Is this safe to work under?
Discussion
Need to be able to get my GTM Libra into the air (weighs about 750kg).
Just seen this on eBay, wondered if it was much cop. Have a flat area to use it on, but would like to be able to get properly under the car (coolant/gear change run down the centre tunnel) - are they safe for that?
Other alternative would be a kit from sgs comprising low rise jack and ratchet stands, both with rubber protectors to save the fibreglass monocoque. Less expensive but more time consuming and potentially less versatile?
Just seen this on eBay, wondered if it was much cop. Have a flat area to use it on, but would like to be able to get properly under the car (coolant/gear change run down the centre tunnel) - are they safe for that?
Other alternative would be a kit from sgs comprising low rise jack and ratchet stands, both with rubber protectors to save the fibreglass monocoque. Less expensive but more time consuming and potentially less versatile?
Cheers guys, my impression was that the tilt is locked in place, but with the ability to unlock and tilt controllably?
It will fit under a libra, it's not that low (although there's not much clearance!).
My concern is that the monocoque only really runs to half way along the car - there isn't anywhere behind that that can be used to support the car. So I'm concerned about putting it on four axle stands when the majority of the weight is hanging out past the stands - I'd be relying on the minimal weight of the front end to keep the back end up?
I'll take a pic in a bit and get your thoughts...
It will fit under a libra, it's not that low (although there's not much clearance!).
My concern is that the monocoque only really runs to half way along the car - there isn't anywhere behind that that can be used to support the car. So I'm concerned about putting it on four axle stands when the majority of the weight is hanging out past the stands - I'd be relying on the minimal weight of the front end to keep the back end up?
I'll take a pic in a bit and get your thoughts...
Here's my concern:
The rearmost 6-8" of 'sill' is just a cover, and non structural. In front of that (under the passenger compartment) there's a fairly large, exceptionally solid (it's composite dontcha know!) jacking area...
Behind the jacking area hangs this:
As the engine cradle is really only there to support the engine (no suspension loads etc.) I'm loathe to support under sump etc.
Any ideas for a stable way of getting all four wheels in the air, without damaging the Fibreglass monocoque? I was looking at the rubber top compatible low entry jack and stands from sgs, however they're out of stock and there's a pressing need!
Also thought that it was riskier to the car to have to do multiple lifts to get onto 4 stands, whereas the scissor lift thingy would be able to get the whole thing in the air in one go...
All suggestions gratefully received!
The rearmost 6-8" of 'sill' is just a cover, and non structural. In front of that (under the passenger compartment) there's a fairly large, exceptionally solid (it's composite dontcha know!) jacking area...
Behind the jacking area hangs this:
As the engine cradle is really only there to support the engine (no suspension loads etc.) I'm loathe to support under sump etc.
Any ideas for a stable way of getting all four wheels in the air, without damaging the Fibreglass monocoque? I was looking at the rubber top compatible low entry jack and stands from sgs, however they're out of stock and there's a pressing need!
Also thought that it was riskier to the car to have to do multiple lifts to get onto 4 stands, whereas the scissor lift thingy would be able to get the whole thing in the air in one go...
All suggestions gratefully received!
looks a bit scary to me.
The "full" ramp these people look okay, but the point of seesaw would be a big scary I think! http://www.restorationramps.co.uk/
The ez up ones might work for you ?
I think these look a bit safer, provided there are mechanical lockouts for the hydraulic rams (looks like there are)
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Lifting-Car-Device-Ramp-...
you could just build something?
Or these?
http://www.cjautos.eu/product_p/cr02.htm
The "full" ramp these people look okay, but the point of seesaw would be a big scary I think! http://www.restorationramps.co.uk/
The ez up ones might work for you ?
I think these look a bit safer, provided there are mechanical lockouts for the hydraulic rams (looks like there are)
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Lifting-Car-Device-Ramp-...
you could just build something?
Or these?
http://www.cjautos.eu/product_p/cr02.htm
Unfortunately, the rear wishbones are trailing arms, mounted to the rear cockpit bulkhead - just above the sill covers! So no further back.
The restoration ramps look good but way too big to store, the lifting ramps I've not seen before - look good for most mechanical stuff but leaves me with an inability to remove the wheels.
I'm nearly at the point of getting a bag jack, some stands and a load of old tyres - but bag jacks are bloody expensive for a bit of material!
The hydraulic scissor lifts seem very good, but most are really designed to be installed in a garage, and are equally blooming expensive!
The restoration ramps look good but way too big to store, the lifting ramps I've not seen before - look good for most mechanical stuff but leaves me with an inability to remove the wheels.
I'm nearly at the point of getting a bag jack, some stands and a load of old tyres - but bag jacks are bloody expensive for a bit of material!
The hydraulic scissor lifts seem very good, but most are really designed to be installed in a garage, and are equally blooming expensive!
They're sadly not around anymore.
Bought by Westfield's owner Potenza, who then realised making a Fibreglass coupe monocoque is actually quite difficult, so they've effectively binned it...
Such a shame, lighter and stiffer than an Elise, just without the last nth suspension tuning - not that I've noticed with my low level ability!
Bought by Westfield's owner Potenza, who then realised making a Fibreglass coupe monocoque is actually quite difficult, so they've effectively binned it...
Such a shame, lighter and stiffer than an Elise, just without the last nth suspension tuning - not that I've noticed with my low level ability!
Had my libra up on four axle stands at the corners of the tub a few times.
It was fine stability wise, the center of gravity is further forward than you think.
I found the best way to jack it up was with a trolley jack at each side and go up a little at a time one side, and then the other.
The tricky bit is getting the jack in the right place. Not too far forwards, but still room to get a stand in behind it.
From memory I think I always did the back first, and then the front.
It was fine stability wise, the center of gravity is further forward than you think.
I found the best way to jack it up was with a trolley jack at each side and go up a little at a time one side, and then the other.
The tricky bit is getting the jack in the right place. Not too far forwards, but still room to get a stand in behind it.
From memory I think I always did the back first, and then the front.
Awesome chaps, thanks.
I'll get in touch with SGS to see when their stands are back in stock...
Based on what you've said, do you foresee an issue with me using one jack with a spreading beam (length of 2x4) to lift the whole side, then the other, alternating until I've reached the required height?
Kambites - point noted, a job in the foreseeable future involves draining the coolant to install the later Land Rover thermostat! Some form of rear brace will suffice I should have thought?
Once again, thanks guys - slightly unusual car plus fussy owner means I recognise I'm sometimes hard to help!
I'll get in touch with SGS to see when their stands are back in stock...
Based on what you've said, do you foresee an issue with me using one jack with a spreading beam (length of 2x4) to lift the whole side, then the other, alternating until I've reached the required height?
Kambites - point noted, a job in the foreseeable future involves draining the coolant to install the later Land Rover thermostat! Some form of rear brace will suffice I should have thought?
Once again, thanks guys - slightly unusual car plus fussy owner means I recognise I'm sometimes hard to help!
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