Maybe someone could negotiate a FF discount?
portland_bill Any issues with the sill seam when lifting the Panda?
Been thinking about something similar to tide me over until new workshop gets built.
Didn't lift it at the sills.
It is adjustable to three widths, and the narrowest just about sits on the wider chassis members, which give a flat stable base. Could do with being a little narrower. It is adjusted by selecting one set of crossbeams. Will have to cut one set shorter and drill some more holes to make it fit the Panda exactly. Spare sets can be bought from CJ Autos if later I find I need the one I've shortened.
I'm not sure i'd be brave enough to work under a car held up by that, thats a lot of weight on a very narrow base and looks like it might be a little wobbly, as well as, as already pointed out, you'd need a perfectly flat floor.
We have brick-weave in the drive, something like that would probably push the bricks down into the ground and distort the drive.
I'm on paving slabs, some of which are a bot wobbly, but thankfully missed those, so was quite stable. The support platforms are quite wide, and the rubber pad seems to grip well.
We needed to tilt the Focus, so lifted it and raised the rear with the front wheels still on the ground. We were then able to lean over the engine and extract the speed sensor. They grow in!
With 3 crossbeams it's not going to give very good access to mechanicals underneath.
Robert G8RPI.
True, these are best for working around the car, brakes, suspension, etc. Although, apart from the exhaust and handbrake cables, there's not much else under there that needs attention.
I would feel very nervous getting under one of those even on a stable and flat surface - looks like you could push/pull it over if you got too violent (as you do sometimes).
With the Panda raised level, just off the ground, I heaved and pushed in all directions, no movement at all. Very pleased. I was sceptical at first, and had a good look at one at the classic show in 2015, then bought one as they were effectively VAT-free with their show offer.
I put some big torque onto some bolts, didn't even try to move.
One of the workshops I worked in very early in my working life had one conventional 4 poster and 4 hydro pneumatic single post (central pillar) with an "H" shaped platform. By the time you had a major component stripped out and then realised something, maybe a sub frame etc, needed to come off too but couldn't because of the "H" happened regularly. We almost used to fight over the 4 poster! I actually preferred to work on stands!
The first garage I worked at had one of those. Quite a deep hole n the ground I imagine and a real pain for any maintenance. As a result, the seals were well worn, and the air supply had to be left on when raised. One day, we knew it was getting to the point of not to be used, as the compressor was struggling to keep up. The boss only used it to just view something for a few moments, as he stepped out, there was a loud bang, and it hit the ground almost instantly. Car bounced well off its bump stops. Very lucky no-one under it. Never got used again.
PS. Clearance looks tight too as he's obviously had to drive it up on thick planks to get the lift underneath in the first place!
It will just fit under the Panda, gently nudging the exhaust. They actually sell little platforms to drive the car onto, but four short planks work for much less money. Although not needed them yet.
Do need a substantial electric drill to raise it. Or it takes a long time with the crank handle or a ratchet. Coming down seems easier!
