Part of the fun of owning a classic
car is being able to work on it yourself. In this installment
of Hemming’s Garage, Sam and Dennis take a look at a variety of
car-lift systems that can make restoration work much more convenient.
The first system is from Kwiklift, Inc., out of
Broken Arrow, Oklahoma. This system is a portable, low-level,
drive-on lift. Sam demonstrates the ease of use with this system
as Dennis pulls a classic Studebaker Hawk onto the lift. Rated
to handle 5,000 pounds and constructed of high-strength, low alloy,
13 gauge sheet metal, this lift raises the bottom of the tires
to 20” above the floor, placing the average chassis between 30-36
inches above the ground. Although this system weighs approximately
540 pounds, it is divided into easy-to-assemble sections with
the heaviest single piece weighing approximately 110 pounds. Consequently,
the entire lift can be set up in a matter of minutes. After Dennis
parks the Hawk on the life, Sam simply chocks the wheels and then
uses a hydraulic jack to level the lift and the car. Once level,
the final step is to simply drop the legs and lock them in place.
The Kwiklift low-level system is excellent for detailing
and provides ample clearance to work underneath the vehicle. It
is also completely portable, fully adjustable, will fit in any
garage. The system also allows for wheel and tire removal. Another
great feature of this lift is the price. The base model starts
at $995.00 and the full package will run $1,295.00. For more information
you can call Kwiklift, Inc. at 1-800-961-LIFT, or you can find
them on the web at www.kwiklift.com.
The next system that Sam and Dennis demonstrate is
the Double Park by Cytech of Wichita, Kansas. This lift is a free-standing,
portable four-post lift that not only allows easy access to the
undercarriage of your classic, but also doubles the storage space
in your garage or shop. As Sam and Dennis demonstrate the operation
of the Double Park, we can easily see that it suspends a pristine
Ford Model A, and believe us, this lift is strong enough for more!
The Double Park is certified at 21,000 pounds, testing for a 7,000
pound rating.
Safety is also a prime feature with the Double-Park
as there are steel safety locks on all four posts that snap into
place while the lift is in use. Portability is also a key benefit
in that when the lift is down, individual casters allow for easy
movement and placement in order to maximize storage space. The
price for the Double Park comes in at $3,295 with freight included.
If you have more questions, you can give them a call at 1-800-754-8786,
or you can find them on the web at www.doublepark.net.
In our final installment, Sam and Dennis take a look
at a truly useful tool that can make life much easier for the
“certified car nut.” The Kingsbury Dolly Company of Walpole, New
Hampshire, produces Kingsbury Shop Dollies. These portable shop
dollies are inexpensive and are certainly diverse in their use.
Not only can almost anyone move a car when it is placed on the
individual dollies, but these units are truly multi-purpose in
that they can be used to move engines, transmissions, or any other
large or heavy part.
Consequently, they reduce the strain of pushing and
pulling, as well as enable the user to maximize space in a workshop
or garage. These dollies are also extremely durable and are in
fact, used by top NASCAR race teams across the country. Kingsbury
Shop Dollies also roll so easily that each dolly has its own brake
that serves as an added safety and convenience feature. Even with
all the myriad uses of this product, another great feature is
that they won’t put a huge bite on your pocketbook! Prices range
from $279-$299 for a complete set of four dollies. For more information
you can give them a call at 1-800-4-1-DOLLY, or look for them
at www.kingdolly.com.
When it comes to questions about these parts, or
for any other parts for your restoration project, check with us
at www.myclassiccar.com,
and remember, when buying or selling anything automotive, look
to Hemming’s Motor News at www.hemmings.com.
Good luck and Happy Motoring!
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