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[gbh]

Hi there,My Omega has developed an oil leak which means i'll need to look from underneath,a friend lent me some old steel ones but front bumper is too long so I think I need something with less gradient.James a member on here who changed my cam belt had a lovely set of plastic ones that I know worked well I've pm him but can anyone else recommend a set at a reasonable price?Many thanks Glenn 

[Andy B]

You'll find that the Omega is too low for most ramps. I made a couple of angle iron 'ladder' extentions that hook onto a standard pair of ramps, but I'm sure you I could make something from 2 short planks   

[Webby the Bear]

RobG recommended ramps for me. They had extensions like Andy mentioned.

If working at home I much prefer stands though. just my preference

[EMD]

Ramps and stands as you never know  I drive up some bits of wood first then slot the ramps in after .

[flyer 0712]

Have you tried jacking it up to the height of the ramps.....personally I would use a jack with axle stands.....

[Nick W]

Ramps or a jack and axle stands?


They're not interchangeable; use either depending on the work that you're doing.
Eg: any job that requires the wheels off needs to be on axle stands. But if you can drive it on and off quickly, like a fluid change, sorting the gear selector or changing an exhaust, then ramps are appropriate.

[lesv6]

Ramps and stands as you never know  I drive up some bits of wood first then slot the ramps in after .

Most modern cars have this problem with snagging on ramps. sensible solution, seen it used before.  don't see point of jacking car up to put on ramps when you can drivre it up

[Steve B]

should think you can run an omega up these.. although the height wont be like that of a set of steel ones

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/HEAVY-DUTY-4-TON-PLASTIC-PRO-WORKSHOP-GARAGE-LOW-WIDE-SPORT-CAR-RACE-RAMP-PAIR-/290980295085?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_3&hash=item43bfc6f1ad

[minifreek]

Iv got these...

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Cougar-Low-Entry-Metal-Car-Van-Ramps-Extensions-2-5-Tonne-25000KG-Capacity-/301622488964?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_3&hash=item463a19ef84

Work on lowered cars too, very well....

[EMD]

Omega tyres do overlap my ramps a little bit so will be looking for a wider and low entry ramps soon . Think the ramps i have were made pre war 

[4x4]

Haha at least i dont have that issue as i have more than enough clearance to drive up any ramp 

[Webby the Bear]

i'll level with you all.... when I started tinkering on cars before ''going pro'' (ive still got approx. 95% to learn in my opinion) I purchased ramps cos I thought they'd be safer and easier.

in reality it was scarier to drive on the ramps (and try not to overshoot them) than it was to jack up and put on stands.

imo. get a decent jack and a decent set of stands. you wont need to ever mess about again. 

[Webby the Bear]

ps, yes you can jack up high enough to get on ramps......but its easier to put stands on the chassis rail. then you got the wheels free if needed

[gbh]

Thanks for the info,i'll admit I am a complete amateur on cars but I do have a few tools although never used ie Trolley jack and some borrowed axle stands with a V slot.I was going to tackle the rear brake disc/pad change but was unsure on jacking and placement of stands any help would be helpful to say the least.Firstly i used the normal car jack provided and noticed behind on the underside is a triangular plate with a bolt head showing can i use this for trolley jack or axle stands?Thanks Glenn

[JamesV6CDX]

Hi Glenn, sorry I didn't reply sooner

My ramps are similar to these:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/HEAVY-DUTY-4-TON-PLASTIC-PRO-WORKSHOP-GARAGE-LOW-WIDE-SPORT-CAR-RACE-RAMP-PAIR-/290980295085?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_3&hash=item43bfc6f1ad

[gbh]

Hi James,I thought they looked very similar so I just ordered a pair this morning and for anyone interested I got them for £47.99 using Amazon and a site called Flubit.James you maybe able to help with one of my questions on this thread about jacking car using trolley jack or normal car jack and placing of axle V shape stands.Thanks Glenn

[tigers_gonads]

Acquired a scaffolding plank from somewhere 
Chopped it into 4
Screwed 2 pieces together with 3" x 10 screws with a slight overlap and cut a notch at one end so they lock onto the top rung of my orange Halfords special ramps.
Works a treat with no creaking or flexing 

[deviator]

I prefer jack and stands to be honest. 3ton jack and 2/3/6ton stands depending on the height I need.

**Top Tip**
If you must use ramps, get some carpet offcuts. Feed through the first rung on the ramp and fold it back on it's self to make two layers. Repeat both sides. This means as you approach with your car, the weight of the car stops the stands from sliding at the first incline.

[Andy B]

.....

**Top Tip**
If you must use ramps, get some carpet offcuts. Feed through the first rung on the ramp and fold it back on it's self to make two layers. Repeat both sides. This means as you approach with your car, the weight of the car stops the stands from sliding at the first incline.

But ...... that doesn't stop the under side of your wing/bumper from hitting the top the ramp way before wheel starts to climb it.

