The ramps in the attached photo get a car about 9" off the ground, and are quicker than messing with a floor jack and jack stands, but these ramps are short and steep, not real easy to drive onto, and my front bumper won't clear them unless I put blocks of wood in front of the ramps, in effect lengthening the ramps. Is there a product out there with longer, lower sloping ramps? While we are on the subject, I'd like to hear comments from anyone who has a full length sets of ramps that they routinely park on, so that the car is always a ways off the ground and sitting level,
I've always been afriad that they will shoot out while i'm pulling up on them. I cant recall where but I have seen some that are more like a poor mans lift that gets the car about a foot off the ground.
That's what I thought when I read the title. As far as ramps go, I'll stick with my jacks and jack stands. Some people use them and never have trouble but, my luck isn't that great and I would end up getting squished under my car. I guess the same thing could happen with jack stands.
"Doc, it's been 4 hours! What's up with this?" I agree with rodknocker. Take your time and do it with jackstands for safety. Ramps are alright for an oil change, but nothing more, IMO.
I had a set of those for a while. mine would just scoot along the driveway. I had to use a jack anyways. brought them to the swap meet and at the end of the day I gave them to the guy next to me who was a regular vendor. almost had to beg him to take them.then there is my friend who had a car roll off a pair and break his ribs. could have rolled over his head.jackstands goodramps bad
sometimes those ramps shoot off when trying to get up..also you can drive past and over them and screw up your fenders..those are my experiences with those things
I have some and use them quite a bit, but I don't drive up on them; I jack the car up an put them under the wheels. I feel a lot safer than if it's just up on jackstands, and when you're working under the car, you have a lot more room in most circumstances.
www.kwiklift.com I have one & it's pretty handy. I have 2 bridges for it also. Pretty EZ to find used. Got this from a buddy for great price & it was less than a year old.
I recall seeing plans for a set of ramps made from 2x10's , on a Mustang forum - for lowered cars . I have 'em sketched out somewhere , can't recall where . Basically starts out with a long 2x10 (maybe 5ft.) , and each piece up one level is like 6-8 inches shorter , with a stop block at the end to keep ya from driving off . Seemed like a pretty nice setup . If I come across the plans , I'll post 'em .
Not exactly a poor man's lift though. A new powdercoated one w/ 1 bridge will be about $1500.00 + delivered. It's USA made & very heavy. Probably weighs close to 700 lbs on a skid. At my home 3 car garage I don't have the head room for a 4 poster so here, that's my only option. I have a 4 post at my shop storage area though. Search EBAY & Craigs list for local people selling them. I routinely see them in the $500-$700 range used.
The Jalopy Journal
