Originally Posted by NETWizz
Thanks folks. I will need to post a thread on my ramp extensions.
That said, they are like slippers in that the ramps come out.
What I did was measure the width of the ramp and cut a 2x4 (1.5 x 3.5) the same length as the width as a stop for the ramp. Next I took some 3/4" plywood and put a bevel on it (not that any car would have a problem with 3/4"). The width of the plywood is 3" wider than the ramp, and is to keep the ramp from sliding. It basically boxes it in with 1.5" by 1.5" scraps, which are almost half a 2x4. It would probably be enough to use a 1.5" as the stop, but I used a 2x4 because it is anchored better and in no way will it ever rotate!
Then I took some 2 x 10" or maybe they are 2" x 12" (I need to check). I got one of them that was only 8' long and cut it in half at 90 degree sections making two 4' sections.. Then I added a roughly 45 bevel to each one, but I recommend you eyeball the ramp and match the blade to that locking it in the same place for each cut . Finally I cut off roughly a third of each one roughly 16" back (just keep everything equal). Then the top pieces were finished and the bottom 2x10 sections are finished on one side. I Then trimmed the remaining sides. I kept the blade beveled such that the car will drive up it easily and it will interface with the ramp well. This leaves the bottom pieces roughly 32" long, which is plenty to lift the car the first 1.5". At any rate, I inserted the ramp and then glued the long piece in flipping it over and putting in screws from the back to hold the long 2x10 in place. 3/4 + 1.5 = 2.25 thickness, so I used 1.75" or 2" screws and construction adhesive making the screws 1/4 to 1/2" from the top. Then I dropped the final 16" piece into place pressing it against the ramp. I anchored it top down with 3" screws because each 2x10 is really 1.5" thick.
When done right, the Ramps are fully removable. You line it up in front of the vehicle and eyeball it. Once perfectly placed, I ease the car forward holding the wood down with the wheels on the 32" 2x10" section.. Then I get out of the car, and drop the ramps into place...
These are great. They hold my Colorado, Malibu, G37, or a friend's Suburban no problem at all! The cars literally just creeps up them in Drive, and you can feel all three levels, so you know when you are at the top. At that point I press the brakes grabbing the rotors and let it inch forward until it touches the wheel stops on the ramp and stop. Add parking brake, wheel chalks, and still throw some jack stands under though they don't touch anything.
Thanks for that detailed write up and pics, NetWizz!
I think these, like in your case, will work excellent, especially with my Wife's 17 Impala that has some really low air dams on the front of her car. Despite my setup working it still isn't as slick/good as yours.
With having to place rags under my wooden ramp pieces, there is always that fear of them kicking out when climbing up the ramps.
My son helped me again with his last oil change but this was the first time he drove up the ramps. Long story short, as his car was beginning to roll back a bit, he gave it too much gas and kicked out the one wooden ramp. His car sits higher than my wife's, thankfully, or else he would have likely caused damage to his air dam if he had one?
Like I mentioned before, I am real glad to see these ramps can be placed in the wooden frames instead of them being all one piece!
Thanks again. Great job!