Okay, so here’s the lowdown on my recent garage project: car scissor lifts. I’ve always wanted one, and finally bit the bullet. Let me tell you, it was a journey.
First off, research. I spent weeks online, watching videos, reading reviews. I knew I wanted something that could handle the weight of my truck, but also fit in my (relatively) small garage. The big question was: two-post or scissor lift?
I considered a two-post, but after measuring my garage height a million times, I realized it was going to be too tight. I needed at least 11-12 feet for a two-post, and I was scraping by with just under that. Plus, I wanted easy access to the wheels for brake jobs and tire rotations, which pointed me towards a scissor lift that lifts by the chassis.
So, I narrowed it down to scissor lifts. Then came the next challenge: choosing a brand and model. There are so many out there! I ended up going with a mid-rise scissor lift from a company I’d seen recommended on a few mechanic forums. Seemed reputable, and the price was right (relatively speaking, these things ain’t cheap!).
Delivery day! This thing was HUGE. It came strapped to a pallet, and I had to figure out how to get it off the truck and into my garage. Luckily, I have a good neighbor with a forklift. We managed to wrestle it in without any major damage (to the garage or the lift, thankfully).
Installation was a beast. The instructions were… less than helpful. Mostly pictures and vague diagrams. I ended up watching a bunch of YouTube videos to figure out how to properly assemble everything. The hydraulics were a bit intimidating at first, but I took my time and double-checked everything.
Wiring it up was another fun challenge. I needed to run a dedicated 220V circuit to my garage. I’m comfortable with electrical work, but if you’re not, I highly recommend hiring an electrician. Messing with electricity is not something to take lightly.
Finally, after a full weekend of sweating and cursing, it was time to test it out! I cautiously positioned my beat-up sedan on the lift, said a little prayer, and hit the “up” button. Slowly but surely, the car started to rise. It was amazing! I checked all the safety locks, made sure everything was stable, and breathed a sigh of relief.
First project: changing the oil in my truck. It was SO much easier than crawling around on the floor. I could actually sit on a stool and work comfortably. Seriously, this lift is a game-changer.
- Lessons learned:
- Measure your garage height! Twice!
- Read the instructions carefully (even if they suck).
- Watch YouTube videos. They’re your friend.
- Don’t be afraid to ask for help.
- And most importantly, be safe!
Is it worth it? Absolutely. It’s made working on my cars so much easier and more enjoyable. Plus, it just looks cool having a car lift in my garage. Now I just need to figure out what project to tackle next.
Future Plans: I’m thinking of adding some better lighting around the lift and maybe even getting a rolling tool chest. The possibilities are endless!
