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 05-28-2020, 02:40 PM   #1
Seabees
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Jul 2017
Location: Eastern Oregon
Posts: 205
Default 2 post car lift

Howdy boys, your thoughts on which would be the best for Model A's. Thanks
Seabees is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-28-2020, 02:44 PM   #2
Gary WA
Senior Member
 
Gary WA's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Clinton,WA/Whidbey Island
Posts: 4,105
Default Re: 2 post car lift

They do work! Seabees Great! 1969-1991 BUC Ret
Attached Images
File Type: jpg cars.jpg (66.3 KB, 42 views)
__________________
www.whidbeymodelaclub.com
Gary WA is offline   Reply With Quote
Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)
Old 05-28-2020, 05:55 PM   #3
Jack Shaft
BANNED
 
Join Date: Dec 2019
Posts: 1,196
Default Re: 2 post car lift

CM,NMCB40,77-82
Its not the lift,its where you lift it from..always the axles,never the frame
Jack Shaft is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-28-2020, 06:19 PM   #4
Seabees
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Jul 2017
Location: Eastern Oregon
Posts: 205
Default Re: 2 post car lift

Thanks guys, CM2 Adak '72-'75. I've been thinking about a lift for several years. The problem is room. My shop is 36x36, but at this late day in the game, it is filled with tools, parts, and rigs being worked on. Still, I ain't getting any younger, and it seems harder to get up off the damn creeper every time I use it! The biggest problem is my floor. The concrete is cracked here and there and I'm a little skittish about setting one up on it. If I did, I think it would be in my best interest to dig a couple holes, pour a couple blocks at least 3x3x3, and mount the lift to that. Your thoughts. Thanks!
Seabees is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-28-2020, 06:36 PM   #5
blgitn
Senior Member
 
blgitn's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: West Point, VA 23181
Posts: 373
Default Re: 2 post car lift

Have you read about a 'Backyard buddy' 4 post? You can move them out of the way when not in use. I don't have one yet but others on this forum do, with good reviews.

R/ Roger. CMC, 1981-2007
blgitn is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-28-2020, 07:34 PM   #6
duke36
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Jun 2015
Posts: 1,414
Default Re: 2 post car lift

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)
Are you asking about what type of lift to use, 2 post vs. 4 post, etc ? You need a stout foundation like you alluded to for the 2 poster to receive multiple bolts. We use a 4 poster in seismic country which depending on mfg. can be anchored to a min. 4" slab. Some say anchoring is not required depending on one's location. I prefer the 4 posters for storing vehicles.
duke36 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-28-2020, 10:23 PM   #7
Seabees
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Jul 2017
Location: Eastern Oregon
Posts: 205
Default Re: 2 post car lift

Thanks Duke, yes, I am more inclined to use a 2 post. Mostly considering the room I have. I don't think I'd trust my floor to mount one on. Like I noted above, I'll have to pour a pad for each post I'm afraid.
Seabees is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-28-2020, 11:14 PM   #8
31a
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: College Station, Tx
Posts: 326
Default Re: 2 post car lift

I have a challenger le10 2 post works great for me you will need the adapter kit also
31a is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-29-2020, 01:09 AM   #9
noboD
Senior Member
 
Join Date: May 2010
Posts: 319
Default Re: 2 post car lift

The instructions for my two post said 4 inches minimum. I have about 12 at the posts with 9 inch anchors, just because. I would cut out your floor and pour new pads, maybe 6 inches, with tie bars drilled back into existing floor. Your 3 X 3 would work or 2 X 4. Even if you buy a used one, like I did, contact the manufacturer and get THEIR instructions. It ain't rocket science.
noboD is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-29-2020, 05:29 AM   #10
old31
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Jan 2016
Posts: 2,101
Default Re: 2 post car lift

I have been using this lift for many years with the A and could not be happier with it.

It takes 10-15 minutes to set it up, placing the lift pads around brake rods, muffler, etc.

