2 post lift for storage

[Michael F.]

anyone use a 2 post lift to store 2 cars, top car will be 70 vette, bottom c5...problems or issues if you do or problems you can forsee, I was wondering about arm failure

[Martin M.]

Re: 2 post lift for storage

I use only 4 post lifts with ramps. I don't like having all the suspension parts hanging loose.

Marty

[Brent W.]

Re: 2 post lift for storage

I agree a 4 post lift is better. With a 2 post the pads usually lift on the frame in front & behind the doors. The engine is left hanging out the front unsuppported, would this cause any frame bending and/or body stresses over a long period of time??? As a car normally sits on the ground the front wheels/support are at the front of the engine - a big difference.
I have a 4 poster with 2 jacking platforms so if needed I can jack the car up on the lift & remove the wheels etc.

Brent

[Phil D.]

Re: 2 post lift for storage

Mike,

You've seen my lift, right? Its a four-post, but it also has two sliding scissor jacks so that I can raise all four wheels off the ramps for repairs. Its almost as good as having one of each type of lift. The only downside I have encountered is sometimes the ramps get in the way of using long cheater bars to break frozen bolts loose or swing suspension parts completely out of the way but those are minor inconveniences. Of course more serious, a four-post lift is useless for front wheel drive or rear engine removal, and cumbersome for solid axle work but there is little you can't do to a Corvette or Supra with it. I got it from Derek Weaver Co here in Fort Worth.

[Mark T.]

Re: 2 post lift for storage

Mike one additional comment . Besides having the suspension hang , there is no provision for any type of drip trays on two post lifts. The bottom car would have to be covered in plastic or cardboard which in my opinion is not very safe for leaks. The one exception is Mohawk lifts make a optional wheel lift attachment , which picks up by the wheels not the frame. Mohawk shows this option on their web-site. I have been a Mohawk distributor for over 30 years and we have sold some of these adapters.
However you would still have to deal with no drip trays.
Mark

[Paul O.]

Re: 2 post lift for storage

I have a 2 post lift stored corvettes on them over the winter months with zero issues with the suspension. As for the drip pan issue had 2 long metal drip pans drilled small holes at the corners then hung them using bungee cord at points on the frame. They worked fine had 1 under the engine and transmission the other under the rear axle.

[Bruce B.]

Re: 2 post lift for storage

I agree with Paul.
I have stored my 65 coupe for a few months on my 2 post lift without any problems.
As far as leaks go fix them or hang some heavy plastic sheet from the cars frame.

[Bruce B.]

Re: 2 post lift for storage

For more comments check the other forum, same question asked a short time ago.

[Mark T.]

Re: 2 post lift for storage

I don't disagree with Paul , short term storage on older cars works very well . paul maybe you should look into inventing 2 post drip trays. However when storing late model cars with active suspensions I do not recommend this practice. I sell and install a equal amount of both style lifts but for residential use a 4 post is much easier and safer to use. With a 2 post lift you have to get on your knees and set up each of the 4 arms. Again on late model Vettes this is alittle tricky finding the correct pick up points.
Mark

[Bruce B.]

Re: 2 post lift for storage

Since leaking cars seem to be a problem why not just cut a piece of plastic and use magnets to hold it in place.
I still like the idea of fixing the leaks.

[Terry M.]

Re: 2 post lift for storage

I don't disagree with Paul , short term storage on older cars works very well . paul maybe you should look into inventing 2 post drip trays. However when storing late model cars with active suspensions I do not recommend this practice. I sell and install a equal amount of both style lifts but for residential use a 4 post is much easier and safer to use. With a 2 post lift you have to get on your knees and set up each of the 4 arms. Again on late model Vettes this is alittle tricky finding the correct pick up points.
Mark

Mark.
'A little tricky' is an understatement. Been there, done that and got that T-shirt

[Edward J.]

Re: 2 post lift for storage

I have had a two post lift for about 8/9 years and have stored my C5 on the lift (no leaks) and keep my 63 under. There are no issues, I just keep the car on the lift with the locks on. It is a 9000LB cap.

[Bob R.]

Re: 2 post lift for storage

I have seen how much body flex there is when my 63 convertible is on a two post lift. The door gaps open and you can't open or close the doors. I would never think of storing it like that for any length of time. A C5 or C6 is so rigid it could be stored on a two post lift but I would not store a C2 that way.

[Michael F.]

Re: 2 post lift for storage

good thoughts, thanks.
Phil, I remember your lift, I am trying to get the city to let me build what I want, will be limited and only 14x22 but that is best I can do where I am.

[Paul O.]

Re: 2 post lift for storage

I have had C3 to C6 Corvettes both coupe and convertible on my lift for extended periods of time with zero issues. My lift has asymmetrical arms so can move the car forward and aft of the posts and adjust the location at the front of the car. Plus I have my pads adjusted slightly higher on the front arms. Trying to adjust for the long nose and engine weight. This seams to help with convertibles body flex but then I never open the doors on a convertible while on the lift. I would agree that a 4 post lift is better for storage. But if you also wish to work on your cars then the 2 post is the better option in my opinion. You can do work on a 4 post but many jobs are more difficult then a 2 post.

As for the drip trays that I made may not be lucrative enough because anyone could make them. But Bruce's sheet of plastic and magnet idea is great but then Bruce is a smart and a wise guy.