I was planning on gluing then screwing the doubled planks, that is how the
ramps I saw were used. They basically made the 4x12's. I would like to see
the pictures of the frame.
I like the other ideas, but the best one is learn to weld. None of the high
schools or Jr colleges with 25 mile teach welding, or I would take a class.
The closest I have found is, this which is eight 5 hour classes....
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-----Original Message-----
From: Derek [mailto:dereklola@yahoo.com]
Sent: Monday, September 06, 2004 7:09 PM
To: kpdii@earthlink.net; shop-talk@autox.team.net
Subject: RE: Homemade Kwiklift
Patton
Got a couple of ideas for you.
1 - screw the doubled planks together thereby increasing
their beam strength. Make a little wooden frame that you
can slip under the middle of the planks while you drive up. Make it an inch
or so lower then the unladen plank so that it only supports the weight after
some deflection. (I'll send you a pic of what I mean by small wooden frame
if you like - just a 12" long beam supported by a couple of verticals
standing on 8" long feet - all made from 2x4s and plated with 1/4 plywood
screwed on).
2 - front towers can just be 2x4s plated with 3/8" plywood, Make sure the
towers are about 6" longer at ground level than at the top to prevent
tilting over.
3 - 'hinging' the planks to the front towers can be as
simple as long 3/8" bolts dropped through 3/8 holes in the planks and 1/2"
holes in the tower floor - enough slop to act like a hinge. Or, if you must,
buy some slotted angle iron to bolt permanently on the rear of the towers
and finger tight to the planks.
4 - instead of a rear lifting beam use two lightweight
jacks using one under each plank - but you'd need jacks
with low down height. Or your local welder could easily
knock up something similar to the quiklift rear beam. Just locate it under
your planks with 1x2s screwed underneath.
5 - OORR - if you have a jack with a high lift - lift the
car off the planks and use some rear towers - then you can
take out the planks to work on the car.
Or learn to weld :~)
Derek
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