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MG parts spares and accessories are available for MG T Series (TA, MG TB, MG TC, MG TD, MG TF), Magnette, MGA, Twin cam, MGB, MGBGT, MGC, MGC GT, MG Midget, Sprite and other MG models from British car spares company LBCarCo.

MG TD TF 1500 - 2 post car lift

I plan to install the above in my garage.
I have the necessary height, and width, however do not have room for a 4 post lift.
The problem I have is that becase the chassis for the TD is 700 mm wide,the arms of the lift can only reach the chassis when they are close together, not a good idea ,as the car would tend to "see saw" which obviously is very unsafe.
All the lifts I have looked at seem to be designed for modern cars which can be lifted by the jacking points on the sills,meaning the arms can be splayed out as wide as possible. much more stable.
I would be interested to hear from anyone who has a 2 post lift ,and how he deals with this issue. Slainte! Bill
IW Martin

Could you put a sufficiently stiff steel channel perpendicular to the length of the car, across the lift points. I know it would limit access but you would still have the flexibility of keeping the lifting mechanism wide enough for modern cars. Could you buy lifting arm extensions? I have the Quickjack and I'm very happy with it. Although if I had the room I'd go for the two post.

Tim
Timothy Burchfield

No problem! You'll be spoiled for life.

The attached photo ought to provide a good perspective. Those arms are not fully extended so they can be spaced wider apart under the frame.



JIM N

I have a two post MaxJax shorty (10 foot ceiling height is an issue for me)that has no problem with my TD, my MGA or my MGB but, admittedly, I don't use it for my F-100 pick-up or my 2015 Toyota. I think the Toyota would fit between the posts but I've never tried. Here's the first lift after installation. Be sure you have a good 6 inches of good concrete to anchor the posts.


Jud

J. K. Chapin

Here's me working in comfort under the TD.

Jud

J. K. Chapin

I'll measure the distance between my posts and post that in a future message. The blue tape is to help me line up the car.

Jud

J. K. Chapin

I attend a British Auto care class here in NY and took my TF along once.

I had the same issue with the 2 post lift, I was very nervous.

There are 2 post lifts that are not linked at the top but are linked across the floor, maybe the could be spaced closer to allow a larger spread along the chassis.

For that reason, I am going with a 4 post lift, but I do have the room.

Peter
P G Gilvarry

I've a two post lift. Had my TFs and TC up on it. Best investment I've ever made for working on the cars. Once you've got one you'll wonder why you left it so long before getting it.
JK Mazgaj

Thanks all for the quick response.

Timothy.. thought about that ,but as you say, it would restrict access a bit,but I won't dismiss the idea altogether.

Jim N.. Ok for lifting the tub, but not the whole car.

J K Chaplin.. I do like the look of that one.. what is the max lift possible?

PG... I enquired about shortening the baseplate ,but the supplier said that as the hydraulic lines and the cable was in the baseplate it would be a very tricky job, and would invalidate the warranty.

Thanks again for the ideas and suggestions, keep 'em coming!
Slainte!

IW Martin

Four post and two post lifts are quite different things for different purposes. It sounds like you wanted a 4-post lift but are getting a 2-post simply to save floor space. In that case, consider a single side post lift. It works like a 4-post lift with only one post.

See here for ideas: http://www.mgnuts.com/autolifts
Steve Simmons

IW, could you have different floor mounting holes for near and longer distances from the other post? In other words, a set of post mounting holes for narrow cars and a wider set of post mounting holes for wider cars.

Tim
Timothy Burchfield

Bill, my posts are 8 feet apart giving a nice spread to the arms. The lift is rated at 6,000 lbs. The max lift height is 4 feet. The base is bolted to threaded anchors in the concrete floor and the lift is advertised as "portable." It's pretty heavy and I've never moved it but in the promotional video the guy does it with seeming ease. In any event, it would be fairly simple to get a second set of anchors so that one post could be moved in or out to give flexibility for wider and skinnier cars. The unit was shipped via truck in three boxes and it was all that two of us could do to load and unload the boxes but once the parts were separated none of them were too heavy for one person. The posts have wheels to facilitate movement after unbolting from the floor. I'm quite pleased with it. I don't know if they have any British or European distributors. I have no interest in the company.
https://www.maxjaxusa.com/

The pads are round and the left front interfered with the bottom of the pedal box so I cut rectangle pieces of wood the width of the TD frame to eliminate the interference. See picture. I've subsequently made collars for the wood to secire it to the pads.

