Subject: Free 'Ramps' ...usign 2 x 8 lumber....... Author: cn : member since July, 2004 : 1088 posts Posted on: 2004-08-23 01:06:30

I posted this on E23 but posting here because this is of interest to all.

I used to have the car ramps that are sold at Autozone or Pepboys. They are made from steel. But the problems are:

1. Costs can range from $30-80 depending on quality
2. They raise the car too high, with always a slight risk of the car rolling off the ramps.
3. When the car is up, the ramps feel "wavy".

I have since discarded those ramps and made my own ramps from lumber for the last 8 years with no problem.

For those that need a LOW car lift for:
- engine oil change
- transmission oil change (see note below)
- rear diffential oil check/change
- underneath general inspection.
- rear fuel pump hose inspection/ replacement of fuel filter etc...
- or anything else you can imagine.


Get some 2 x 8 lumber (used for construction). A new piece 8 feet long costsr $3.00 to $4.00. If you happen to live near a home under construction then can ask for waste pieces that carpenters throw out.

Instructions below are for making one ramp, to make 2 ramps simply repeat this process:

1. Cut one piece 3 feet long; and another 1.5 feet long.
2. Get a circular saw and cut one bevel 45 degrees per piece of lumber (this allows the car to roll up the ramp nicely).

3. Predrill the 1.5-foot piece with 6 holes for the screws.

4. Using 2.5-inch long screws (like patio deck screws) screw the 1.5-foot piece on top of the larger 3-ft piece in such a way that the flat ends (not the beveled ends) are flushed.

You are done! Looking sideway, you will see 2 levels: first level is 1.5 inches off the ground and the second level is 3 inches off the ground (Lumber is called 2 x 4 or 2 x 8 because 2 inches are the original dimension before milling; after milling it is down to 1.5 inches).

Usage:
1. Engine oil change....climb the car FRONT WHEELS on the low part of the ramp. If you need more clearance then climb to the next level.

2. Rear oil change or fuel filter re placement. Climb the REAR wheels.

3. MANUAL Transmission Level check/drain. Climb the PASSENGER'S side WHEELS on the ramps. This will raise only the passenger's side for the job.

4. ALWAYS block the wheels that are NOT on the ramp. For ex., if the FRONT wheels are on the ramps (for an oil change), then block the REAR wheels on both sides of the wheels to prevent BOTH front and back movement. SAFETY FIRST!

These work everytime and give you a secure feeling that the car sits on solid lumber.

I have used them for 8 years and love them, partly because it costs me nothing to build these wood ramps, but more because it is a quick way to get the car up, and they can be stored in the garage with minimal loss of space.

cn
1983 735i 5spd 142K

• Free 'Ramps' ...usign 2 x 8 lumber....... (pic) - cn 2004-08-23 01:06:30 (2975 views)