg Lift1.jpg (38.0 KB, 38 views)
File Type: jpg Lift2.jpg (75.1 KB, 37 views)
File Type: jpg Lift3.jpg (24.9 KB, 28 views)
File Type: jpg Lift4.jpg (42.5 KB, 26 views)
File Type: jpg Lift5.jpg (55.8 KB, 31 views)
Phred is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-16-2016, 12:39 AM   #41
fiftyv8
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Jun 2010
Posts: 141
Default Re: need ideas to lift model a on 2 post lift

Nice work and thanks for sharing, it sure is a great idea.
fiftyv8 is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply

Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off

Forum Jump

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)


All times are GMT -5. The time now is 06:08 PM.