How do you lift your TVR?

[cp81]

I put this initial in the Griff section but really applies to all TVR owners...

I do bits on my car, but when having to lift it up, I have a trolley Jack and four axle stands. The process is a really pain.

I don't have the space or monies for a two post or four post ramps. I have seen these car lift tilts and also hydraulic ramps, which started me thinking of other ways of lifting up my car more easily.

So any advice or suggestions on easier ways or equipment would be appreciated.

Thanks

[seeby]

Lifting the front of my Chim is easy enough because you can lift both wheels at once . On the rear ,a mate made me this gadget which fits on my trolley jack and lifts both rear wheels at the same time .I have limited garage space but this works well .

[RichB]

Can't you lift the rear on the diff case?

[bobfather]

It depends on the job. If I need wheel off access I use a low entry trolley jack and axle stands. I also have adjustable ramps so I can drive on, raise then insert axle stands and then lower the ramps so that I can remove them.

I've seriously considered an air jack

Either this



eBay listing

or this



eBay listing

[Colin RedGriff]

I spent ages looking for something to fit in my single garage, in the end I bought a hydraulic scissor lift. It was the most expensive piece of equipment I ever bought but I am so happy with it. It sits in the garage permanently and I simply drive the tvr in over the top when I park up. I made some ramps out of wood to drive up.

Now I can lift the car any time using the lift and some rubber blocks on the outrigger tubes that lead off the main chassis.

There are a few other products out there which you might prefer (I've not tried any of these)


http://www.cjautos.eu/product_p/cr02.htm

http://www.cjautos.eu/product_p/cr01.htm

http://www.hamercarlift.com

Good idea but it didn't lift I high enough for me, http://www.carlift-ramp-mr1.com

I did also look to see if I could get my hands on one of those display ramps they use at car dealers which you drive up and the jack up the rear to get it level. Lifts the car about 2 foot.

[Stevo302]

All very good ideas. Thanks for the share.
Stevo.

[WinstonWolf]

RichB said:

Can't you lift the rear on the diff case?

I have lifted mine that way loads of times.

[Chuffmeister]

Colin RedGriff said:

http://www.hamercarlift.com

Good idea but it didn't lift I high enough for me, http://www.carlift-ramp-mr1.com

I did also look to see if I could get my hands on one of those display ramps they use at car dealers which you drive up and the jack up the rear to get it level. Lifts the car about 2 foot.

The Hamer is a good idea, but its more than some of the two post hydraulic lifts or scissor lifts on Ebay. Am I missing something?

[bobfather]

I have these adjustable ramps. I'd say they lift to about 2.5 times that of normal ramps and can be used to lift the car onto axel stands, lowering the ramp for removal so that wheel arch work can be done

[cp81]

Colin, thanks. In ideal world when I get around to my double garage then hydraulic ramps would be the way forward for me.

I was thinking along the lines of the tilt ramp initially:

http://www.cjautos.eu/MINI_TILTING_CAR_LIFT_p/cl03...

My thinking was drive the car onto some blocks of wood, to ensure it slides under and if required, drop car onto axle stands.

Bob how do you find those adjustable ramps? How do you use and operate them?

Thanks

[bobfather]

cp81 said:

Bob how do you find those adjustable ramps? How do you use and operate them?

Thanks

I got them new off eBay a couple of years ago, cost £175. They raise and lower using a long threaded bar and a 19mm socket. It's a bit tedious as the action is slow and I prefer to drive them manually so that I can feel if the threads start to bind. That hasn't happened yet but the threaded bars are greased and could easily pick up dirt while I'm working under there.

I raise them as high as I can before driving on, that way a good portion of the lift is done prior to the car loading the ramps. I have been considering acquiring an air ratchet to drive them up and down, my impact wrench could cause problems if the threaded bar became dirty. I think the ratchet would need to achieve around 80Nm to drive effectively

Edited by bobfather on Saturday 14th March 11:34

[bobfather]

I considered a tilting scissor lift but decided against it because they completely cover the outriggers and that is something I like to check whenever I'm under there

[Colin RedGriff]

Chuffmeister said:

Colin RedGriff said:

http://www.hamercarlift.com

Good idea but it didn't lift I high enough for me, http://www.carlift-ramp-mr1.com

I did also look to see if I could get my hands on one of those display ramps they use at car dealers which you drive up and the jack up the rear to get it level. Lifts the car about 2 foot.

The Hamer is a good idea, but its more than some of the two post hydraulic lifts or scissor lifts on Ebay. Am I missing something?

No I don't think you are, one of the reasons I went for the hydraulic scissor lift.

[taylormj4]

I drive up on a pair of car ramps. Need small wooden planks in front of them to stop the bodywork hitting the ramp before the wheel starts to climb.
Then with the car higher off the floor, it's easier to get underneath and you can jack the car off teh ramps and drop it onto axle stands.

[grayze]

I just bought these:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Hydraulic-Car-Ramps-Hydr...

The hydraulic versions of the raising ramps. they lift the car by 40cm in a few pumps and lock off.

Pay the extra for the hydraulic versions they are much quicker and easier than the mechanical version.I don't need to pre lift them, just drive on.

Edited by grayze on Saturday 14th March 14:06

[RichB]

WinstonWolf said:

RichB said:

Can't you lift the rear on the diff case?

I have lifted mine that way loads of times.

Thanks, I suddenly became worried because that's how I lift the back of mine. Then whack the stands under.

[GTRene]

grayze said:

I just bought these:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Hydraulic-Car-Ramps-Hydr...

The hydraulic versions of the raising ramps. they lift the car by 40cm in a few pumps and lock off.

Pay the extra for the hydraulic versions they are much quicker and easier than the mechanical version.I don't need to pre lift them, just drive on.

they cost around 200,-gbp here in NL, but the weight makes it perhaps expensive to ship.

http://www.barntools.nl/index.php?item=oprijbrug-9...

[bobfather]

^^^Okay, lets do a group buy ^^^

[RichB]

grayze said:

I just bought these:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Hydraulic-Car-Ramps-Hydr...

The hydraulic versions of the raising ramps. they lift the car by 40cm in a few pumps and lock off. Pay the extra for the hydraulic versions they are much quicker and easier than the mechanical version.I don't need to pre lift them, just drive on.

I wonder if a Griff would run up onto these without assistance or do you need some wooden planks too?

[Englishman]

RichB said:

I wonder if a Griff would run up onto these without assistance or do you need some wooden planks too?

I bought a pair of these in a group buy last year. Work perfectly for the Griff but you will need a short plank to get the front on, the back is fine. I bought a couple of short scaffolding planks from a local builders merchant. Under £10 for the pair.

BTW, they cost much less than the ebay price!

Edited by Englishman on Saturday 14th March 20:47