[TR] ramp lenth?

[Skip Gurnee]

Hi Paul-
I've been using 1x12's, but have used 1x8's in the past; too narrow for my 
nerves and vision. This size board is PLENTY strong, and the main issues 
are: 1) making it long enough so you don't get high-centered at the edge of 
the platform, and 2) wide enough so you don't drive off the side.  Support 
at every 10 inches is overkill.  My trailer is about a foot off the ground 
at the rear, and I use eight foot ramps supported in the middle (actually 
they're two 4-foot pieces so I can fit them into the tow car).  Triumphs 
have not bottomed on the trailer as I loaded them, so that's a good length 
for the one foot height.  Since you're doubling the height, you'll need 
something longer.  If you're into math, you simply have to work out how long 
the ramp must be to allow the TR to clear.  Or create a scale drawing.  Or 
just buy 16-ft boards.
 Best,
Skip Gurnee
64 TR4, 66 TR4A

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "dorpaul" <dorpaul at bellsouth.net>
To: "list Triumph" <triumphs at autox.team.net>
Sent: Tuesday, October 21, 2008 12:51 PM
Subject: [TR] ramp lenth?


> List,
> I used an outside homemade rotisserie to originally get my TR3's chassis 
> (w/o
> engine and tranny) up on a two foot high platform.  This steel 10' 
> scaffolding
> platform was constructed about 4-5 years ago when I started the rebuilding 
> of
> this abandoned restoration.  I am planning on driving it off this platform
> within six months.
>    However, I first need to build a dependable wooden ramp to drive it 
> down.
> I want to reuse this ramp in the future for oil changes, work underneath, 
> etc.
> What is a preferable length of ramp for driving this car, up and down this 
> 2'
> high platform?  I will be using heavily supported 2"x 8" treated new pine
> lumber.  These vertical wooden supports will be every 10" or so.
>
> I am seeing light at the end of the tunnel...
>
> Thanks, Paul Dorsey  60 TR3