Pits and Lifts

[gerry attrick]

The advent of TVR ownership has got me thinking about easing the pain of maintenenace and repairs. Old age is taking its toll and I don't have the agility to grovel under cars as easily as I used to. The idea of a car lift or a pit in the garage is appealing. Does anyone have any experience or recommendations of either? I've seen a fibreglass / plastic pit, in the past, which was sunk into a hole in the garage floor, and I've also seen some electrically operated car lifts on US web sites.

[stainless_steve]

Got a large pit 6ft deep and 15ft long, makes life easy

[gerry attrick]

6ft by 15ft - that's a swimming pool not a pit!!!

[stainless_steve]

Only thing is we put ahole in the floor. now if only i can find a large plug

[AM400]

Mines not as big as Steves

Massive help over the past 12 months definatly recommend getting one.

Andy

[RichB]

Thought this looked good in the Machine Mart catalogue Yours for £1,099 + vat. Mind you time you've dug the hole, fitted the liner & lighting etc. it’s probably not a bad price?

mobile vehicle lift

Rich…

[stainless_steve]

AM400 said:

Mines not as big as Steves Massive help over the past 12 months definatly recommend getting one. Andy

What can i say

[GreenV8S]

I've seen a shallow pit sort of like a bath tub sunk in the floor (if you see what I mean)? You lie in it on your back and the car is a handy arms reach above you. I've also seen somebody advertising some short lift ramps which are a bit like the deck of a trailer with the front two feet off the floor and the back on the floor. Drive on, jack up the back using a normal trolly jack and put some props under it, hey presto car is two feet in the air. It lies flat on the floor when not used.

[pistolar]

sod that! get someone else to do the work on the car!

[streaky]

RichB said:

Thought this looked good in the Machine Mart catalogue Yours for £1,099 + vat. Mind you time you've dug the hole, fitted the liner & lighting etc. it’s probably not a bad price? mobile vehicle lift Rich…

I get the feeling that the struts and ram will always be in the way - Streaky

[gerry attrick]

I share your concerns about the Machine Mart kit. I'll make some further enquiries and let you all know if I turn up anything interesting.
Thanks for your help

[TaSmania]

Try Holden Automotive who're in the classic mags (or call 118*** and ask for no. for Holden Automotive in Bromyard, Worcs). They do the "hobbist" lift type which is Electo Hydraulic. It allows access to wheel corners at normal standing working hieght though it restricts direct working underneath, as per Stainless's comments.These are circ £1k.
At work we use two post lifts which have the 4 arms going to chassis points. These give unhindered access to the underside. They cost about £2.5k + vat
A pit, good option. A few mates, sledge hammer, pick and shovel some plastic, few bricks and some concrete -sounds like a good way to socialise have some beer and get a cheap pit
Me I'm getting to old/knackered/whatever to loose knuckles on rusty bolts so pay to get the work done by sensible people such as Richard Moore of Moore Racing in MK - brilliant and rates which make it churlish to do the stuff yourself (unless of course you live nowhere near MK)
GB

[gerry attrick]

Getting someone else to do the work is always a relaxing alternative. Moore Racing sounds a good bet. I am closer to TopCatsRacing in Aylesbury though. Does anyone have any experience of them?

[HeyAndy]

Wish I had a garage full stop!!

[dickymint]

HeyAndy said:

Wish I had a garage full stop!!

Luxury.....wish I had a regular parking space!!!!!!

[HeyAndy]

Tell me about it! Mind you the thought of having somewhere warm to work in the winter whilst I give my car some TLC is what I yearn for. Aaaah........the things I would be able to do - make owning a TVR even more of joy than it is now

[RichB]

Browsing through an old copy of Classic Car last night I came across this and remembered this thread. Thought/comments anyone seen one in operation?
Seems a reasonable price at around £800

www.kwiklift.com

Rich...

>> Edited by RichB on Wednesday 17th September 10:37

[streaky]

RichB said:

Browsing through an old copy of Classic Car last night I came across this and remembered this thread. Thought/comments anyone seen one in operation? Seems a reasonable price at around £800 www.kwiklift.com Rich... >> Edited by RichB on Wednesday 17th September 10:37

I noticed this quote ; "Made with pride in the USA with first-class engineering, materials and construction." Made me think, when did I last see a UK-made product making a similar claim for its UK origins. Americans buy American because they believe it's good quality. In the UK we buy ... because it's ... (you can fill in the blanks yourself) - Streaky