By the way, "Slainte" is now my new word for 2019. As I type, I'm lifting one to your health.

Jud



J. K. Chapin

J K... I have found a similar 2 post adjustable width available in the UK... So similar in fact that I suspect it is manufactured by the same company!

As Timothy says I would be able if needed, to fix 2 sets of mounting holes for bigger vehicles, but I can't see that being an issue at the moment.
The working height looks pretty comfortable, especially as much routine work on the car is brakes and suspension.
I have also found a standard type 2 post lift which has triple extending arms,which would be able to reach in far enough whilst
spreading out wide to catch the best bits of the chassis. I have been in touch with the supplier to have a look at one which he has installed ,hopefully within reasonable reach from here.
I will report back on the outcome. Thanks all again
Slainte! Bill
IW Martin

Jud
Having been in the trade all my life, I have to say, having a piece of wood on top of the rubber pad is Dangerous
The pads are there to help stop any sliding around, useing a block of wood is the best way to end up hurt--either you or the car
Get yourself some rubber blocks before it's too late

willy
William Revit

Rubber blocks? Never thought of it but sounds like a good idea and I'll do it. Thanks. Jud
J. K. Chapin

Due to limited floor space I chose a single post with ramps. There is no question about stability with ramps. It has a 6000 pound limit. I believe that I can handle any two little British cars at the same time.
I have had my 1999 Ford Explorer SUV on it with no problem.
Let me know if you need more information and I will send you some links.
Mort

Mort Resnicoff

Lifted.

The only minor drawback to lifting with ramps is the extra steps necessary when working on the suspension.
When in the lowered position I use a 2x10 bridge and jack and block the frame up. Then I raise the vehicle to the desired height.

Mort

Mort Resnicoff

Just found this photo

Mort Resnicoff

another view

Mort Resnicoff

I would add to my previous comment that I've found my two post lift allows me to have all 4 wheels off at the same time. With my TF1500 having just converted from LHD to RHD I'm in the process of fitting a 5 speed box having just finished-well 95%- rewire. When at its fullest height I'm able to stand upright apart from under the axle and cross members. I'm 6 foot. It's been a enormous aid sitting easily on the chassis rails.
JK Mazgaj

I have a two post lift and the arms can be extended as needed to accommidate a wide range of vehicles.

L E D LaVerne

TC which is narrower than a TD/TF

L E D LaVerne

TR6

L E D LaVerne

TD

L E D LaVerne

Present project

L E D LaVerne

Here is mine I was changing a shock that decided to dump on the floor. If you are centered mine will reach the end of the flat area on the frame at both ends of the car.

Butch

R Taras

Maybe I'm lucky to have the room and height to have a 4 post lift and find it to give me a more secure feeling with one or two of my more precious vehicles on it. It happily will accommodate my TD, as well as either the PA or the PB Airline Coupe.

If I need to raise one or two wheels, it has a sliding jack tray which can be used to slide under an axle to access any part of the under-carriage.

I just feel better storing or working on the cars with 4 points of suspension rather than incorrectly placing the arms of a one or two post left.
Lew Palmer

Missed the photo...

Lew Palmer

Until I saw the 2 post lift fitted with pontoons(?) which carry the wheels I was against them. Apart from 2 MGs I have a 1926 Morris which will not safely fix on a 2 post hoist - the chassis is narrow and flexible.
I am very interested in the concept of fitting pontoons. Were these home made and if so are there drawings available? Thank you.

In the UK a domestic 4 post (runs on domestic single phase electric supply) whereas 2 posts come in at under £1500.
R J Marshall

This thread was discussed between 06/01/2019 and 18/01/2019

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