Home » Public Forums » GMCnet » A shop pit - When was the first time you used one?
| A shop pit - When was the first time you used one? [message #234803] |
Thu, 02 January 2014 11:20  |
Ultravan Owners
Messages: 443
Registered: March 2013
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Hello Everyone,
There has been talk about shop pits.
I was wondering:
1) When was the first time you recall ever using a pit to maintain or work on a vehicle?
2) Why do you like them?
I will go first.
For ME #1 - Was when I was stationed in the US Army at Fort Polk, LA. I was a mechanic in the US Army and I worked in the maintenance pool. And #2 - I like them because they are quicker to use than a lift, No worries of a vehicle falling to the ground, and easier on the body too.
How about you?
Tony (Ontario Canada)
Marie and I are blessed to have had a 2nd chance to buy our farm.
Still hoping and more importantly praying to be able to build a garage.
Our 1970 Ultravan #520 has an Olds Toronado 455 in back.
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| Re: A shop pit - When was the first time you used one? [message #234818 is a reply to message #234817] |
Thu, 02 January 2014 15:15  |
Neil
Messages: 271
Registered: July 2007
Location: Los Angeles and Magalia, ...
Karma: 1
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I purchased a lot in a commercial area near my retirement house in Butte County (retiring being some 7 years away) and am planning the ideal garage - which included parking and a pit for the GMC.. Are pits outlawed in CA? That would be a bummer.
Neil
76 Eleganza now sold
Los Angeles
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| Re: [GMCnet] A shop pit - When was the first time you used one? [message #234823 is a reply to message #234818] |
Thu, 02 January 2014 16:30 |
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USAussie
Messages: 15912
Registered: July 2007
Location: Sydney, Australia
Karma: 6
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Neil,
In case you can't build a pit here's some info that John Sharpe and I uncovered when we were looking at drive on lifts.
The price of the lifts went up as the capacity, length, and width increased. We felt that the minimum capacity should be 12,000 lb
as both of our GMC's weighed less than that. We'd consider 14,000 lb too depending on the price.
The main problem we ran into with 12,000 lb lifts was the width between the inside of the columns. The 14,000lb lift below is the
one we believed would be wide enough to clear Ramco mirrors.
http://www.bendpak.com/car-lifts/four-post-lifts/hds-14x.aspx
Regards,
Rob M.
-----Original Message-----
From: Neil Martin
I purchased a lot in a commercial area near my retirement house in Butte County (retiring being some 7 years away) and am planning
the ideal garage - which included parking and a pit for the GMC.. Are pits outlawed in CA? That would be a bummer.
--
Neil
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Regards,
Rob M. (USAussie)
The Pedantic Mechanic
Sydney, Australia
'75 Avion - AUS - The Blue Streak TZE365V100428
'75 Avion - USA - Double Trouble TZE365V100426
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| Re: [GMCnet] A shop pit - When was the first time you used one? [message #234829 is a reply to message #234823] |
Thu, 02 January 2014 16:55 |
jhbridges
Messages: 8412
Registered: May 2011
Location: Braselton ga
Karma: -74
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Did yall investigate price?
--johnny
________________________________
From: Robert Mueller <robmueller@iinet.net.au>
To: gmclist@temp.gmcnet.org
Sent: Thursday, January 2, 2014 5:34 PM
Subject: Re: [GMCnet] A shop pit - When was the first time you used one?
Neil,
In case you can't build a pit here's some info that John Sharpe and I uncovered when we were looking at drive on lifts.
The price of the lifts went up as the capacity, length, and width increased. We felt that the minimum capacity should be 12,000 lb
as both of our GMC's weighed less than that. We'd consider 14,000 lb too depending on the price.
The main problem we ran into with 12,000 lb lifts was the width between the inside of the columns. The 14,000lb lift below is the
one we believed would be wide enough to clear Ramco mirrors.
http://www.bendpak.com/car-lifts/four-post-lifts/hds-14x.aspx
Regards,
Rob M.
-----Original Message-----
From: Neil Martin
I purchased a lot in a commercial area near my retirement house in Butte County (retiring being some 7 years away) and am planning
the ideal garage - which included parking and a pit for the GMC.. Are pits outlawed in CA? That would be a bummer.
--
Neil
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Foolish Carriage, 76 26' Eleganza(?) with beaucoup mods and add - ons.
