Finally bought a garage stretcher

Joel, you are right,  it would be easy to be working on the car and  forget that the hood was open and raise it....OUCH!!!!  Ill have to really watch myself on that one.  I bought an XLT model not for the additional length but for the additional height but in spite of all my careful measurement, I cannot raise the vette high enough to walk under the lift without hitting my head, the lift will go high enough, but not with the car on it.  Hmmmm wonder if it would hurt anything to take out a couple of those rafters.....  As far as the measurements go, here is a  link to the lift I bought.  I paid to have them install it as well.  After seeing how heavy the pieces were and everything involved I think that was money well spent. I could have done it but it would have taken me A LOT longer to do and my back would probably never recover.  Yep, Dave, the drip trays are already in placeCrossfire19822008-07-25 05:40:52

Looks great and certain to be used all the time. I know what you mean about the height and the rafters - I have the same problem. I'm pretty sure someone could find a way to remove a few and add some support to give you more head room. It's on my list to do one of these days.

[QUOTE=Crossfire1982] Joel, you are right,  it would be easy to be working on the car and  forget that the hood was open and raise it....OUCH!!!!  Ill have to really watch myself on that one. [/QUOTE]

I know a guy that actually did that years ago....on a customer's BMW....oooops!

As far as not being able to walk under it widout bangin yer noggin, here's the solution, and it's so simple, you'll wonder why you didn't think of it yerself.....
Just bust out the concrete under da lift, and dig a hole....problem solved!
Geeeez...I gotta do everythin around here? Adams' Apple2008-07-25 11:01:39

Duuuu, why didnt I think of that, now where did I put that jack hammer

Where there is a will,..there is a way .    aceinthehole2008-07-25 13:18:59

I've had one for about 4 yrs. They are great doing the tires and waxing the lower half. My knees and lower back love the lift

You can remove some of the joist. They primarily hold the walls in tact and provide support from outward pressure.

You can probably remove the ones over the lift with out much problem.

You will need to build stub rafters that tie the roof rafters together from side to side.

I have been considering doing this but in order for me to do so I lose a 10'X20' section of overhead loft.

I am not sure that the lift would justify the space lost from loft.

Crap.... I hate those kinda decisions!!!

Tuxblacray2008-07-26 08:57:25

Be careful removing any Truss rafters. The roof sheeting may be joined on the rafter leaving no support for that area of the roof. You can substitute regular rafters usually 2x8 or 2x10's for this. If in doubt check with a structural engineer.

NICE

I have wanted one of those for years now. Maybe someday when my garage space increases to something more than what I have now.

Nice score. I love it.