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Drive up ramps

Bighead38

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Nov 11, 2012
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5,612
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Rockland County NY
I made a pair like the ones on the left for my Pontiac since it is fairly low to the ground. They make plenty of access for changing the oil or any minor repairs. Plus I don't have to worry about anything collapsing since they are solid.

I've had a jack stand fail on me before. Thankfully I didn't get hurt but it's one of the main reasons I like my solid ramps so much. A lot of times I'll drive a car on the ramps so that it's easier to get a jack under the car in a good position. Jack it off the ramps throw some stands under and then do something like a brake job.
 
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earth_grinder

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Jan 23, 2010
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Elizabethtown, PA
Changed oil today on the F150 using my drive up ramps. Worked well and now I can slide under the truck running boards on a creeper. Raised the back wheels as shown as well to level out the truck.
 

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CJM8515

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NJ
Those ramps work better if you put then behind the front wheels and back up them.
 

CJ7VFR

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Jan 13, 2015
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Central New Jersey
Tie a rope to the ramps and put the other end of the rope under your back tires, it doesn't take much to stop them from sliding, I used about 3/16 diameter rope.

Simple and effective idea!

The first time I used my Rino Ramps the damn things slid right out from under the front of my car. My garage floor is pretty smooth, and the ramps came with some rubber padding to put under them, but they still slid out.

I can tell you that the first time that happened, and the car dropped down so fast, I thought I drove off the end of the ramps!!! My heart was in my throat as I opened the car door to look down and see some major damage.

But thank God it was just the ramps sliding out. I stopped using the ramps at that point and what I do now is jack up the car and put blocks under the wheels.

But I might give your rope idea a shot! I like it!

Jim
 
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earth_grinder

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Jan 23, 2010
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Elizabethtown, PA
I helped my buddy build a set of wooden ramps for his HF scissor lift a few weeks ago. The whole system is affordable and works like a champ. For anyone without room for a 2-post lift or a full rise lift, I'd recommend it.

20160514_190004_zpsowwyoid1.jpg

Maybe I am too cautious, but I could not work under a car on that.
 
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TTA579

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Apr 22, 2010
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91
Location
Ypsilanti, MI
RaceRamps are also priced like they are made of gold!

That's funny coming from a guy with that many cars.

If you don't have a lift for financial or phyisical limitations; Race Ramps are a cheaper, lighter, and more compact. They don't cost significantly more than a good set of jack+stands, and they are safer.
 
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earth_grinder

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Jan 23, 2010
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Elizabethtown, PA
That's funny coming from a guy with that many cars.

If you don't have a lift for financial or phyisical limitations; Race Ramps are a cheaper, lighter, and more compact. They don't cost significantly more than a good set of jack+stands, and they are safer.

Without a doubt safer, but prices the same as good jack stands - $214 for RR-56? Would not work under a car on jack stands! Well to each his own. Important thing is to have your auto safely elevated when working under it. I keep a good selection of short 4x4, 2x4, & 2x6 lumber on hand. Yes, it may be extra work, but for the little I need my vehicle elevated it works for me.
 

aka Larry

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May 2, 2012
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Eastern, NC
That's funny coming from a guy with that many cars.

If you don't have a lift for financial or phyisical limitations; Race Ramps are a cheaper, lighter, and more compact. They don't cost significantly more than a good set of jack+stands, and they are safer.

The RR don't actually matter to me, because I indeed have a 2-post lift. My friend for whom I helped build the wood version, didn't want to spend almost as much for the ramps as he did for his scissor lift.
 

Jarhead0408

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Apr 1, 2012
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Who knows?
we had the kwik lift in the shop for 3 years.
it took up alot of room ( a little more space than 1 large vehicle is lost to the kwiklift) and it is heavy and difficult to drive up on without a spotter.
and uses a very big jack to raise the rear section of it up into place
just sold the kwik lift 2 months ago.

that is why we are looking at the harbor freight scissor lift .

but looking at that 2 x6 wood ramp set up above
and how simple and cheap it is to build and slide out of the way
has me thinking

I helped my buddy build a set of wooden ramps for his HF scissor lift a few weeks ago. The whole system is affordable and works like a champ. For anyone without room for a 2-post lift or a full rise lift, I'd recommend it.

20160514_190004_zpsowwyoid1.jpg

I use mine just about weekly. I've got to rotate the tires on my DD/delivery car tomorrow after work. I bought it when I broke my knee and haven't regretted the purchase once.

Pulled the motor/transmission out of my Cavalier through the bottom of the car using this lift as well. Excellent price and fast shipping.
 

Crazyjake8493

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Sep 26, 2014
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3,953
Location
Upstate NY
If a creeper won't fit, why not just lie on a sheet of cardboard or plywood? I can't quite get under my Durango with a creeper so I just keep a few big sheets of cardboard on hand.
 
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earth_grinder

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Jan 23, 2010
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Elizabethtown, PA
If a creeper won't fit, why not just lie on a sheet of cardboard or plywood? I can't quite get under my Durango with a creeper so I just keep a few big sheets of cardboard on hand.
Convenience. I am 67 and like easy. I have used a sheet of masonite and cardboard in the past. As one gets older you look for easy and convenient. I am sure I am headed to the point where I will be paying someone to do what I once could do.
 

Stevedore

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Nov 27, 2010
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Morris County, NJ
Convenience. I am 67 and like easy. I have used a sheet of masonite and cardboard in the past. As one gets older you look for easy and convenient. I am sure I am headed to the point where I will be paying someone to do what I once could do.

Same situation here, just a little further along. In my early 60's, I bought a Bendpak lowrise lift in order to prolong doing simple vehicle maintenance myself (Oil, brakes, exhaust, etc.) It served its purpose, but it eventually got uncomfortable just crawling around the floor placing the lifting pads. Arthritis & bad knees.

I'll be 70 this year, and I sold the lift last year & now enjoy taking the cars to the dealer for their oil changes & having their free coffee & doughnuts. :thumbup:

Getting older does have its disadvantages, but I hope to continue getting older for a while. :beer:
 
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earth_grinder

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Joined
Jan 23, 2010
Messages
47
Location
Elizabethtown, PA
Same situation here, just a little further along. In my early 60's, I bought a Bendpak lowrise lift in order to prolong doing simple vehicle maintenance myself (Oil, brakes, exhaust, etc.) It served its purpose, but it eventually got uncomfortable just crawling around the floor placing the lifting pads. Arthritis & bad knees.

I'll be 70 this year, and I sold the lift last year & now enjoy taking the cars to the dealer for their oil changes & having their free coffee & doughnuts. :thumbup:

Getting older does have its disadvantages, but I hope to continue getting older for a while. :beer:
I hear you. I have some Arthritis as well. I too look forward to growing older for a time.
 
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