Braselton, Ga.
I forgive them all, save those who hurt the dogs. They must answer to me in hell
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| Re: A shop pit - When was the first time you used one? [message #234846 is a reply to message #234803] |
Thu, 02 January 2014 19:37 |
Steve
Messages: 506
Registered: September 2013
Location: East Greenville, Pa
Karma: 1
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I would not do any lift less than 18,000 pounds for the GMC. You should have lift capacity to lift the heaviest end. A 12,000 lift could only lift 6,000 on each end and the rear of the GMC is more than that. You would also need an extra long lift. All if the major lift manufactures have XL models. I would do at least an 18 XL.
For example, My 9,000 pound Rotary lift is rated for 9,000 pounds equally spread between the four corners, or 2,250 each corner. Not many cars are equally weighted. A corvette is pretty close, a GMC is not.
An 18 could lift 9 on the back end.
1978 GMC Royal
Eastern Pennslyvania
1968 Chevrolet C20 396 Camper Special
1969 Chevrolet C20 Camper Special
1985 Buick Electra Park Avenue
1992 Camaro 25th Anniversary Heretage Edition Black
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| Re: [GMCnet] A shop pit - When was the first time you used one? [message #234851 is a reply to message #234839] |
Thu, 02 January 2014 20:13 |
Ken Henderson
Messages: 8726
Registered: March 2004
Location: Americus, GA
Karma: 9
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Espen,
I agree with your evaluation of pits and that your friend's arrangement is
certainly an improvement. But it's still not as convenient as my rack
because I have much closer access around 3 sides. My movable ramps,
intended to allow me to adjust for vehicles with different treads, also get
me close to the action. I'll admit a lift like Rob showed us would be an
improvement as far as full underside access and variable height are
concerned. But at about 9 times the cost of my arrangement.
Ken H.
On Thu, Jan 2, 2014 at 7:50 PM, Espen Heitmann <bimet@online.no> wrote:
>
>
> 1 : First time in a pit, I guess around 7 years old, remember my dad hold
> my up so I could screw off the oil filter on his car.
>
> 2 : I really do not like them due to safety, I have never gone head first
> into one but it has been close.. and even with a jack so are they a hassle
> to work in, sure the are fast and easy for an oil change but I would prefer
> a lift over a pit anytime.
>
> Below is my old Lemans over the pit at my friends paint shop, he has two
> of them and three small lifts.
> The nice thing with this pit is that it has a lower section outside around
> the pit and a built in jack so you do not have to get down on the floor to
> do brake work and so on.
>
>
> http://s1126.photobucket.com/user/Espen_Heitmann/media/1971%20455%20Lemans%20sport%20convertible/IMG_0160_zps0c537186.jpg.html
>
>
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Ken Henderson
Americus, GA
www.gmcwipersetc.com
Large Wiring Diagrams
76 X-Birchaven
76 X-Palm Beach
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| Re: [GMCnet] A shop pit - When was the first time you used one? [message #234858 is a reply to message #234846] |
Thu, 02 January 2014 20:50 |
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USAussie
Messages: 15912
Registered: July 2007
Location: Sydney, Australia
Karma: 6
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Senior Member |
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Steve,
Here is a link to the BendPak HDS-14X:
http://www.bendpak.com/car-lifts/four-post-lifts/hds-14x.aspx
Here's a copy of the specs on that lift:
•Lifting capacity*: 14,000 lbs. / 6,350 kg
â—¦*Max capacity / front axle: 7,000 lbs. / 3,175 kg
â—¦*Max capacity / rear axle: 7,000 lbs. / 3,175 kg
•Overall width: 130" / 3,301 mm
•Outside length: 243" / 6,170 mm
•Overall length: 271" / 6,893 mm
•Height of columns: 93" / 2,362 mm
•Runway min height: 7-5/8" / 192 mm
•Max rise: 70" / 1,778 mm
•Max lifting height: 77-5/8" / 1,970 mm
•Width between posts: 120" / 3,046 mm
•Runway width: 20" / 508 mm
•Width between runways: 37-1/2" – 51" / 952 mm – 1,295 mm
•Runway centerline: 57-1/2" - 71" / 1,460 mm - 1,803 mm
•Outside edge of runways: 77-1/2" - 91" / 1,968 mm - 2,311
•Drive-thru clearance: 98" / 2,482 mm
•Length of runways: 229" / 5,816 mm
•Min wheelbase @ rated capacity: 165" / 4,191 mm
•Min wheelbase @ 75% capacity: 140" / 3,556 mm
•Min wheelbase @ 50% capacity: 115" / 2,921 mm
•Min wheelbase @ 25% capacity: 95" / 2,413 mm
•Locking positions: 13
•Lock spacing: every 4" / 102 mm
•Lifting time: 60 sec
•Motor: 220 VAC / 60 Hz / 1 Ph
•Shipping weight: 2,105 lbs. / 955 kg
•Shipping dimensions: 204" x 22" x 40" / 5,182 mm x 559 mm x 1,016 mm
Here's a link to the GMC Dimensions:
http://www.gmcmotorhome.com/faq/dimensions.html
I copied the following out of X-7821A 1978 GMC Operator Manual:
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR): 12,500 LBS.
