i know several have installed garage lifts for storage, and i have seen some say that they have to back in the top car. i just put one in, and also have to back in the Viper to get clearance. My question is, those that back in, have you put up some type of mirror in the garage, to assist with the back-in, and if so, what kind, how big, and where in the garage did you end up putting it for best results? ( ie. corner of wall, directly behind car, etc..) also, where did you buy it? thanks for the assist.
garage storage- backing in?
- Thread starter vinny2
- Start date
01sapphirebob
Enthusiast
I took the easy way out and just had my garage door track changed. The door now gets to within 8 inches of the ceiling. Didn't have to get a new opener or anything. I say easy but it cost about $500 after all said and done but this guy was the cheapest of those I talked to. Now I will be able to pull my car straight in and there should still be about 10 in. of clearence from the top of the car to the garage door. I have about a 10 ft. ceiling so that helped a lot. 
jk
Enthusiast
I back it in and watch the reflection of the rear tire and ramp edge on the side of the car next to me. Of course, that only works if the car next to me is clean!
I have 2 closet full length mirrors positioned sideways (one above the other at a slightly different angle vertically) to provide visibility for going on the lift. It is a big help for going in forward. Backing up I use the side view mirror pointed down and observe the tires and edge of the lift.
rcl4668
Enthusiast
I don't back in but I did put down two of those parking stop mats toward the front of the lift on each side that tell me when to stop.
Martin
Enthusiast
I was thinking about putting in a lift when I re-build my garage, so these things are good points to consider. Up until now, the biggest thing I've been worried about is having a big earthquake hit when one Viper is parked on top of another... Back in '89 (Loma Prieta earthquake in Bay Area) a friend had a really solid 4-post collapse and ruin two cars. That would be a real bummer.
Lee00blacksilverGTS
Enthusiast
That is the ticket. What I did. Forget any kind of small mirror. I originally got the samll Griot's Garage one and mounted on the wall. Useless. Too far away and the sde mirrors on the car shrink it further.
Only issue is the ladies in the house become somewhat concerned when they find the mirrors on the back of their bedroom doors have gone missing.
2snakes4us
Enthusiast
Lift your hardware tracks and install one of these. you wont be sorry. I love mine
3800 - DC Motor Residential Jackshaft Opener
3800 - DC Motor Residential Jackshaft Opener
ViperCollector
Viper Owner
Seems we have people talking about two different things. One is the clearance at the top of the garage, the other is the clearance underneath the car when going up the ramps....
I too have to back in the GTS, as it does bottom out when going in front-first. The problem is amplified by my slightly sloping driveway as well. My wife's car (Boxster) didn't have that problem, so I put hers on top and the Viper underneath. The odd thing though from my insurance company that I posted last fall. The adjuster claimed during storage, the top car must be covered with collision, as if the lift failed, the top car would be a moving object. The bottom car would be covered under comprehensive. That's the other reason the Boxster went on top - collision was cheaper.
But, that's insurance companies for you - I think I'd rather have the top car be the more expensive one - the bottom one would be crushed by the lift and the upper car!
But, back on topic. No mirrors for me. Just grab the wife or a neighbor to help me out!
I too have to back in the GTS, as it does bottom out when going in front-first. The problem is amplified by my slightly sloping driveway as well. My wife's car (Boxster) didn't have that problem, so I put hers on top and the Viper underneath. The odd thing though from my insurance company that I posted last fall. The adjuster claimed during storage, the top car must be covered with collision, as if the lift failed, the top car would be a moving object. The bottom car would be covered under comprehensive. That's the other reason the Boxster went on top - collision was cheaper.
But, that's insurance companies for you - I think I'd rather have the top car be the more expensive one - the bottom one would be crushed by the lift and the upper car!
But, back on topic. No mirrors for me. Just grab the wife or a neighbor to help me out!
SkyBob
Enthusiast
Does anybody know how to get the parts and plans to do this myself? I have looked at the Home Depot and Lowe's websites and tried searching in Google for "garage door tracks" but didn't come up with anything useful.
I like to be a do-it-yourself'er when I can.
Bob
i did change to the liftmaster, which made a big difference from standard opener. i do hav enough clearance ( 10ft ceilings), but when it is all the way up, high enough to fit bottom car, the Viper is only a couple of inches from ceiling, and it has to be raised 3-4 inches to disengage lift lock, when lowering. it may not hit top, but i don't want to take a chance. i wonder if the garage door(tracks) can be raised another 2-3 inches? i'll check into that , and in the meantime, use side mirrors and wife, when available. i really want to go in head first, if i can.
2snakes4us
Enthusiast
The lowest point of track is 9" but has no bearing on the car as the car is not wider than the track. this garage door opener gives you every inch to the ceiling.
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[/IMG]01sapphirebob
Enthusiast
Maybe contact a local garage door repair specialist. They might be able to help you out.
01sapphirebob
Enthusiast
Thats what I did. Only I went about as high as i can go. I have a 10 ft. ceiling and my door originally was sitting at about seven ft. or so. maybe seven and a half. Now my door is within eight in. from my ceiling. It was gonna be six inches but the drums that the cable roll onto for the door wouldn't allow for it. I can try and take some pics to show. I actually get my lift TODAY!!! I can post pics of that too.
Only I went about as high as i can go. I have a 10 ft. ceiling and my door originally was sitting at about seven ft. or so. maybe seven and a half. Now my door is within eight in. from my ceiling. It was gonna be six inches but the drums that the cable roll onto for the door wouldn't allow for it. I can try and take some pics to show. I actually get my lift TODAY!!! I can post pics of that too.
redtanrt10
Enthusiast
vinny, You'll get better w/practice. Learned skills are backing up straight, and getting a sense of how to position your viper between the posts.
Tip, back up the rear wheels on the ramp, open the drivers door and look at the drivers side position
Also put a "park stop" on the ramp so you know where to stop.
I have a very tight garage and learned a few other tricks over the years. PM me if you want more ideas or have questions.
Mike
Tip, back up the rear wheels on the ramp, open the drivers door and look at the drivers side position
Also put a "park stop" on the ramp so you know where to stop.
I have a very tight garage and learned a few other tricks over the years. PM me if you want more ideas or have questions.
Mike
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