2 pads go on the frame in the back just before the shocks and 2 pads go on the frame in the front near the bell motor mounts.

https://www.gregsmithequipment.com/A...SABEgJJQfD_BwE
old31 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-29-2020, 07:49 AM   #11
Chris in WNC
Senior Member
 
Chris in WNC's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Spruce Pine, NC
Posts: 1,458
Default Re: 2 post car lift

Backyard Buddy.
safest lift available.
__________________
our next Model A is out there in the unknown......
Chris in WNC is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-29-2020, 08:50 AM   #12
Seabees
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Jul 2017
Location: Eastern Oregon
Posts: 205
Default Re: 2 post car lift

Howdy boys, thanks for the comments! I live in Oregon, so I'll check out Greg Smith in Portland. 200 miles away, but, so's everything else! I'll check out Back Yard Buddy too.
Seabees is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-30-2020, 07:23 AM   #13
charles=fla
Senior Member
 
Join Date: May 2010
Posts: 337
Default Re: 2 post car lift

hi could ya show pictures of the pads in place thanks Charles..
charles=fla is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-30-2020, 09:57 AM   #14
Chris Haynes
Senior Member
 
Chris Haynes's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Camarillo, CA and Pine Grove, CA
Posts: 2,832
Default Re: 2 post car lift

Quote:
Originally Posted by Jack Shaft View Post
CM,NMCB40,77-82
Its not the lift,its where you lift it from..always the axles,never the frame
CM2 MCB8/MCB11 1963-1969

That doesn't work out real well if you need to drop an axle or remove suspension.
__________________
1921 Runabout
1930 Tudor
Early 1930 AA
Speed costs money. How fast do you want to go?
Chris Haynes is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-30-2020, 10:22 AM   #15
katy
Senior Member
 
katy's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2015
Location: Red Deer, Alberta
Posts: 5,046
Default Re: 2 post car lift

W/a 2 post lift you need one of these adapters:
Attached Images
File Type: jpg 2 post lift adapter.jpg (6.2 KB, 95 views)
__________________
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 05-30-2020, 12:03 PM   #16
BRENT in 10-uh-C
Senior Member
 
BRENT in 10-uh-C's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Eastern Tennessee
Posts: 11,519
Default Re: 2 post car lift

Quote:
Originally Posted by Jack Shaft View Post
CM,NMCB40,77-82
Its not the lift,its where you lift it from..always the axles, never the frame


Quote:
Originally Posted by katy View Post
W/a 2 post lift you need one of these adapters:


Where is all of this coming from? From my experience with 2 post lifts used on Model-As (-which is almost daily for the past 20 years), I have never observed any adverse situation regarding the frame. The only issue that you can encounter is the brake rods to the front will bend when the front axle is dangling however as soon as the vehicle is returned to the ground, the brake rod returns to its normal position. It definitely is not because the frame will sag or bend!!

As kinda stated above, the main reason for using a 2-post lift is for convenience of servicing components underneath the vehicle. It is not meant for long-term storage.

.
Attached Images
File Type: jpg IMG_0607.jpg (51.6 KB, 138 views)
File Type: jpg IMG_0604.jpg (81.5 KB, 140 views)
File Type: jpg IMG_3320.jpg (55.1 KB, 136 views)
File Type: jpg IMG_0463.jpg (71.8 KB, 139 views)
File Type: jpg IMG_2633.jpg (58.5 KB, 141 views)
__________________
.

BRENT in 10-uh-C
.
www.model-a-ford.com
...(...Finally Updated!! )

.
BRENT in 10-uh-C is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-30-2020, 11:23 PM   #17
DBrer
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Oct 2019
Location: Washington
Posts: 175
Default Re: 2 post car lift

Brent, how tall are the risers you are using to lift from the frame? Don
DBrer is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-31-2020, 07:44 AM   #18
charles=fla
Senior Member
 
Join Date: May 2010
Posts: 337
Default Re: 2 post car lift

yes pic and dim of these risers..thanks
charles=fla is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-31-2020, 11:05 AM   #19
Jim Brierley
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: Temecula, CA
Posts: 4,089
Default Re: 2 post car lift

Would it be feasible to put it outside and maybe put a roof over it to keep the slight mist that you Northerners get, off of it???
Jim Brierley is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-31-2020, 04:07 PM   #20
jquinlan
Senior Member
 
jquinlan's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2018
Location: Foley, Al
Posts: 142
Default Re: 2 post car lift

Quote:
Originally Posted by Jim Brierley View Post
Would it be feasible to put it outside and maybe put a roof over it to keep the slight mist that you Northerners get, off of it???
That's the same thing I've been wondering recently. Was thinking of maybe getting a Backyard Buddy 4 post and having a large carport installed outside so I can use it in the driveway. Keep the mist and rain off it.
__________________
Jim
jquinlan is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-31-2020, 04:13 PM   #21
Seabees
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Jul 2017
Location: Eastern Oregon
Posts: 205
Default Re: 2 post car lift