Front Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR): 4,500 LBS.
Rear Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR): 8,000 LBS.
I believe that you should weigh your GMC to determine the GVWR and GAWR. Armed with that data you will know what capacity lift to purchase.
If the GVW and Front / Rear GAW of your GMC are within the specs of the lift you are considering I would not hesitate to purchase it. In the LITIGUOUS STATES OF AMERICA there is NO way that a company is going to sell one that will not meet its published spec's. In fact I'd bet dollars to donuts they have a generous safety margin to cover IDIOTS too boot!
Regards,
Rob M.
PS - as noted in my previous email regarding this subject both John Sharpe and myself had weighed our coaches and KNEW that the weights fell well within the spec for the BendPak HDS-14X.
-----Original Message-----
From: Steve Adams
I would not do any lift less than 18,000 pounds for the GMC. You should have lift capacity to lift the heaviest end. A 12,000 lift could only lift 6,000 on each end and the rear of the GMC is more than that. You would also need an extra long lift. All if the major lift manufactures have XL models. I would do at least an 18 XL.
For example, My 9,000 pound Rotary lift is rated for 9,000 pounds equally spread between the four corners, or 2,250 each corner. Not many cars are equally weighted. A corvette is pretty close, a GMC is not.
An 18 could lift 9 on the back end.
--
1978 GMC Royal
1968 Chevrolet C20 396 Camper Special
1969 Chevrolet C20 Camper Special
1985 Buick Electra Park Avenue
1992 Camaro 25th Anniversary Heretage Edition Black
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Regards,
Rob M. (USAussie)
The Pedantic Mechanic
Sydney, Australia
'75 Avion - AUS - The Blue Streak TZE365V100428
'75 Avion - USA - Double Trouble TZE365V100426
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| Re: [GMCnet] A shop pit - When was the first time you used one? [message #234859 is a reply to message #234851] |
Thu, 02 January 2014 20:50 |
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USAussie
Messages: 15912
Registered: July 2007
Location: Sydney, Australia
Karma: 6
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Senior Member |
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Ken,
The setup that I use here in Australia cost my mate $40,000! That's why John and I jumped on the setup over there for $4000. With
the capacity of 60,000 lb it would handle John's Spectrum as well as the GMC's.
Regards,
Rob M.
-----Original Message-----
From: Ken Henderson
Espen,
I agree with your evaluation of pits and that your friend's arrangement is
certainly an improvement. But it's still not as convenient as my rack
because I have much closer access around 3 sides. My movable ramps,
intended to allow me to adjust for vehicles with different treads, also get
me close to the action. I'll admit a lift like Rob showed us would be an
improvement as far as full underside access and variable height are
concerned. But at about 9 times the cost of my arrangement.
Ken H.
On Thu, Jan 2, 2014 at 7:50 PM, Espen Heitmann <bimet@online.no> wrote:
>
>
> 1 : First time in a pit, I guess around 7 years old, remember my dad hold
> my up so I could screw off the oil filter on his car.
>
> 2 : I really do not like them due to safety, I have never gone head first
> into one but it has been close.. and even with a jack so are they a hassle
> to work in, sure the are fast and easy for an oil change but I would prefer
> a lift over a pit anytime.
>
> Below is my old Lemans over the pit at my friends paint shop, he has two
> of them and three small lifts.
> The nice thing with this pit is that it has a lower section outside around
> the pit and a built in jack so you do not have to get down on the floor to
> do brake work and so on.
