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Posted by: worn Mar 1 2015, 08:45 PM

So a free lift is, well, hard to turn down. After driving the half ton of metal to my shop building I realize that it is built to engage the frames of pickup trucks etc. the length is 17+ feet. My son and I cut it down so it works a bit different with maybe 5' between the i beams. The motor drives reduction gears that turn a shaft that lifts 4 cables. One at each corner. After many fits and starts that included gear oil thicker than vasoline and the discovery of a one way slipper clutch added as a safety feature we have lift off. A 914 suspended in mid air. Bugs to be worked out and safety chains etc to add. But a free lift is a thing of grace, wonder and beauty. The footprint as far as the car is concerned is a bit like that of a scissor lift. We had to set a ceiling limit due to the ceiling. Am pumped and with no camera or iPad I have to say that
Sorry, but I will say that the wiring diagram is printed on asbestos and the date may well be 1941.

Posted by: worn Mar 16 2015, 10:49 AM

OK, here is a cable lift from WWII. Given a new life and extra safety chains all around. The entire suspension and drive line is exposed. You can open both doors. Sort of like a low rise scissor lift, but free. It was 17 feet long, but I do not have that kind of room. So now it is 5' long and about 8' wide.



The wiring was hard to fathom. It can handle three phase 440 V, but the motor says 110 or 220. Sluggish at 110, a champ with 220. We conclude that is how the previous owner had it.


I cannot believe it! I have a lift!!
I can chase down oil leaks at leisure. Ceiling height etc limit upward travel. So far I have use a lawn chair (that my ass pushed through) and a white bucket. Nothing but space under the whole car!

Posted by: bulitt Mar 16 2015, 05:11 PM

Safety chains attached to the cross bars? What are the chain hooks rated for?
Asking because those cables look anemic, hard to tell in the photo . The ones on my lift are 5/16".

I bet it has safety dogs in the corner mechanism's which are spring loaded. If that is the case you might want to replace the springs??? Be Safe!

Pretty cool!!!

Posted by: messix Mar 16 2015, 05:28 PM

cool lift!

that would be fun to restore/detail out.

Posted by: r_towle Mar 16 2015, 08:21 PM

Very cool.

Sears has nice rolling stools, get one.

Keep an eye out for used busted office chairs too, just remove the back.


What kind of truck is that?
Selling it?