Sorry Jim, I don't like working in below freezing weather as much as I did 48 years ago on Adak! I'll stay in the shop during the winter! Hope you're doing well! Great seeing you last summer! And Brent, thanks for the pix. How high is your ceiling? That's another small issue. Mine is about 11'2". I could raise the ceiling above it, but that would take some doing. It would probably work "ok", but a couple more feet higher would be nice.
Seabees is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 06-03-2020, 01:53 PM   #22
old31
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Jan 2016
Posts: 2,101
Default Re: 2 post car lift

Quote:
Originally Posted by BRENT in 10-uh-C View Post
[/COLOR][/B]





Where is all of this coming from? From my experience with 2 post lifts used on Model-As (-which is almost daily for the past 20 years), I have never observed any adverse situation regarding the frame. The only issue that you can encounter is the brake rods to the front will bend when the front axle is dangling however as soon as the vehicle is returned to the ground, the brake rod returns to its normal position. It definitely is not because the frame will sag or bend!!

As kinda stated above, the main reason for using a 2-post lift is for convenience of servicing components underneath the vehicle. It is not meant for long-term storage.

.
Brent, on photo #1 it looks like your bringing the tank out to garbage. I will for free take that off your hands.
old31 is offline   Reply With Quote
Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)
Old 06-03-2020, 01:59 PM   #23
johnneilson
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: 34.22 N 118.36 W
Posts: 1,057
Default Re: 2 post car lift

Quote:
Originally Posted by old31 View Post
Brent, on photo #1 it looks like your bringing the tank out to garbage. I will for free take that off your hands.
Hell,

I'll pay the shipping for it!!
__________________
As Carroll Smith wrote; All Failures are Human in Origin.
johnneilson is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 06-03-2020, 02:10 PM   #24
BRENT in 10-uh-C
Senior Member
 
BRENT in 10-uh-C's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Eastern Tennessee
Posts: 11,519
Default Re: 2 post car lift

Quote:
Originally Posted by old31 View Post
Brent, on photo #1 it looks like your bringing the tank out to garbage. I will for free take that off your hands.
Quote:
Originally Posted by johnneilson View Post
Hell,

I'll pay the shipping for it!!

Funny. That tank has already been restored, re-installed, and out of here!

.
.
__________________
.

BRENT in 10-uh-C
.
www.model-a-ford.com
...(...Finally Updated!! )

.
BRENT in 10-uh-C is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 06-06-2020, 10:56 AM   #25
Seabees
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Jul 2017
Location: Eastern Oregon
Posts: 205
Default Re: 2 post car lift

Thanks for all of the replys! Jim Brierley, you need to come up for a visit again, in late January! I'll show you some "Mist"!

I am thinking of the Bendpak XPR-9S, due to my ceiling height, which is only about 10'11". This lift is only 9'5"ish, so it would be fine for my shop.

Brett, where do you lift from on the frame? That's where I would lift from, even though my fellow CM says otherwise. I don't see an issue with it. I might be inclined to make an adapter to cradle the frame rather than having it set on the pads, due to the narrow frame.

Thanks guys, I may be over analyzing this, but, if I'm going to spend 3-4K, I want it right.
Seabees is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 06-06-2020, 10:59 AM   #26
Seabees
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Jul 2017
Location: Eastern Oregon
Posts: 205
Default Re: 2 post car lift

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)
I just noted I got a promotion! I am now a "Member", not a Junior Member!
Seabees is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 06-06-2020, 11:05 AM   #27
katy
Senior Member
 
katy's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2015
Location: Red Deer, Alberta
Posts: 5,046
Default Re: 2 post car lift

Pay raise w/that?
__________________
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 06-06-2020, 05:12 PM   #28
old31
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Jan 2016
Posts: 2,101
Default Re: 2 post car lift

Quote:
Originally Posted by Seabees View Post
I just noted I got a promotion! I am now a "Member", not a Junior Member!
That makes you a specialist. And all specialists deserve a lift.
old31 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 06-06-2020, 09:57 PM   #29
Seabees
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Jul 2017
Location: Eastern Oregon
Posts: 205
Default Re: 2 post car lift

OK then! It's settled! Since I got a promotion, I'll be getting a lift. But a pay raise? Mmmmm, doubtful!
Seabees is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 06-07-2020, 05:22 AM   #30
ronn
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: NNNNNNNNJJJJJJJJJJ
Posts: 6,790
Default Re: 2 post car lift

mentioning carports over the lift.............


have had 3 installed here by carolina carports- east coast and couldnt be happier!


