Garage 2.0

[divetheworld]

Well, the new garage project is off to a good start.
I think I might have filled my pants the first time I lifted the car. Should have tested it with the missus car first I suppose!!
Very pleased with the lift.

[markiep1]

Very cool

[Gavc]

Nice, got my lift due 1sep. Can't wait, no more scrabbling around on my knees, lying on my back under the car and will have room underneath for one of the other cars

[kbooker]

Very nice, mine's due on the 12th September....can't wait

[spyker138]

Sometimes you do wonder how strong the welds are...

[divetheworld]

You chaps ordered SJR or Automotech lifts?

[kbooker]

I've gone SJR, no other reasons than a couple of recommends from guys who already have them and SJR have been very helpful

Edited by kbooker on Monday 21st August 08:29

[Murph7355]

They all look very similar designs (mine was from InternBV ages ago). Some tips/recommendations:

1) If you're parking a car underneath it, make sure it all fits if the lift deck collapses onto the safety chocks.

2) Mark the safety chock that keeps it clear of the car below (paint it yellow etc).

3) Mark the safety chock that prevents your car becoming a low rider against the ceiling (paint it a different colour).

4) Remember that releasing the safety mechanism means raising the car a few centimeters above the safety chock. When first raising the car, don't leave the car roof/ceiling height so tight that you can't raise it that few centimetres to lower it again. (if you fail to heed this advice, you can still get the car out...but you'll need to dismantle the safety chocks).

5) Whether you think your car leaks or not, get drip trays under the full length and seriously consider an outdoor cover for any car underneath.

[Jon39]

Aston Martin now only approve of one type of vehicle hoist. Others make the workshop look 'less space age' apparently.

You might lose your dealerships. -

[nickv8]

Jon39 said:

Aston Martin now only approve of one type of vehicle hoist. Others make the workshop look 'less space age' apparently.

You might lose your dealerships.

Looks like AM Bristol - one of the smartest (and best populated) workshops I've had the pleasure of standing in!

[divetheworld]

kbooker said:

I've gone SJR, no other reasons than a couple of recommends from guys who already have them and SJR have been very helpful

Edited by kbooker on Monday 21st August 08:29

I couldn't get SJR to take my money! A very nice chap but always an excuse.
In the end I called Automotech.
The first thing that impressed me was that they advised me not to get two jacking beams. Apparently it's not a great idea to lift the entire load only on the inner track. SJR didn't mention this.
A big plus was they had the lifts in stock.
The downside was it cost a few hundred more. I'll do a proper write up sometime soon.

Right now I've got a challenge. How to see where the tyres are when driving on the ramps all by myself. The first time I got our lass to guide me on. That took a while......
Suggestions?

[DapperDanMan]

divetheworld said:

kbooker said:

I've gone SJR, no other reasons than a couple of recommends from guys who already have them and SJR have been very helpful

Edited by kbooker on Monday 21st August 08:29

Right now I've got a challenge. How to see where the tyres are when driving on the ramps all by myself. The first time I got our lass to guide me on. That took a while......
Suggestions?

How about a WiFi camera and a phone app

Example

There are loads of different types and the above is just an example not a recommendation as I have not used this particular one. It does have a rechargeable battery and could be placed on one of the ramp tracks so you can see where you are positioned.

[leerandle]

Right now I've got a challenge. How to see where the tyres are when driving on the ramps all by myself. The first time I got our lass to guide me on. That took a while......
Suggestions?

[/quote]

When I used to park in my very narrow garage, I ended up buying a couple of cheap adjustable car mirrors and attaching them to the wall. I could use them on both sides to help me align the car. Not high tech, but worked for me.

[Jon39]

divetheworld said:

Right now I've got a challenge. How to see where the tyres are when driving on the ramps all by myself. The first time I got our lass to guide me on. That took a while......
Suggestions?

A simple technique that is sometime used in a garage to judge how far forward to drive before stopping, is to hang a string from the ceiling. With a ball of cotton wool fitted to the bottom of the string, at the moment the cotton wool touches the windscreen, the car is in precisely the required position.

You could use the same idea to judge side to side positioning, as you drive forward.

[Speculatore]

divetheworld said:

Right now I've got a challenge. How to see where the tyres are when driving on the ramps all by myself. The first time I got our lass to guide me on. That took a while......
Suggestions?

Find the perfect driving line and hang a tennis ball from the garage interior roof so it is in your perfect eye line (Like a plumb line) and use it as a visual guide.

[kbooker]

divetheworld said:

kbooker said:

I've gone SJR, no other reasons than a couple of recommends from guys who already have them and SJR have been very helpful

Edited by kbooker on Monday 21st August 08:29

I couldn't get SJR to take my money! A very nice chap but always an excuse.
In the end I called Automotech.
The first thing that impressed me was that they advised me not to get two jacking beams. Apparently it's not a great idea to lift the entire load only on the inner track. SJR didn't mention this.
A big plus was they had the lifts in stock.
The downside was it cost a few hundred more. I'll do a proper write up sometime soon.

Right now I've got a challenge. How to see where the tyres are when driving on the ramps all by myself. The first time I got our lass to guide me on. That took a while......
Suggestions?

I'll see how the experience with SJR pans out

As mentioned above, a strategically placed mirror or visual reference markers will do the trick

[divetheworld]

Looks like mirrors are the way forward. I'll give it a try and let you know if it works!!

[Gavc]

Edited by kbooker on Monday 21st August 08:29

[/quote]

I couldn't get SJR to take my money! A very nice chap but always an excuse.
In the end I called Automotech.
The first thing that impressed me was that they advised me not to get two jacking beams. Apparently it's not a great idea to lift the entire load only on the inner track. SJR didn't mention this.
A big plus was they had the lifts in stock.
The downside was it cost a few hundred more. I'll do a proper write up sometime soon.

Right now I've got a challenge. How to see where the tyres are when driving on the ramps all by myself. The first time I got our lass to guide me on. That took a while......
Suggestions?

[/quote]

I pulled the plug on an Automech, had same experience with SJR and after a long chat with Automech felt they were far more professional. I have used all sorts of lifts with my work so as a private purchase this time Automech look good. Will report on fitment next Friday, though they sub this work out. Could have fitted myself but want an approved ticket to cover one A**e!!

[kbooker]

Gavc, I don't follow? You've pulled the plug on an Automech or you've bought one?

[divetheworld]

kbooker said:

Gavc, I don't follow? You've pulled the plug on an Automech or you've bought one?

I think he meant 'pulled the trigger'. So he bought Automotech.

I'm just waiting for the jacking beam to arrive. Another plus of the Automotech is the AS-2000JB fits it. Most 'consumer' jacking beams don't have the reach to lift an Aston properly at the sills.

Nice...