Oh trust me, I really want to build a garage/shop at my house. Bought the house 5 years ago with the intention to do a shop space, but haven't. This is commercial space about 10 minutes away that I rent with another person. But yeah, I agree....14 foot ceilings helps.
I did my 355 engine out in 2015 on a low polishing bridge, the one that forms a trapezoid when up. Terrible, as the rising construction blocked a part of the engine, and it was a pain to get it out and back in. In the end I needed two jacks to lift the body further. Now I have a 2 post lift, and that is very, very convenient. I have a normal size ceiling, at 260 cm, so I bought a low lift from TwinBusch (available in Europe). I made some heavy steel plates to support the feet of the posts, and made an extra connection on the top to prevent the posts bending in. Not necessary probably, but safety first. I have had a tvr (1050 kg) and an aston vantage ( 1650 kg) on it already, so for my next belt service it will certainly do well.
We have the same lift and used it for our 355 major in 2018. Great piece of kit -just look out for the face-level red lock handle. You will clobber your head on it if you haven't used it. Perhaps that's why it is where it is...
2 post typically requires about 12 foot or higher ceilings, so that is out. I went with a wildfire lifts 9,000 pound four post unit. Nice and sturdy, not too expensive (about $3,600). Image Unavailable, Please Login
9'-6". I end up with about 7-8" above the S2000 when it is on the top shelf. More like 12" when the Alfa is up top, but the Clearance underneath on the stop shown is barely enough for the S2000 (maybe 3" clear).
I also have the "home garage" version of the Twin-Busch lift. Great for low ceiling height, as you mention. Was going to go with their 4 post lift for my 355 but then they fortunately came out with the two-post garage model. More work to do to get the garage ready but making progress. Twin-Busch does distribute in the U.S. but I don't know if they stock this model. . Image Unavailable, Please Login
That is looking great and professional! My ceiling has the same height, but the garage is not that wide unfortunately...
