BerniesVette

After seeing pics of homemade ramps, seeing prices of those that we can pull a C4 on, and realizing that the jack I used for my C3 would not go under the C4 I made these ramps. I cut 2-78" 2-60", 2-42", and 2-24" lengths of 2x12 boards and progressevily glued and screwed them together. I also cut 11 1/2 lengths of 2x4 for stops. With the car on the ramps I can get under it to change engine and tranny fluid and make other repairs or maintenance. I stand them against the front wall so they are easy to lay on the floor and slide into places that I have marked on the floor.







I place a white piece of poster board on the floor to help me spot any leaks that might develop.
Bernie

corvted

That is Glad you posted these pics. Building ramps is going to be my last winter project this winter.

LouisvilleLT4

God, that's amazing, just the sort of thing I was looking for. Other ramps scare the hell out of me, but there's no way that car could concievably come crashing down from that. How much did the wood cost? And exactly how much extra room does it give you? Enough to do exhaust work?

BerniesVette

I had the boards cut to length at Home Depot so I didn't have to cut them at home; they don't charge for this. The lumber, glue and screws cost $70.00. Each board is 1 1/2 inch thick so 4 boards raise the tires six inches off the ground. I have two extra pieces 18" long I can place on top of the ramps to raise it a total of 7 1/2 inches. With just the ramps I can change engine and tranny fluid and could work on the exhaust. It would be a little tight but could be managed. I like the convenience and the safety they provide. I have chocks to place behind the front tires so I can use my jack to raise the rear of the car and place jack stands for more room underneath if needed. Thanks!
Bernie

LouisvilleLT4

Do you find that the car not being completely level makes changing out the fluids any more difficult?

BerniesVette

Actually, with the car being raised in the front, the fluids drain better, since, both the engine oil pan drain and the Derale transmission pan drain are at the rear of the pans. It may sound stupid, but I change the tranny fluid each time I change engine oil. The tranny fluid is cheap and very easy to change.
Bernie

lefoy84

I made the stop twice as tall so there is no doubt that you are against it and not just another level. Driving off the end is a bitch!

BerniesVette

I agree! I'm going to add another 2x4 to the stop for added safety!
Bernie

nyernga

Judging by that little dent in the wall, I'd say you overshot at least once......

I have the rhino ramps but as mentioned, the confidence lever isn't really there when the oil pan is 4 inches from your nose.

92PGC

I made up two sets of wood ramps and drive my Vette up on both so it sits level. I modified the front set based on a post so once I drive the Vette up I can remove the first three levels. This the way I can use the creeper from the side of the car. Also makes it easier to jack up and use jack stands. Will post pics if I get a chance

LouisvilleLT4

Please do, I am very interested.

How tall can you make wooden ramps before you have to start thinking about them maybe toppeling over?

Ruff Rider

That would depend on your foot-print (how wide your base is).

LouisvilleLT4

True, true. Does wood collapse or bend in shape much with the weight of a car on it?

CentralCoaster

You should take a circular saw to the ends of the steps and miter cut them.

BerniesVette

The ramps are 11 1/2" wide and my tires are 10+ inches wide so the complete tire rests on the ramps. I do plan to miter the edge of the 2x12s but the circumfrence of the tire is such that it really doesn't need it. I also plan to cut the ramps just in front of the 24' lengths so I can remove those sections after the car is on the highest portion of the ramps so I can get under the car from the sides as well as the front. To get the car level, I just jack the rear of the car and place large wooden blocks under the rear tires that have chocks screwed to them. It is safer than any other ramps or jack stand set up. The wood will not crush or bend under the load of the car. I feel completely safe under the car.
Bernie

Ruff Rider

Not likely, unless it was wood from a RUBBER tree...

Steel Breeze

I happen to have a few pictures I've been collecting, in case I can't afford a 4 post.

BerniesVette

Cool set of ramps! I like your ingenuity! Are you sure you couldn't afford a 4 post lift! I will have to go back to the drawing board and redesign mine!
Bernie

Steel Breeze

Actually, I have not built any yet. These are pics from other members threads I have collected, and may build, if I can't afford the 4 post. I'll tell ya, as time passes those handy little wooden ramps are becoming more attractive...

Raidmagic

For the price of all that lumber and bolts and such you could damn near buy a kwicklift.