Crazy Idea...?!?!?
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 899
Likes: 2
From: Ex BX... Ex NJ... Hello CT!!! CT
Crazy Idea...?!?!?
I'm thinking about doing this....Then again maybe I'm nuts 
Since I park my car in a garage and would like to change my own oil, instead of going the jacking up/jack stand route, I was thinking of making permenent "long" drive up car ramps, I would use 2x12 and 4x4's to build it. When it's done, you just drive up the ramp and park the car..... Almost like the ramps you drive onto at Jiffy lLube. This way anytime you want to get under the car and work on it, it's already "up". Building it out out of heavy pressure treated lumber should hold up the car's weight without a problem.
The question I have is, how high would need to make the ramp, to effectively lift the car and work under it, but still keep it low enough to not cause any real problems? 8"? 12"?
Since I park my car in a garage and would like to change my own oil, instead of going the jacking up/jack stand route, I was thinking of making permenent "long" drive up car ramps, I would use 2x12 and 4x4's to build it. When it's done, you just drive up the ramp and park the car..... Almost like the ramps you drive onto at Jiffy lLube. This way anytime you want to get under the car and work on it, it's already "up". Building it out out of heavy pressure treated lumber should hold up the car's weight without a problem.
The question I have is, how high would need to make the ramp, to effectively lift the car and work under it, but still keep it low enough to not cause any real problems? 8"? 12"?
Racer
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 423
Likes: 0
From: Central NJ
This really isn't too far off what most of us with Kwik-Lifts do. Car is kept on them even when lowered.
You need to think of how much space you need for the "ramp" portion of the lift and then the amount of space you have left over for the level portion of the lift. I would think that would be the driving factor in the height of your lift.
Ray
You need to think of how much space you need for the "ramp" portion of the lift and then the amount of space you have left over for the level portion of the lift. I would think that would be the driving factor in the height of your lift.
Ray
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 1,132
Likes: 1
From: Morganton, NC, USA
The C5 sits so low than it needs a very low angle ramp as the front side spoilers will be compressed. When I had a C4 (automatic), I made 4wooden ramps about 5 inches high. I could place one in front of each wheel and drive the whole car up. Not so with the C5 as there is very little room to get a ramp in front of the rear wheels. Once I tried single 2 X 10's with an angle cut on the leading edge. With the MN6, all I could do is shoot the wood out the back while trying to not burn the clutch.
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 219
Likes: 0
From: Bellevue Wa
I was thinking about building ramps too but I started smaller. I nailed two 2x10 that were a little over two feet long and then cut about a 45 degree angle. I couldn't get my car on them and left skidmarks in the garage trying. I un-nailed them and have _no_ problem driving on to single 2x10's at each wheel with the angle cut. Then I slap a 2x4 between the car and the floor jack and I can lift either end.
works for me!
works for me!
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 6,366
Likes: 249
From: Fort Lauderdale, Florida
I have a friend with a Z06 and a Kwik-lift and he does the same thing. Parks on it daily and raises it when needed. Mine is lowered and I'm not sure I could get my car up it. The floorjack and jackstands works for me.
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 1,799
Likes: 1
From: Dayton Ohio
I wouldn't want to park on the incline all of the time, but have considered making my own long ramps. Fortunately, MikeMercury has already come up with a great design. 
http://mikemercury.home.att.net/ramp.htm
http://mikemercury.home.att.net/ramp.htm
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 146
Likes: 16
From: Reynoldsburg Ohio
Originally Posted by BanditDude
I wouldn't want to park on the incline all of the time, but have considered making my own long ramps. Fortunately, MikeMercury has already come up with a great design.
http://mikemercury.home.att.net/ramp.htm
http://mikemercury.home.att.net/ramp.htm
design!
