3cars in a 2 car garage

Like many out there, I was faced with too many cars, or more precisely, too few garages. To solve the issue, I purchased 4 post lift and with a 8'3" garage height, that worked when stacking the 308 and the XKE. However, I wanted to put a "regular" car under the 308. The solution became obvious. Raise the ceiling. Or more specifically, create a 6' x 6' tray ceiling over the lift.

Being that the roof utilized truss construction, I hired a truss engineer to design the ceiling. Next, a had a construction company experienced in this type of work to do the actual modifications. The final step was to add 8" to the garage door railing so the raised garage door hugged the ceiling. The net effect allowed for an additional 20" of vertical lift.

Was it worth it? The total cost was $4000. Garage rental around here is $350 a month. That equates to less than a 1 year payback.
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This just proves it. As a fellow car guy I think we all are just a little nuts. LOL Good Job

 

Much better to keep your cars under your own roof.

 

Well done Paul

In one of your pix, it looks like an HRE wheel hanging on the wall...is that so?

 

Good eyes!! There are 4 HREs (8 x 16 and 10 x 16) wheels on the wall mounted with slicks. Next quiz, what type and size fish on the back wall????

 

I will be in the market soon. Which brand lift did you buy?

 

That's really neat! Sort of Bat-Cavey.

 

Let's see ................ 4.5 lb Rainbow Trout ??

Cheers, Hank

 

Although it's a little hard to see, I agree with Hank, Rainbow. Probably pretty spot on the weight too.

 

Wow, I'm impressed - caught at Duckabush River, Washington.

Lift is the Atlas 408SL. It is my second lift. I selected this lift for several reasons: 1. it has adjustable locking positions, 2. the lift motor can be mounted on any of the 4 posts, 3. it is narrower than the other lifts I researched, 4. heavier grade steel construction.

 

I'm in awe.

So, any pics with the car raised? Still looks kind of tight.

 

Yes it's a little tight, but it works.. Better than leaving a car out in the Florida sun.
Part of our problem is we "downsized" last year. Our goal was to move south with only a bathing suit and a toothbrush. Even after we sold / gave away almost all our possessions before we move out of NJ, we still ended up with a ton a stuff. I suspect it sneaks into the garage at night when we are asleep.
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Thanks for the rack info.

Nice solution by the way. I have seen it before. Fortunately for me I'll have a double long space and high ceilings so it won't come to what you had to do.

 

Great post. That is almost identical to my garage. In fact I am going out to see if all of my junk migrated to your place.

 

See...between the two Hanks, we got everything covered

 

So what is the convertible with the wood dash shown in the pic?

 

I was lucky by accident. When i built my house one side was to low for the plans so we just made the garage deeper. It left me with a 12' ceiling. I always thought it was to high until I needed space for the Fcar. Now that it is gone the Jag fits just fine. Eagle 4 post 7000 lb lift. I've had it for 14 years now.
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1986 ASC McLaren - 21K original miles. 302 HO engine. Only about 2700 of these cars produced. Great run around car.

 

'86 ASC McLaren -
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Nice solution. I have the same issue. Looks like you modfied two trusses running in the same direction as the car (front to back). Could you post a quick drawing of the modified truss design. I think this is something me and the boys might be able to knock out. You say the tray is 6x6 but it looks more like 4 x4. Maybe just the pics.

What is the height of the car underside at full lift please?

Cheers,

Ken

 

The tray is 6 x 6 - see diagram. 54" clearance for bottom car. I can get at least 2 " more, but I don't need it. Hope this helps.
View attachment Tray Ceiling.pdf

 

Wow, that's not going anywhere! I was thinking I could just raise/cut two joists up by three or so feet and gusset the ends for lateral support. That will create a six foot spacing between trusses in the center of my garage which is enough to get my 308 between (if I'm careful). Still might do that.

You did it right though with the engineering. No way a new owner or insurance company can jam you up on it down the road.