[chrisgixer]

Ramps and stands as you never know  I drive up some bits of wood first then slot the ramps in after .

Most modern cars have this problem with snagging on ramps. sensible solution, seen it used before.  don't see point of jacking car up to put on ramps when you can drivre it up

There is every point. Have you actually tried your solution? Or just seen it on used with an omega?

Lowered sports chassis. Irmscher body kit. And ramps? No chance, your bits of wood need to be 6ft long.

The "point" of getting the car on ramps, even when it won't drive up, is stability. Obviously. In conjunction with extra height. Torque wishbone bolts and fitting poly bushes, ramps are a must. But there's no room to drive the car up.

So, place the ramps under once the car is jacked. For the hard of understanding

[lesv6]

use it on my ramps and omega clears and runs up ok without snagging, so have actually tried and tested it. bits of wood about 18" long.  mines standard omega elite, not talking lowered sports chassis, or body kits.

also works with my gt which is even lower than omega

[chrisgixer]

use it on my ramps and omega clears and runs up ok without snagging, so have actually tried and tested it. bits of wood about 18" long.  mines standard omega elite, not talking lowered sports chassis, or body kits.

also works with my gt which is even lower than omega

Your omega! Not everyone else's, which is why you don't see the point. A perfectly valid point. Weather you accept it or not.

[lesv6]

use it on my ramps and omega clears and runs up ok without snagging, so have actually tried and tested it. bits of wood about 18" long.  mines standard omega elite, not talking lowered sports chassis, or body kits.

also works with my gt which is even lower than omega

Your omega! Not everyone else's, which is why you don't see the point. A perfectly valid point. Weather you accept it or not.

sure theres more standard omegas on this forum than lowered sports chassis, or body kit jobs.  why are you so aggressive and argumentative with people who don't agree with you.  i'm a newbie on here, and looking back over oldish posts, i see this attitude from you a lot.  do you have a mental issure?

[Doctor Smeagol]

Haven't seen Dbug for a while. 

[X30XE]

Bunch of cowboys 

8x4 sheet of 25mm ply... et voila... 

[Doctor Smeagol]

Not high enough. Won't be able to swing a torque wrench under there too easily.

[Steve B]

Haven't seen Dbug for a while. 

wonder why 

[chrisgixer]

Haven't seen Dbug for a while. 

wonder why 

Couldn't get the last word probably.

Although, seeing as somebody has mentioned it. Young Les and Dbug do seem to have a striking resemblance. Ther can't be two that alike surely...?

[X30XE]

Not high enough. Won't be able to swing a torque wrench under there too easily.

5mm higher than the plastic ones 

[chrisgixer]

Not high enough. Won't be able to swing a torque wrench under there too easily.

5mm higher than the plastic ones 

How high are the metal ones?

Might be proportionally deceptive in the pics though.

[X30XE]

Not high enough. Won't be able to swing a torque wrench under there too easily.

5mm higher than the plastic ones 

How high are the metal ones?

Might be proportionally deceptive in the pics though.

200mm. IF you can get your car onto them mind.  Personally I think the metal ones are an accident waiting to happen. Hence I made my own.

That's why the dims are provided 

[Vamps]

Ramps and stands as you never know  I drive up some bits of wood first then slot the ramps in after .

Most modern cars have this problem with snagging on ramps. sensible solution, seen it used before.  don't see point of jacking car up to put on ramps when you can drivre it up

There is every point. Have you actually tried your solution? Or just seen it on used with an omega?

Lowered sports chassis. Irmscher body kit. And ramps? No chance, your bits of wood need to be 6ft long.

The "point" of getting the car on ramps, even when it won't drive up, is stability. Obviously. In conjunction with extra height. Torque wishbone bolts and fitting poly bushes, ramps are a must. But there's no room to drive the car up.

So, place the ramps under once the car is jacked. For the hard of understanding

Quite agree, I like ramps rather than axle stands, as long as I don't want the wheels off. Never really got away with using them, as said they tend to slide, so I jack up and then put the ramps underneath..............



Reminds me, must get my high lift jack back of my brother.......

[chrisgixer]

Not high enough. Won't be able to swing a torque wrench under there too easily.

5mm higher than the plastic ones 

How high are the metal ones?

Might be proportionally deceptive in the pics though.

200mm. IF you can get your car onto them mind.  Personally I think the metal ones are an accident waiting to happen. Hence I made my own.

That's why the dims are provided 

Good point

I'd need that missing 50mm as well though. Tbh.

[X30XE]

That is the beauty of making your own.  You can make them any size ya likes.

