Car lift to deadlift conversion

[Nitric Oxide]

Does anyone have a rough estimate of how much flipping a car from its side or just lifting a car from its front equivilates in DL'ing? I know flipping is a bit different but just lifting the front should be the same. Say for example a pontiac grand prix...In order for someone to lift the front of it and lock out...how much would you say you need to deadlift? In WSM they give the weight of the car but your only lifting the front. I know people will be tempted to guess but please don't give an answer unless you are pretty sure its accurate. Thanks

[Kiknskreem]

Cars all weigh different, have a different distribution of weight, and you will be lifting each car from a different height..... there is no answer.

[ThomasAnthony]

On the WSM website they say the average weight of the cars is 1800 kilo but since your only lifting the back of the car I would say its more like 500-600kg which is still a crap load of weight (1000 ILB Deadlift for reps!?)

[lifter_22]

On the WSM website they say the average weight of the cars is 1800 kilo but since your only lifting the back of the car I would say its more like 500-600kg which is still a crap load of weight (1000 ILB Deadlift for reps!?)

Trust me they are not deadlifting a 1000 plus pounds for reps.... when they do the car deadlift its usually around 600-700's in pounds!

[freeride88]

On the WSM website they say the average weight of the cars is 1800 kilo but since your only lifting the back of the car I would say its more like 500-600kg which is still a crap load of weight (1000 ILB Deadlift for reps!?)

It's not nearly that much, it's more like 600-650lbs.

[SlammaJamma]

Impossible to say without specifics, depends mainly on where the engine is (ie 6 inches in either direction will make a huge difference, since most of the weight is the engine), and how far the handles are from the car (longer handles = better mechanical advantage, think of a long lever).

As far as flipping a car, the force required at the bottom should be half the weight of the car.

[jonzie04]

I've always wondered it too...you could figure it out by seeing what pudz max is and try to estimate it...I'd guess its equal to around 550-600 without knowing his max

[81Ort]

When we DL a car in competition it is not quite the same as lifting a car from its bumper. We use an apparatus which places the fulcrum closer to the load. You would think this would make the lift easier but you are not getting the aid of the shocks like you would if you were to weld handles to the bumper and lift it.
We have used weights ranging from (in the hands) 600-850 lbs for a front bar car deadlift and 700-+1,300 lbs for a side handled deadlift (the +1,300 lb DL was the BMW X3 in the St. Paddy's Day contest in 2006).

If you can lift a car from the front with the engine still in it then please take a picture or video because I'd love to see that!

[Titania]

Bump to other here about the leverage and other advantages.

As for flipping one over, I have first hand experience with a 1900 lb Ford Laser. I did that at the end of 2004 and took a video and some stills of it which are on my site (the video is in the subscribers section).

The trick with flipping a car is to do it from the side and use the bottom of the door for leverage (make sure the hinges can handle the weight first!!). Also, having the engine still in it actually helps. Once you get past the center of gravity, the weight of the engine helps the car tip over. It is harder at the start of the lift but that is also the point where the lift is most like a deadlift and is usually a persons strongest lift.

I was much smaller and not as strong as I am now and, while it was a difficult strength feat and I sustained a permanent shoulder injury from the door coming down on me, it was not as difficult as it would appear. It sure looks cool though

Here's some stills from the video...

[Boston03G35]

That last picture is amazing Titania.

you are one strong ass competitor

Dave

[Titania]

That last picture is amazing Titania.

you are one strong ass competitor

Dave

Thanks Dave

[rnbenson39]

When I was 35, I weighed 160, and could deadlift 475. I use to be able to lift the whole front of a Chevette off the ground, thats both tires off the ground, I know the car weighed more then 475, but the bumper was higher then the bar you would lift off the floor. Like someone said before, depends on how high the bumper is, if you can even find a spot to grab. The lower you go, the harder its going to be, and the higher you start the lift, the easier. I would think if you kept trying to lift the car 2 or 3 times a week, all you had in you, you would get it at sometime. I was just screwing around because someone told me I couldn't do it. I was sure I couldn't, but it wasn't bad at all, did it 3 times that day.

[wolfbaden6]

If you can lift a car from the front with the engine still in it then please take a picture or video because I'd love to see that!

Alright, guys! You heard the man; let's get to work!

[Blindead]

facepalm

[swolegantor]

If you can lift a car from the front with the engine still in it then please take a picture or video because I'd love to see that!

You know somethings hard when a pro strongman says they cant.

[wolfbaden6]

I'm sure there's somebody out there who can do it with a small car. Like a Yugo or something. Do they even exist anymore?

[Iceman1800]

Cars all weigh different, have a different distribution of weight, and you will be lifting each car from a different height..... there is no answer.

Agreed. All you can really do is to get strong on the deadlift. I would add in some zerchers too starting off low pins

[user33214]

...? beats me