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Help with getting on car lift...

Discussion in 'Ferrari Discussion (not model specific)' started by bpu699, Nov 23, 2005.

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  1. bpu699

    bpu699 F1 World Champ
    Owner Silver Subscribed

    Dec 9, 2003
    17,699
    wisconsin/chicago
    Full Name:
    bo
    #1 bpu699, Nov 23, 2005
    Alright, my midlift/scissor lift is in, and installed. The lift requires 5 inches of clearance from the testarossa...

    I put 3 planks on either side, these are 1x12x10, giving 3 inches of clearance. I staggered them, so I drive up a 1 inch incline each time. Easy, I thought. Having done it twice now - I don't think my clutch loves me anymore.

    It is actually quite difficult to get up this little incline, and I need ideas on how to improve things.... Issues:

    1) Hitting the 1 ft wide ramp EXACTLY right, if no one is helping, is a complete bear. If you don't get on just right, the carlift isn't exactly centered under the car, which can pose issues (tyhe lift has movable arms, but I don't want to cause an imbalance). I was thinking about putting plastic guide posts on the edges, this may work.

    2) Getting up the incline is though. My driveway has some slant to it, which doesn't help. I try to ease on VERY gently, so I done overshoot once on the lift, and end up in my garage wall. I can smell clutch everytime I do this.

    I was thinking of just putting in first, letting it roll up in idle, but it just dies trying to do this... If I add gas, it feels like I may overshoot. The clutch on the testarossa seems VERY easy to burn in this scenario...

    Any ideas? Are there some metal plates/ramps/ I can put on the front to further smooth the incline?

    I was also thinking about putting stops of some sort on the end of the wood ramp to prevent an overshoot.

    These are small issues, I am sure I can figure out on my own. But I am curious what others have done :).
     
  2. Napolis

    Napolis Three Time F1 World Champ
    Honorary Owner

    Oct 23, 2002
    32,118
    Full Name:
    Jim Glickenhaus
    #2 Napolis, Nov 23, 2005
    Make two nice LONG wooden ramps that butt to the lift. Make a paint mark on the wall that you match up with your vision that centers the car. Mount SOLID and High as possible stops. Line up and drive up in gear at moderate speed, just enough to make the ramp. Once past the ramp clutch in and foot on brakes. Apply brakes as you feel stop.

    Works for me but my platform is only 1/2 inch high. 3 inches is a lot. Mine isn't a lift but a platform that lowers from above on cables.
     
  3. riverflyer

    riverflyer F1 Rookie

    Nov 26, 2003
    3,583
    Mendocino, Ca
    Full Name:
    John
    #3 riverflyer, Nov 23, 2005
    Bo, assuming you have full dimensional lumber(which is becoming increasingly rare!) try tapering the ends to at least 45 degrees and steeper if you have the means. This will make the transition smoother.
     
  4. bpu699

    bpu699 F1 World Champ
    Owner Silver Subscribed

    Dec 9, 2003
    17,699
    wisconsin/chicago
    Full Name:
    bo
    #4 bpu699, Nov 23, 2005
    Well, I will try to make the ramp more gradual. Right now it a 3 inch rise with a 20 inch run...which I didn't think would be too bad, but it is.
     
  5. ferrarigtofan

    ferrarigtofan Formula Junior
    BANNED

    Sep 26, 2005
    510
    USA
    #5 ferrarigtofan, Nov 23, 2005
    How about backing on? No front end clearance issues and you can use your rear views to aim. Make lines on the floor that you need your rear wheels to fall in between as an aiming technique.
     
  6. Michael Everson

    Michael Everson Karting

    Nov 5, 2005
    224
    Norton, MA USA Earth
    Full Name:
    Michael Everson
    #6 Michael Everson, Nov 23, 2005
    How about getting it close to the ramps then winch it on. Would be a lot cheaper to buy a small winch you could attach to your floor than buying a new clutch
     
  7. mswiek

    mswiek Formula Junior

    Jan 5, 2004
    330
    #7 mswiek, Nov 23, 2005
    I have a similar situation with my car and a similar lift. I had a friend of mine who is a metal fabricator make me up a pair of 18" wide ramps out of 1/4" stell diamond plate. The rise on mine was 2.5 inches and the run was 20". I used to use 2 layers of 2x pressure treated planks as the runners beside the lift for the car to sit on. These always seemd to move, however, and required constant repositioning. I replaced them this summer with stone. That's right, slabs of 2.5 inch thick, 20" wide flagstone. It can be piurchased at landscape and building stone suppliers, and is commonly used for stair treads in building applications. My neighbor, in the stone business, custom ordered it for me. I use 4 peices of 2.5 inch thick, 20" wide and 7 feet long. I use wo on each side to make a 14-foot run on each side. I had holes drilled in one end of the stone so I can attach a block to prevent overuns.

    Mike
     
  8. Boxer12

    Boxer12 Formula 3

    Jun 1, 2003
    1,672
    #8 Boxer12, Nov 23, 2005
    What brand lift is it? I want to make sure I don't buy one. What a pain in the arse. Don't burn up the clutch...several thousand dollars there.
     
  9. MDshore348

    MDshore348 Formula 3

    Dec 24, 2004
    2,460
    Maryland
    Full Name:
    Darron
    #9 MDshore348, Nov 23, 2005
    you need to get low clearance asymetrical lift arms . you shouldnt have to drive on any more than one piece of 2 x12 . put rubber carpet backing on the bottom to keep from sliding out of place.
     

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