[Steve B]

Hang on... Im under a omega And now im making my own pattern parts to lift the car off the floor to save a few quid

No way would colin mcrae go along with that 

WE are all going to die one day....But no way am i going out with my family Knowing i was crushed by a weetabix 

[EMD]

Hang on... Im under a omega And now im making my own pattern parts to lift the car off the floor to save a few quid

No way would colin mcrae go along with that 

WE are all going to die one day....But no way am i going out with my family Knowing i was crushed by a weetabix 

These look like a well tried and tested pattern alternative 

A ramp

[driver115]

Made some wood cribbing blocks a couple of years ago which I use in addition to axle stands , added safety feature which works for me

http://www.myturbodiesel.com/wiki/wood-cribbing-block-diy-for-raising-the-car-in-addition-to-jack-stands/

[gbh]

I can confirm the 4 tonne low clearance ramps as suggested by James worked a treat and seem quite strong but light.Now to solve my oil leak problem!!!! Thanks to all

[gbh]

ps, yes you can jack up high enough to get on ramps......but its easier to put stands on the chassis rail. then you got the wheels free if needed

Chassis rail??

[chrisgixer]

Mmmmmm!

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/car-2-post-vehicle-car-van-ramp-lift-4-tons-ce-sert-4000kg-2-poster/201344275659?_trksid=p2047675.c100005.m1851&_trkparms=aid%3D222007%26algo%3DSIC.MBE%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D20140122125356%26meid%3D88262387f603435fb300c1df694b27d2%26pid%3D100005%26rk%3D3%26rkt%3D6%26sd%3D290980295085&rt=nc

[05omegav6]

Would putting that on the drive require planning permission

[Sir Tigger KC]

Would putting that on the drive require planning permission

No, but the neighbours would love you!   

[Webby the Bear]

ps, yes you can jack up high enough to get on ramps......but its easier to put stands on the chassis rail. then you got the wheels free if needed

Chassis rail??

Yes, jack it up on the sills (or I prefer that donut shaped part of the chassis in board of the rails) and support it with stands on the chassis rail. 

[gbh]

Thanks for that info,my borrowed axle stands are an older type with a V shape any good to use or buy a newer set with a wider U shape?

[gbh]

What strength of axle stand or load bearing if I buy a new pair?

[Andy B]

What strength of axle stand or load bearing if I buy a new pair?

I used these https://www.machinemart.co.uk/shop/product/details/cax-3tbc-3-ton-axle-stands Your Omega 'only' weighs 1750-ish kg so these will be plenty good enough. Besides, the 6 tonne pair will be too tall for most tasks.

[Webby the Bear]

What Andy said.

I have the 6 ton and the 3 tin. 6 ton completely unnecessary and too tall.

Go for 3 ton

[Andy B]

......
I have the 6 ton and the 3 tin. 6 ton completely unnecessary and too tall.

 ......

That's how I know too 

[JamesV6CDX]

What strength of axle stand or load bearing if I buy a new pair?

I used these https://www.machinemart.co.uk/shop/product/details/cax-3tbc-3-ton-axle-stands Your Omega 'only' weighs 1750-ish kg so these will be plenty good enough. Besides, the 6 tonne pair will be too tall for most tasks.

I'm sure it's just me, and they're fine, but this design scares the crap out of me, I wouldn't get under a car on those....

The chassis rails just don't seem to sit well enough In those cups....

[Andy B]

..., but this design scares the crap out of me,  ....

as opposed to which other? 

[JamesV6CDX]

..., but this design scares the crap out of me,  ....

as opposed to which other? 

I am off to bed shortly (nights) but I'll post some picks up in the v near future

[JamesV6CDX]

in short, though, I just don't feel the cup that the chassis rail sits in, is big enough

[Andy B]

in short, though, I just don't feel the cup that the chassis rail sits in, is big enough

fair enough  ..... good night! 

[JamesV6CDX]

in short, though, I just don't feel the cup that the chassis rail sits in, is big enough

fair enough  ..... good night! 

I detest nights. The sun is shining and I want to be up. And in the evening sun, I want to drink beer, not be going to work!!!!

[Andy B]

...

I detest nights. The sun is shining and I want to be up. And in the evening sun, I want to drink beer, not be going to work!!!!

that's the trouble during the summer. You think I'll just do ..... and before  you know it it's the middle of the afternoon & you realise you're back in work in 7 or 8 hrs & you've not gone to bed yet! I've done my lifetime's worth of nights now 

[Nick W]

What strength of axle stand or load bearing if I buy a new pair?

I used these https://www.machinemart.co.uk/shop/product/details/cax-3tbc-3-ton-axle-stands Your Omega 'only' weighs 1750-ish kg so these will be plenty good enough. Besides, the 6 tonne pair will be too tall for most tasks.

I'm sure it's just me, and they're fine, but this design scares the crap out of me, I wouldn't get under a car on those....

The chassis rails just don't seem to sit well enough In those cups....

They're much better than the weedy welded tube ones with a through pin. And they have proper feet. The notch is just right for the chassis rail to fit securely too.

In short, at £22 they are a good buy.

[Marks DTM Calib]

I have had a set for circa 15 years at a guess, never had a problem and yes, as James says, they only just fit the Omega chassis rails but not been an issue and very secure.