Comments on: Ramp pit plans

By: VeryVito

VeryVito — Fri, 13 Feb 2009 15:59:16 +0000

This is a rather old post, but after a couple years, I can definitely say this has held up well over time — even better than I’d imagined. Like any tool, it requires maintenance and regular inspection, but it’s been rock solid under the load of the 1800. I wouldn’t recommend building one if you don’t trust your construction skills — or using it for anything heavier than a 60s-era european sports car — but I can definitely attest to its strength and stability as presented.

I’m retiring it now (Moving, and decided not to bring it with me, as the 1800’s body work is practically complete now), but wouldn’t hesitate to use wood (that same material used in railroad trestles, roller coasters, bridges, homes, etc) for another one later.
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By: Jose

Jose — Fri, 13 Feb 2009 15:43:33 +0000

…but more 1800’s will be available from widows.
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By: E-tek

E-tek — Tue, 10 Feb 2009 19:36:27 +0000

THat’s just stupid. The more of these that are builkt (from plywood!) the less 1800 owners there will be.
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By: Jose

Jose — Thu, 18 Dec 2008 01:12:31 +0000

Harbor Freight Tools has a big selection of wheel choks or wedges.

I know of a 1971 1800-E rotting away in the sun and rain in a Caribbean island. Very sad.
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By: Charles

Charles — Thu, 28 Feb 2008 23:29:53 +0000

Jack wrote:
Also, you can go to VintagePlans.com for free downloads for a lot of neat automotive ideas to make like this ramp.

I just checked out “vintageplans”.. it’s all vintage homes, now.. no automotive related anything.. too bad.
Chas.
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By: Jack Woolwine

Jack Woolwine — Fri, 11 Jan 2008 20:33:04 +0000

Vito, I don’t think anything light enough to drive on this ramp will have over a 6 ft. wheel to wheel. If you bolted a 3 ft. piece of 3/8 chain to the inside of each ramp front and rear (4 total) with a 3 inch ring (?) on the other end, you could use a boom clamp (? like truckers use on their loads); it is a simple locking device and should keep the car from shifting; just get it snug but not tight enough to break any thing, you would still need stop blocks to keep from driving off the ramps. Also, you can go to VintagePlans.com for free downloads for a lot of neat automotive ideas to make like this ramp.
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By: Jeremy

Jeremy — Thu, 21 Jun 2007 19:59:51 +0000

Knowing my luck, I would be the one and only person that will be killed by this,LOL…think it would work to just weld together a metal version of this thing?lol…might be more sound than wood…
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By: Cordie Ray

Cordie Ray — Fri, 25 May 2007 15:37:07 +0000

I thought Marine Grade plywood sheets were the only remaining lumber product that was allowed to be treated with arsenic or similar materials, according to EPA. Urban Myth?
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By: Bob Klein

Bob Klein — Wed, 25 Apr 2007 18:12:51 +0000

To Steve (Comment #11) I to agree that these are way better than the Cheap sheetmetal ramps. Aas for the wood drying out and getting brittle, a simple coat of paint on the finished ramps would be all that’s required. Do not use Pressure treated material unless your going to be in contact with DIRT. It’s full of anti-insect poisonous chemicals and beause it’s wetter than normal plywood (by design) is less strong. Marine grade plywood and regular plywood are the same with the exception of the number of vineers AND the fact that marine grade plywood laminates can have NO voids, especially on the inner layers. All plywoods made in the US are glued together with exterior waterproof glues, just like marine grade at a fraction of the price.

All-in-all this is a fantastic design which I will be building as soon as I get my hands on my next project car.
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By: Steve

Steve — Sun, 18 Jun 2006 21:17:50 +0000

This has got to be safer than those cheesy Cananidan SUV metal ramps I picked up at autozone. The things are too steep to rise and and too low to be useful. I’ve already driven over the top on them twice now.

On thing I’ve noticed when using wood is that people tend to use it way past it’s prime. In Arizona porches dry out and get brittle with age. In the costal areas they get wood rot. Yet people go right on using them until they break out. I’d paint, laminate or use marine grade pressure treated. Keep them indoors.

Hey, when you perfect the deisgn, let me know if you put together a kit. I’d buy it.
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