[EDNY]

Got a great deal on a 4 post lift 9K...have it in my shop right now (looks brand new).   My ceilings are 9 foot tall...so I need an opening approx 3-4 feet higher.  The ramps are approx 15' long.

My question is not about the height...would like to hear more suggestions about the perimeter of the ceiling opening.  The majority of vehicle are set back from the front to the A piller.  So an opening from the A piller back is my concern..

My guess that an opening 6' wide and 9-10' long would be sufficient?  With that length my coupes have a lot of clearance and my son's 37 sedan should also clear?

Thanks

[62131]

Be sure to check the clearance of your overhead door when its in the open position

[sixball]

I have my "studio" above my shop so I guess I could put a trap door in the studio floor so the roof of the car could go into the studio. Show us some pictures if how you work this out.

[EDNY]

UPDATE:

Finally got the barn ceiling opened, "after" I had the opening roughed out found a deal on 2-1/2" foam board (4X8 sheets) that I boxed it in with ($12.50 a sheet) so my width is now just under 6 foot.

The lift is actually an 8K Atlas

Floor to ceiling:  11'9"
Opening length 13'
Opening width 70-1/2"

My 34 is on the lift with 8" clearance above the roof
With my chopped 33 I have about 10" clearance

It's tight but lift could go up another 3"....but that won't be necessary because it's right on 72" from floor to oil pans now (perfect for me).   I'm actually real happy with my working area.  The shop is in my barn, it's tight but with the cost to heat..just right for my needs. It will work with my son's 37 4dr sedan and any midsize cars. With a full size truck...just won't be able to go all the way up.

BTW: That Harbor Freight underhoist support is really well built ..will come in handy for other construction projects.  Using a borrowed high lift transmission jack because Harbor Freight doesn't have them listed anymore.

[sixball]

Good work! I'd like to see some more pictures of the work space around the bottom both with and without a car on the lift. If I'd only build my shop 2' taller. 

[EDNY]

With the lift down without a car you'll have two large ramps on the floor, with them up - with or without a car - you have full floor usage with about 6' head clearance.  I can keep my 34 up in the air and my 33 under it.

With one car on the lift I can still store my ATV and even pull in my tractor (bucket first)  during snow falls.

[sixball]

Nice, thanks! The last 12'x24' stall in my machine shed has a dirt floor. I left it that way so I could pull my little JD dozer in. The dozer is broken & sitting outside. I could redesign that stall for a lift with a roof as high as I need. Pour a slab for whatever lift works best. I'd want to be able to lift my C20 flatbed & my Blazer. Good project for next summer. Like I need a project.

[62131]

Very nice, I nave a hip roof which will not allow me to open it up, I do have 10' ceilings thou

[TFoch]

Looks good Ed!  Nice to have a lift to work with!

[chopper526]

Looking good, Ed. You made the best out of it.

[EDNY]

Thanks guys...12' is the target height if anyone asks.