Car lift for Elan Sprint

[Chris-72-Sprint]

I have decided I am getting too old to keep lying under the elan

Would appreciate views on the suitability of the car lifts below or other suggestions

many thanks
Chris


http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2-POST-LIFT-C ... 069wt_1097

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/MOBILE-SCISSO ... 2578wt_957

[john.p.clegg]

Chris

The first one will need some serious bolting down if it is not to fall over,the second,we had a ramp of the same design and the stresses "getting off the start" can be quite high..

I like the looks of ..

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Four-Post-Car ... 2894wt_698

and recently looked into one that was moveable on castors,but didn't have the height,so have settled on a pit "tried and trusted".

John

[gherlt]

I think the mobile scissor might give a problem putting it below the car.
I bought a similar one, the SEICAR LIFT (http://www.seicar.net/docs/20101006050547.pdf), problem is (apart that it is too wide), I could not put it below the car without prior lifting it. The height of the lift (about 10cm) was higher than the lowest point of the car, in my case a flexible part of the exhaustmad the exhaust itself (at about 8cm). I then bought a large ramp (total about 6m, 2m inclined and removable, 4m horizontal), which elevates the car 40 cm and that is enough for 90% of my needs.

[gjz30075]

I would prefer the two post lift, like what is shown in your first link. It looks very similar to the Maxjax sold here in the States. It does get bolted down but gets unbolted for portability. It's tough to find something low enough for our cars.

Greg Z

[Gray]

Hi

Links I noted from previous posts:

http://www.levo-artis.com/11.html

http://maxjaxuk.com/learn.aspx

I keep on meaning to look into this further myself.

Regards Gray

[Bill]

Chris

I purchased/installed a MaxJax 2 post lift last fall for under $2500 taxes included from a western Canada distributor - it fits an 8 foot ceiling and gives 4 ft clear working clearance to the whole vehicle, I work from a rolling stool. The product is well engineered, portable and easy/safe to use. I lift my S1 from the jacking points on the body with no issues. ALL mechanicals - suspention -brakes - drive train are clear.

I think it is the best tool I ever purchase - I am in my 70's and it has saved my back as well as extended my tjme span with the hobby for years.

Highly recommended and and priced right.

Bill - 26/0538

[gav]

Hi Chris

I thought I had submitted my reply but it seemed to get lost in the ether so I'll try again:-

I have a 4 post electro hydraulic hoist and I use a jacking beam in conjunction with it.
I prefer it to 2 post lifts because the chassis doesn't hang from the bodywork - I know it is supposed to take it but 40 year old grp isn't as strong as modern materials.

With the lifting beam, I can jack up an end and I can remove the wheels to get better access to the corners.

I store a car underneath the elan so it is space efficient (obviously depends on headroom).

I purchased a 3 phase unit with good ropes and replaced the motor to a single phase. I needed to change a hydraulic component because the motors run at different revs.

My back is much happier now....


Good luck
Gavin

[ricarbo]

I'd love something like that, but would be looking for something that offers the option of 'wheel free'. or not, as sometimes you want one (when you're doing the brakes?) and sometimes you want car on it's wheels with no obstructions (when you're doing the exhaust?).
Maybe the Levartis with the lifting beams, but you wouldn't be standing up. What about a mechmate fibreglass pit liner? You can have a nice cup of tea and a sit down, build in lights. but i wonder if there would be any difficulty keeping the building inspector happy. He has rules relating to excavations being too close to foundations Need to check before you start. and you'd still struggle with the brakes.
Just a dream, until the wife wins the lottery.
Richard

[TeeJay]

Hi Chris.

Like Bill above and after much research I also selected the MaxJax 2 post lift.

I needed a portable lift which would store away to improve garage space and take with me to any new property.
Also it had to operate in a standard height garage without any chains connecting the 2 uprights.
I did not require the lift to store a car so another car could be stored underneath, also I did not have the height in my garage for this application.

I had the lift in Nov 2011 and without doubt it's one of my best purchases to date.

Since installation I have had my sons Jag on the lift to replace the transmission box and my brothers Focus Est to replace front coil springs and replace all brake pads and front discs prior to an MOT.

Currently on the lift is my Elan +2 body which is undergoing a total restoration, for info I do have my completed rolling chassis underneath the body.
As I removed the chassis many years ago laying on my back, I am looking forward to putting the body back on the chassis using the MaxJax.

See the following for further info.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7kXzzrufv_M
http://maxjaxuk.com/ Lots more info at the bottom of the home page.

I have no affiliation just a very satisfied customer.

[661]

Is a pit an option?
Works well for me

[AussieJohn]

The 4 post is good for me, with a jacking bar it does everything I want plus easy to use; no getting under to position the lifting pads, just drive on and press the button.

[bast0n]

I use this one and it is absolutely brilliant.

ebay Item number: 120918903323

4 post narrow enough for an Elan and wide enough for a Lexus Rx 350.

[Chris-72-Sprint]

Thanks for all your replies

I would have gone for a pit but my garage has block and beam floor (and ceiling for that matter) so can't install a pit

I can see the pros and cons of 2 and 4 post

With the 2 post I would need to bolt this down and having watched the maxjax video I would need to check I can do this ref where the beams and blocks are in the floor although I think the concrete screed will be deep enough

I am now sort of favouring a 4 post (strongman) as long as it would work with 8 foot ceiling height - does it need bolting down ?

Will let you know what I go for - probably bit later in the year - can't rush these things

Chris

[dougweall]

Chris,

Just read through this post of yours, I have a Strongman 4 post lift. It is the smallest one they make. My only issue in a single car width garage is that when working on a car at waist height I need a step either side of the post. For instance bottom right of the photo.
As you can see from the photo I have enough room in the roof to cut away the frame work and put in a purling. My Elise sits underneath usually, but it also fits on the ramp, just.



Hope this helps a little with your dilemma.

Oh, when the guys installed this they said it could be free standing, but they bolted it anyway.

Doug.

[alexblack13]

This is what I have. http://webportal.internbv.nl/

Called Double Parking lift, three years down the line its been completely trouble free. Fully CE'd. Great working height so no bending or having to stay seated.

Dutch company. When I bought it at the nec classic show it cost ?1700 delivered. I fitted it myself (heavy"!!!).

One of the best things I ever bought.

The long lead you can see in a couple of the pics is an umbilical control which lets me work it from anywhere in my garage (Carefully)......

Have fun whatever you buy.