Car Stacker

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Model T Ford Forum: Forum 2014: Car Stacker
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Matt Foye on Saturday, November 15, 2014 - 09:31 pm:

Looking to put my speedster on top of my sedan for winter storage and would like info on different types of car stackers. I'd prefer one with wheels or rollers that can move around the garage. I've looked online and, of course, come up with 100's of results that don't really help in finding one that is in-expensive and best suited for Model T's. Does any one have a particular brand or model they've tried and prefer?


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Norman T. Kling on Saturday, November 15, 2014 - 10:17 pm:

You need one which will catch oil drips from the top car.
Norm


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By brass car guy on Sunday, November 16, 2014 - 12:25 am:

Here's the deal don't buy the Chinese hoists they are unsafe and not certified. The electric and hydraulics are cheap and fail. Let alone substandard welds, steel and fastners.

Back yard buddy is made in Ohio and top quality. You will pay more but what is your life and car worth? I have no connection with them.

A local high school had 4 Chinese 4 post hoists in their auto shop. All had cars up on them and someone backed into one of the posts. All 4 toppled like dominos due to poor welds, cheap steel and bolts. lucky no one was hurt. just some damaged cars.

I have purchased a number of hoists over the years for our automotive service centers and will only buy certified hoists. As it turns out most insurance carries won't cover hoist accidents with uncertified hoists.

just sayin'

brasscarguy


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Matt Foye on Sunday, November 16, 2014 - 09:19 am:

thanks brass car guy. I see a $1K difference between the cheapest lift and the next price up. Back yard buddy was in the mid to high $2K range. Makes sense about getting what you pay for..


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Jon Crane on Sunday, November 16, 2014 - 09:28 am:

What is a "certified hoist"? What kind of a tag do I look for? Who certifies it and do the certifications have to be updated? I am thinking about a two post second hand hoist coming out of a closed dealership. Plenty beefy, American made, but an unknown age and maintenance. Seems like maybe I would be asking for trouble.
Maybe I will keep things on the ground and continue to use jack stands and lay on my back? Sure is cold and uncomfortable in the winter.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Mike Walker, NW AR on Sunday, November 16, 2014 - 10:17 am:

"Plenty beefy, American made, but an unknown age and maintenance."

It seems to me that when purchasing such a piece of equipment, you would go through it and check out all its components, repairing or replacing any which are marginal or questionable. (Just as you would if you bought a used Model T.)


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Hal Davis-SE Georgia on Sunday, November 16, 2014 - 10:28 am:

I wish I had a lift, but I only have about 9-1/2' ceiling clearance. I would have to be careful. I changed the oil in my 2014 Focus yesterday for the first time. I don't know that I care to do that again with only ramps and a creeper. It would be snap with a lift, but given the price of oil and filter, I don't know that I couldn't have it done cheaper than doing it myself. Oil and filter were $32. I swear I think I can have it done for $29.95 (But probably wouldn't be brand name oil/filter).


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By brass car guy on Sunday, November 16, 2014 - 10:50 am:

The manufacturers of hoists have certification standards that the Govt has approved. There was input from the hoist companies, the Govt and the insurance industry. Combined they have set standards for quality of materials, fasteners, safety stops and locks, and speed of hoist primarily on the lowering mode.

A certified manufacturer will show this certification information in their brochures and usually on their web site. As this is a important selling feature.

There are a number of special purpose hoists to work in low ceiling applications. I have 2, 2post hoists I use for my wifes' sports car parking 2 hoists parks 4 cars. The 4 post hoist I use for actual work in my car barn is an old one from a car dealership. This hoist is 30 years old and because it was manufactured by a major company parts are still available. I just had all oil seals replaced and the hoist recertified. The certification process is to lubricate and check all locks and safetys'oporation plus cable and drum inspection, cable adjustmets, and finally loaded lifting and lowering. The annual certification costs $60.00 plus parts, a good investment even in a home shop.

just sayin'

brasscarguy


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Ken Kopsky, Lytle TX on Sunday, November 16, 2014 - 12:38 pm:

If you're buying used, check all the hydraulic hoses for cracks and look for leaks at the cylinder seals (where the rod exits the cylinder). Also check the cables. A broken wire on a cable or recent adjustment on the cable end means they are stretched and/or abused. Cables need to be replaced every few years on heavily used lifts. You can tell if the cable(s) was adjusted by observing clean or shinny areas around the adjusting nuts. Also, the cables should be taunt in the full down position.

Certified lifts will have a decal applied near the manufacturer's label. It will look similar to the image below.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Ricks - Surf City on Sunday, November 16, 2014 - 01:25 pm:

We are lucky to have Tom LeRoux in our clubs. He is very active and generous of his time and facilities. He sponsors annual inspections at his Hoist Service, Inc.


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