4 Post Lift Lights

[TheJDMan]

I installed a couple of LED light strips on my four post lift to illuminate the underside of the car and it turned out so well I thought I would share the project because I know some of you have lifts and might be interested. I have seen complete lift lighting kits for sale for around $400 but I purchased the component parts on Amazon and I have around $90 in the lighting project.

Here are the LED strips I used, you need two strips.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00MPDA8WK/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o07_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1
(http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00MPDA8WK/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o07_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1)
Here is the power supply I used.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0034GUEY4/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o07_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I attached the LED strips to the lift with 3/4" 3M attachment tape. Here are some pictures of the lift lights so you can get an idea of the lighting effect.

http://hayes-ent.com/steve/images/lift%20light.jpghttp://hayes-ent.com/images/lift%20light.jpg

http://hayes-ent.com/images/liftlight02.jpg

http://hayes-ent.com/images/liftlight03.jpg

http://hayes-ent.com/steve/images/liftlight02.jpg

http://hayes-ent.com/steve/images/liftlight03.jpg

[SSLance]

How are they about shining in your eyes? I desperately need better lights for under my car when it's on my two post lift, but I've been hesitant to put any on my lift arms or columns because I was afraid of them blinding me at times as well.

Thanks for the links on the parts...

[69x22]

That's a great idea.

[Vince@Meanstreets]

no, thats a bright idea. :goggles:

[Che70velle]

That is a really great price on that lighting. I co-own an electrical contracting business, and we specialize in custom, one off, high end residential installations. I buy and install a lot of ribbon led, and trust me, this price is stupid low. Thanks for the link.
I like what you've done with the lift lighting, by the way.

[Shmoov69]

I love it!! How many feet will one power supply support?
Thanks for the idea!

[TheJDMan]

Lance,
I have not noticed the lights blinding me as I work but what I have noticed is that light is more evenly spread with no shadows. You could buy a single strip and cut it in half for a 2 post lift. All these strips come in 16.4ft lengths.

Scott,
If you think this particular LED strip is cheap, go to Amazon and do a search for 3528 or 5050 LED light strips. This 5050 600 LED strip is one of the more expensive ones I have purchased.

Jimmy,
You can buy power supplies in all wattage ratings. I seem to remember reading that it took roughly 2 watts for a single 16.4ft strip. I used a 30watt power supply cause I was unsure how much I would need for the double row LED strips so I figured 30 watts was more than sufficient plus it was inexpensive.

[Shmoov69]

Steve, I tried going to lowes and buying some rope LED lights and put them on yesterday. No dice, too dim. So off to Amazon or that site I go and do it right (like you said originally!) LoL!

[geberhard]

Steve cool idea! I saw at the DirectLift booth in Vegas something they had in place similar, but was too dimm. I dig your idea, can never have enough light under the lift, thanks!

[GregWeld]

I don't have a 4 post "drive on" -- mine is a two post frame pick so adding lights like this doesn't have a place -- but what a great idea!!


I use a 500 W cheapie floor/work light and just set it on the floor under the car and kick it around as needed... I added a 4 gang receptacle on one leg of the lift so there's convenient power right there.



http://i919.photobucket.com/albums/ad33/gregweld/Fun%20Fotos/51xAvDtJrxL._AA160_.jpg (http://s919.photobucket.com/user/gregweld/media/Fun%20Fotos/51xAvDtJrxL._AA160_.jpg.html)

[BMR Sales]

Greg, I always trip over that light when I use it.

I'll have to get some of these LEDs too

[geberhard]

Greg aI like the idea of adding the receptacle to the lift, the factory plug and wire are in a funky location as well, so may feed form the receptacle, good call

[GregWeld]

Greg, I always trip over that light when I use it.

I'll have to get some of these LEDs too

Oh TC --- You have no idea how many times I've tripped over that dang thing! Or kicked it - or had it begin to get my leg a bit too warm!! LOL


But it's good light when you need it!! I've never been able to figure anything else out.... So I'm open to good ideas!

[TheJDMan]

Here's what I was thinking for a two post lift, The LED strips are manufactured in 16.4" (5m) lengths. They can be cut at designated locations along the strip so could be cut in half. Buy a couple of 8ft sections of 1/2" or 3/4" electrical conduit or PVC from Home Depot or Lowes then make some loops or hooks out of clothes hanger wire so the conduit would hang in line with the side of the car under the lift pads. Then using the 3M attachment tape, stick the LED strip to the conduit so it will shine up at the underside of the car on the lift. Think of it like two 8ft long trouble lights.

Hmmm, now that I think about it, I have a couple 3ft sections of LED strip left over from the lift so now I'm thinking I can make a couple of 3ft trouble lights to hang under the hood while working on the engine. I just need to find a couple of small wattage power supplies that I can tape to one end of the assy.

[Justin@EntropyRad]

The 5050s make great cheap options..work really well for rock lights, or inside the bedrails on a truck for cargo/looks..under cabinets too

I built a setup for a guy for an outside table painted like the moon, and backlit with purple leds to go by his pool..will look for pics

[Shmoov69]

Well I finally got mine today, the same ones you listed there. However, my wife didn't understand me when I asked for two 16' strands and only ordered one, so it's only on one side for the time being. But they make a HUGE difference under there. Thanks for the idea and info man!!
I am curious to know how sensitive/fragile they are because they are just stuck to the inside rail of the lift and there is nothing there to protect them. Any ideas?

[Kreighm]

Does the strip leave enough space to clear the moveable jack (tranny jack support) if you have in on your 4 post lift?

[Shmoov69]

Yes, the strip is only about 1/2" wide and about 1/8" tall or so.

[TheJDMan]

To be honest Jimmy, I have not had any issue with damaging the LEDs. They just are not in the way when you are working on the car. Does your lift have formed ramps or does it have 4" channel rails? My lift has 4" channel rails so the strips are kinda sorta tucked inside the channel.

[Shmoov69]

Mine has folded flat steel Rails, so they are just laying in the inside "corner" of the lower flat area. Shouldn't be an issue, but not sure if I drop a wrench or something on them.

[TheJDMan]

Bump for Lance!

[SSLance]

Will certainly look into this once the new lift is in place. At my age, I need all the extra light I can get!!! Thanks...