I have enjoyed having a lift for over 25 years. I'd estimate it has extended my ability to do heavy work on Corvairs by at least 10-15 years. I'm coming up on 70 and going strong in the heavy repair department.
Currently, I have 9000# 2-post asymmetric "Western" lifts; both purchased used but American made and ALSI certified. They're great but at 12' high, they're not suitable for your low ceiling. I like that the cables and hoses go over the top in a channel. This keeps the floor clear and adds strength when the weight of the car is on the lift. These lifts are excellent!
Next: My old house had a 7000# 2-post, symmetric-arm "Rotary" lift, also purchased used and American made. This worked out well with the 10'6 ceiling height in that shop. I did have to be cautious lifting taller vehicles like my Rampside as the roof would hit the ceiling.
The lift in my old house had three drawbacks;
1) The cable and hose track was on the floor between the lift columns so getting non-running cars over the trough was a bear; I had to use a come-a-long to winch them over the hump. Getting over the hump wasn't even easy with a running car.
2) The symmetric design put the column in the middle of the door so it was VERY hard to get in and out.
3) This was an older design that had cylinders emerge out the top as the lift went up. I had to put holes in the ceiling for the cylinders to go into the attic. (!)
- If your ceiling height can accommodate a lift with the crossover track on top, that's the way to go.
- There are low-height models so that's an obvious choice.
- I never felt limited by my 7000# lift but 9000# does give you a safety margin and the ability to let your neighbor lift his pickup truck
.
- Asymmetric lift arms is another obvious choice both for ease of getting in and out and reduced door damage.
Search CorvairForum
Calendar
Birthdays
Newest members
Corvair Vendors