I've had an old Bendpak mid-rise for several years now. It's done great to save my back on auto projects, maintenance, etc.
However, both my Bolt and son's Mustang are too low to make use of it. Also we have motos, a mower & tractor. While bending over in pain battling to get the fairings back on my ST1300, I had an epiphany of sorts.
First I built up a set of ramps based on what someone else had posted. 2x12 x12 cut down to 11ft due to garage size with a layer of 2x4 underneath. Ramps of 1x12.
I routered a 3/8 edge around everything. I put a 1x2 stop where the RSX sits while parks with the risers extended forward for longer cars.
Next for the work platform I got a sheet of 3/4 plywood and more 2x4. I started with an inner frame of 2x4 laid down that sits directly on the lift, then added an outer frame vertically so it's basically a wood version of angle iron.
For the crossbraces across the middle of the lift I built up with a 1/2×4 stacked on a 2×4 which fills in the void and gives support in the middle of the platform.
At this point is also drilled a hole at each corner for 1/2 carriage bolts to anchor the platform to the lift. Then dropped the ply on top of it all.
Dropped down, its about 2" above the height of the risers, and the lower edge is about an inch off the floor so the hydraulic line isn't pinched at all
Width of the platform is 44.5. Kind of wide for a moto lift, slightly narrower than the rear tires of the mower, but more space efficient, at it just sits there lucking out of sight under the car until called upon.
I'm planning on getting an HF wheel chock for moto use, and adding a set of wheels to one end to just roll it off when using for a car lift.
More of less based off of this. video.
So, question- it's most likely going to get wet, stuff spilled on it, etc. What's the best option for covering- something Thompson's water seal? I have a bunch of Behr opaque stain for the fence/deck - mix in some texture with it for the top so it's not slick?
