Poor Man's Lift

Stoney FFR · #1 (**permalink**) 02-15-2012, 05:35 PM

I thought I would share my latest project. I started with some plans I got from another thread here on CC, but did quite a bit of tweaking to the plans. They lift the car up a little over 10", so with 4" ride height the frame is up over 14".

I still have a few minor things to take care of like installing stop blocks on the front pedestals, painting, reinforcing the ramps with underneath support, pins to hold it all together, etc. Man that was a leap of faith driving up there. It doesn't look like much until your in the car going up the ramps!

dave from mesa · #2 (**permalink**) 02-15-2012, 06:08 PM

Great idea. Hope you don't mind if I borrow you're idea. Can't wait for more pics.

thanks.

SoTxButler · #3 (**permalink**) 02-15-2012, 06:10 PM

Looks good to me....make a kit out of it and sell it.

Dwight · #4 (**permalink**) 02-15-2012, 06:11 PM

I would suggest adding a 2x4 in front of the front tires. It gives you something to stop the car. Of course you can jump across it but it has worked for me of several years.
Oh yes, pin the ramps, I shot one out but the car made it onto the stands. I made the pins out of fender washers welded onto 1/4" slick rod. You could use long 1/4" bolt.
Dwight

ROBERT GWALTNEY · #5 (**permalink**) 02-15-2012, 06:12 PM

I built the same lift but made it a little taller

Clayboy · #6 (**permalink**) 02-15-2012, 06:29 PM

Here is a picture of my version of Red Barchetta's lift. There are more in my gallery. Additionally there is also a detailed build sequence for both Red's version and mine on Talk@CobraRegistry.comThey are on page 2 of "Cobra Builds" under the headings: "Cheap-O Lift" and "Poor Man's Qwik Lift For Under $250."
Bob

Stoney FFR · #7 (**permalink**) 02-15-2012, 06:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dwight

I would suggest adding a 2x4 in front of the front tires. It gives you something to stop the car. Of course you can jump across it but it has worked for me of several years.
Oh yes, pin the ramps, I shot one out but the car made it onto the stands. I made the pins out of fender washers welded onto 1/4" slick rod. You could use long 1/4" bolt.
Dwight

Quote:

I still have a few minor things to take care of like installing a stop blocks on the front pedestals

Thanks Dwight.. It's on the To-Do list.. Stop Blocks, Paint, Pins, Ramp Supports, Bolting to Floor, etc..

Dwight · #8 (**permalink**) 02-15-2012, 07:11 PM

I don't have mine bolted to the floor. I take it apart and store it in the corner of the shop.
I have pins in the piece between the stands. Just drill a 1/4" hole and stick a bolt in it.

Dwight

WildBill1965 · #9 (**permalink**) 02-15-2012, 07:41 PM

Harbor freight has some heavy rubber stop blocks, curved to fit the tire I think about $7, would work great! Fronts cold be ancored! Lifts look great!

B i l l

Xack · #10 (**permalink**) 02-15-2012, 08:04 PM

I had a Honda Prelude and I drove it up some of those metal ramps in my garage.... they scooted on the concrete floor, so I was a little more agressive. Yes, I overshot and boom! The front slammed down on the opposite side of the ramps... of course I may not have done that if I had a mirror or a spotter. It twisted up my mud flaps. I could not imagine what would happen if that was my cobra. I'd ruin my side pipes and do some body damage for sure.

I have a good floor jack and lift it up on to my metal ramps or on to wheel dollies. I don't drive any of my cars up on ramps any more. I'm lucky I learned my lesson on an old Honda.

Stoney FFR · #11 (**permalink**) 02-15-2012, 09:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Xack

I had a Honda Prelude and I drove it up some of those metal ramps in my garage.... they scooted on the concrete floor, so I was a little more agressive. Yes, I overshot and boom! The front slammed down on the opposite side of the ramps... of course I may not have done that if I had a mirror or a spotter. It twisted up my mud flaps. I could not imagine what would happen if that was my cobra. I'd ruin my side pipes and do some body damage for sure.

I have a good floor jack and lift it up on to my metal ramps or on to wheel dollies. I don't drive any of my cars up on ramps any more. I'm lucky I learned my lesson on an old Honda.

Your first mistake was driving a Honda Prelude!

Thanks, I'll just have to be careful.

Joe - -

randlej · #12 (**permalink**) 02-16-2012, 06:25 AM

$80 and trip to walmart. Reverse them so stops work both ways. Jack up rear, place ramps, then front. Plenty of room underneath for me.

my427cobra · #13 (**permalink**) 02-16-2012, 08:36 AM

Hi randlej. Searched the walmart website but couldn't find your ramps. What are they called/part number? I'm headed over there this afternoon, so I'll look for them.

Cheers
Greg

randlej · #14 (**permalink**) 02-16-2012, 11:23 AM

I've seen them at advance auto and other auto supply stores too. Not sure of brand, etc. They stack on top of each other very nicely when not in use.

Stoney FFR · #15 (**permalink**) 02-16-2012, 09:13 PM

Those are definitely an option if you want to jack up your car. I really wanted to get away from having to always jack up the car. I plan to use mine as a permanent parking platform. I also wanted to be able to do alignments without having to continually raise and lower the car as adjustments are made.