18 x 21 they install with 10' sidewalls at 1100. each
couldnt buy the materials for that.
ronn is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 06-07-2020, 09:42 AM   #31
johnneilson
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: 34.22 N 118.36 W
Posts: 1,057
Default Re: 2 post car lift

Quote:
Originally Posted by Seabees View Post
Thanks for all of the replys! Jim Brierley, you need to come up for a visit again, in late January! I'll show you some "Mist"!

I am thinking of the Bendpak XPR-9S, due to my ceiling height, which is only about 10'11". This lift is only 9'5"ish, so it would be fine for my shop.

Brett, where do you lift from on the frame? That's where I would lift from, even though my fellow CM says otherwise. I don't see an issue with it. I might be inclined to make an adapter to cradle the frame rather than having it set on the pads, due to the narrow frame.

Thanks guys, I may be over analyzing this, but, if I'm going to spend 3-4K, I want it right.
Just be careful of low ceilings, you may not be able to get the car up high enough to work under it.

I have had a couple 2 pole lifts, current one is outside. You just have to plan your project and have lighting available.

John
__________________
As Carroll Smith wrote; All Failures are Human in Origin.
johnneilson is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 06-09-2020, 05:09 AM   #32
wwirz
Senior Member
 
Join Date: May 2020
Location: Corning NY
Posts: 244
Default Re: 2 post car lift

I have an EAGLE lift. This means you drive the car up on ramps and you lift the car up under the 4 wheels. It was a pleasure to do all oil changes and lubes with the car at shoulder height.
When it came time to pack the bearings, i lifted the car up bit, stuck a jack stand under the wheel I wanted to inspect. Raised the car up when completed, pulled the jack out, lowered the car and went on to the next wheel.
A rear axle would be difficult anyway, but should I need to do it when I am 75, I will have grandchildren to help me.
However, the EAGLE lift is a permanent set up, But at the same time for winter storage, you can raise the A up high enough that you can tore things under the car.
I feel safer with an EAGLE type ramp lift. It is 100x better than laying on your back with a creeper. This is how I did the work on my 51 plymouth when I was 16 years old. Not 16 anymore
wwirz is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 06-09-2020, 08:15 AM   #33
Licensed to kill
Senior Member
 
Licensed to kill's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2016
Location: Alberta
Posts: 930
Default Re: 2 post car lift

Ideally, a guy should have one of each (2 and 4 post) if you do a lot of work on cars. they both have their pro's and con's. I went through this same "back and forth" before buying my lift. I set put 4 5 gallon pails where the legs would be with a 4 post and found that it just took up too much room in my shop even though I would have had the option of putting it on wheels and pushing it to the side when not in use. I opted for an asymmetrical, low profile 2 post (bend-pak). The advantage for me of the asymmetrical is that I can mount the post further forward in the shop, closer to the end wall and the reason for the low profile is that I have a few VERY low cars (see avatar). There is also the option of setting the post "narrow" or "wide" and I went with wide because I also put my dually 1 tons on it. HOWEVER, I discovered afterwards that in the wide stance with the asymmetrical configuration (which has short arms in the front and long arms in the back) that the front arms JUST reach the narrow frame of the model A meaning that the car has to be PERFECTLY centered between the posts which can be a PITA. The other thing with mine is, being "low profile" means that the arms, when down all the way are VERY close to the floor and if your floor is not perfectly flat, they drag on any high spots and can be difficult to swing. The other reason I went with the 2 post is that I wanted to be able to use it to lift off car/truck bodies. If you don;t intend to use it for that and you have the room, a 4 post might be a better option. Certainly easier to just drive on rather than setting the arms on a 2 post.
Licensed to kill is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 06-10-2020, 04:43 PM   #34
gvgehrig
Junior Member
 
Join Date: Oct 2013
Posts: 23
Default Re: 2 post car lift

I got an “auto lift” from Best Buy auto about two weeks ago. Did a great deal of research. I had planned on installing it myself, but happened to meet an installer when picking it up. Made me an offer I couldn’t refuse, so I had him install it. Turned out to be a good decision. During installation, I asked him if the lift was a good choice. To my pleasant surprise, he said it was the lift he would choose. He said about six years ago, they brought up their quality. As I said, I’ve only had mine two weeks, but I really do like it. A friend of mine has the same brand, but much older; he likes his. If money is no object, I have a friend who loves his backyard buddy. Good luck. Now that I have one, I don’t know how I lived without it.
gvgehrig is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply


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 02:45 PM.