Date:         Thu, 9 Nov 2000 07:46:56 -0500
Reply-To:     "Horace K. Sawyer" <firestream@MINDSPRING.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         "Horace K. Sawyer" <firestream@MINDSPRING.COM>
Subject:      Re: jackstands vs. ramps  Low-boy creeper
Comments: To: Joel Walker <jwalker17@EARTHLINK.NET>
In-Reply-To:  <011d01c04a06$e84885a0$a9bc263f@pavilion>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"; format=flowed

First, I am scared of those metal ramps, and they are so slippery.  So, I
copied the local fire department.  They have a set of wooden ramps that do
the exact same thing, except better!  Just cut appropriate pieces and nail
or screw together in a stair step fashion.  Drive the van up the steps, one
level at a time.  Voila!  I can send email photo to those who want.  I even
built mine from some cheaper grade wood, and they have warped a tad from
being outside in the elements, but are still well suited for the task.

BTW, why does the fire dept. use them?  For rescue.  Overturned vehicles
need stabilzation, cars on their sides, sticking out of ditches, other
cars, etc.  They call it "cribbing."  The various steps allow for a fit
*somewhere* on the crashed vehicle.  I saw it as a the *perfect" oil
changing ramp for cars.

Second, Unca Joel, poet extraordinaire, brings up another of my favorite
"inventions" for working on mechanical steeds.  A friend of mine, also a
Volkswagen nut like the rest of you, calls the flat piece of cardboard a
"Low-boy creeper."

I just made a brand new one this weekend in fact!  We had to buy a new TV
due to lightning strikes, and a 756" big screen makes a marvelous low-boy
creeper.  In fact, covers most front yards . . .

Or maybe that was a 32" Zenith from Circuit City . . .  anyway. nothing
like nice, new thick, smooth cardboard to roll around on.  Makes a soul
just feel good when you've got a new Matco Special forces wrench in your
hand with a ubiquitous 13mm socket.  : )

HK
yeehaw from GA