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Hi Guys,

It's time to buy a car hoist, I have had enough of sliding around under cars to do little annoying jobs.

until now most of the major works have been done by driving or transporting the cars to my chosen mechanic in Geelong approx. 30 minutes away.

However this year I am planning a major resto. on a 108/109 and would like to complete most of the work at home.

So do any of you fellow Orgers have any recommendations on what to consider and what I should be aware of.

any advice would be greatly appreciated

Cheers
Rob

I think the first basic choice is the style of lift : 2 post, 4 post or scissor type. 

When it comes to brands, I quite fancy the Scandinavian Stenhoj models.  Suppose it all depends on price, but I figure that when I get a hoist, my pride and joy will be on top, and I'll be standing underneath, so there better not be any failures. 

You have seen my 2 post hoist that was given to me by a "friend" - makes working on the car much more pleasurable but puts a bit more strain on the shoulders as you are always working with your arms up in the air and you also bang your head a lot more.

Two post has the advantage of leaving the wheels dangling so it is easy to work on the suspension.

4 post "drive on type" means it sits on the wheels and suspension but is quicker and easier to get the car up and down - presumably it is more useful in a shop situation when working on exhausts engines and transmission but a bit limited when you need to get at a 108/9 suspension.

You will also need a  shed with lots of headroom as the car goes a long way up in the air and at least one transmission jack.

You often actually need two transmission jacks to hold two parts at the same time.

Mine has made a lot of little jobs more pleasurable because even if you are working under the ponnet from the top you can raise the car up a bit to help an aching back - and if you drop a bolt just raise the car and pick it up - Decadence

Bill

Rob - is this for the 6.3 you have your eye on?

Thanks Guys,

Ryan I am leaning towards a 2 poster for compactness and versatility,  not sure whether to go for a good second hand Australian made brand like Molnar or a cheap new Chinese product? Tuflift, bendpack etc?

I haven't heard of Stenhoj, don't think there imported into Australia.

Bill, These cars are a pure indulgence to start with! but I did like your set up.

Yes Flutes this has been brought about by the anticipated 108/109 project

Cheers

Rob

I'm not familiar with the Aus brands as we don't get them here.  2-post lifts are versatile, but need really decent anchoring and foundations (the manufacturers of any quality brands should be able to give you a spec sheet on the installation requirements for any hoist you are considering).  I also fancy a 2-post, both for its versatility, plus the very real consideration that this type tends to be cheaper than 4-post. 

OK, after doing the sums on buying second hand,  allowing for time and effort to dismantle and pick up then transport home and install and in most cases reconfigure for single phase power as I don't have 3 phase available. I have made an sensible decision to order a new hoist and have it professionally installed.

For anyone interested I have chosen a  2 Post Hanmecson 
                                                            Pro-9A
                                                            4ton Clear floor model
                                                            Hydraulic/electric

will be delivered and installed next week. 

Cheers

Rob

That's an awesome exciting present to yourself.  Well done. 

how did i miss this post?
this is awesome RD, i imagine your fun with the cars will multiply as you are able to do things much easier!
when i was at the paint shop a few months ago, the boss noted that the guy who services their hoists often does up the ones he replaces and sells the used ones on. worth a thought for anyone who hasnt yet bought one!

RD, is my computer on the fritz or have you hijacked my login pic which is currently showing beside your name!
regards
nathan

ps how far are you from melbourne city, a visit may soon be in order!

Yes it is exciting, I can hardly wait to do the next oil change.

Should do an inaugural first lift with pictures, will have to be the Silverardo or maybe the R107 or the new 108
I'll have to flip a coin.

Nathan, Swanview is a leisurely 90 minutes from the big smoke. You are Welcome anytime.

What login pic??

Cheers

Rob

That hoist will be an excellent investment, I reckon.

I think "robertd" must be another alias of "nathan".

Tim

Sounds absolutely magnificent.

Good decision to go new from a safety point of view.

Bill

I am builidng a new wee little shed at the moment. When it is finished I will be getting a new two post car hoist. Paid  a lot more money for the floor so it could support a hoist. I will be going molnar as they are made here in Adelaide and for the extra bucks i know i willl get parts for many years to come.

Well you will be enjoying your hoist sooner than me.

Cheers
Andreas