>
>
> http://s1126.photobucket.com/user/Espen_Heitmann/media/1971%20455%20Lemans%20sport%20convertible/IMG_0160_zps0c537186.jpg.html
>
>
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Regards,
Rob M. (USAussie)
The Pedantic Mechanic
Sydney, Australia
'75 Avion - AUS - The Blue Streak TZE365V100428
'75 Avion - USA - Double Trouble TZE365V100426
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| Re: A shop pit - When was the first time you used one? [message #234873 is a reply to message #234803] |
Thu, 02 January 2014 21:40 |
Steve
Messages: 506
Registered: September 2013
Location: East Greenville, Pa
Karma: 1
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Senior Member |
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Rob,
I hear you about safety margins. It's one of my favorite sayings every time we are severely overloading a truck, trailer, chain, rope, tires, etc. . My understanding is that when coaches are weighed at rally's many of them come in over weight. With a gross vehicle weight of 8,000 on the rear, I could not recommend putting that on a lift rated for 7,000 on each end. I have always kept my RV loaded with fuel, water, gear, tools etc. so I am ready to go on a moments notice, so I would probably be heavy and approaching the gross weight.
I'm no expert, just a bookkeeper, not an engineer. Just my opinion.
On another note,I would love to come and visit Austrailla some day!
1978 GMC Royal
Eastern Pennslyvania
1968 Chevrolet C20 396 Camper Special
1969 Chevrolet C20 Camper Special
1985 Buick Electra Park Avenue
1992 Camaro 25th Anniversary Heretage Edition Black
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| Re: [GMCnet] A shop pit - When was the first time you used one? [message #234898 is a reply to message #234870] |
Fri, 03 January 2014 05:28 |
Ken Burton
Messages: 10030
Registered: January 2004
Location: Hebron, Indiana
Karma: 10
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Senior Member |
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You guys better look at the maximum width on both of these. Your coach with mirrors is wider than that. Also maximum rear axle weight 7,000. A GMC is around 8,000 rear and 4,000 front.
You might want to contact Blaine Merrell and see what his is rated for in both size and weight. I handles a GMC OK. My Ramco mirrors clear it with a few inches to spare on both size. It also handles my narrow S-10 Blazer.
I think his is 18,000.
Ken Burton - N9KB
76 Palm Beach
Hebron, Indiana
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| Re: A shop pit - When was the first time you used one? [message #234960 is a reply to message #234803] |
Fri, 03 January 2014 17:42 |
Steve
Messages: 506
Registered: September 2013
Location: East Greenville, Pa
Karma: 1
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Senior Member |
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Loffen,
Even from some type of frame adapters, I can't imagine a GMC on a two post lift. The weight differential between the front and the back ends would put very unusual strain on a two post lift. A two post depends upon your ability to properly balance the the load and it would be difficult to identify the center of gravity and then build adapters to spread the load across the frame.
In terms of capacity my preference is to build in some safety margin of my own. I have a top quality name brand lift rated for 9,000 and I don't want to have 9,000 on it. The largest vehicle I have had on it was a dual cab, one ton, dual wheel, diesel, four wheel drive pickup. I don't recall what the weight of that truck but I don't think it was over 9,000 (empty) and I was pretty nervous having it up there, even after I got it centered real well.
With heavy vehicles on the lift I always support both the front and rear with industrial jack stands just to stabilize the load.
My vote would be heavy duty four post.
1978 GMC Royal
Eastern Pennslyvania
1968 Chevrolet C20 396 Camper Special
1969 Chevrolet C20 Camper Special
1985 Buick Electra Park Avenue
1992 Camaro 25th Anniversary Heretage Edition Black
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| Re: A shop pit - When was the first time you used one? [message #234967 is a reply to message #234803] |
Fri, 03 January 2014 19:03 |
kerry pinkerton
Messages: 2565
Registered: July 2012
Location: Harvest, Al
Karma: 15
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Senior Member |
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I have a 9000 lb two post lift (Rotary brand...the best brand). I put my crew cab dually on it and it rocked so much I put it back down. Wouldn't think of putting something as long as a GMC on a two post lift....any two post lift.
Kerry Pinkerton - North Alabama
Had 5 over the years. Currently have a '06 Fleetwood Discovery 39L
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