Ramps/Run-up Blocks

mung · January 06, 2015, 10:23:15 AM

Went at lunch time today and grabbed some 2x10s to build my ramps. Going to use a modified version of the plans I have seen posted around with the 2x10s on end.

Hopefully this will get me where I need to be to make enough room to safely get under the bus and convert the rear brakes to spring brakes.

Vern

bobofthenorth · January 06, 2015, 03:07:56 PM

When I built mine I drilled a couple of holes in the big end, found some old rope lying around, cut off a couple of 2 foot pieces, poured epoxy in the holes and stuffed the ends of the rope in the epoxy. I've never regretted that - it makes it really easy to drag them around. Mine must weigh 70 or 80 pounds apiece - without the rope handles they'd get monotonous to move.

mung · January 06, 2015, 03:16:44 PM

Yeah, I will probably have to do that as well.

MightyThor · January 06, 2015, 03:49:01 PM

After building 4 ramps and then moving them around, I started to think it might have been easier to dig a pit and back the bus over it. Thanks for the note about the rope, I was still trying to figure out how I was gonna do that. Makes perfect sense now.

blue_goose · January 07, 2015, 04:46:27 AM

Put wheels on the ramps, makes them easy to move around.
Jack

mung · January 07, 2015, 05:13:39 AM

Now Jack that is an excellent idea.

If you position them right you could make it so they only touch when they are lifted at the right angle.

bevans6 · January 07, 2015, 05:46:10 AM

I just now read the bit at the start where the idea is to convert from DD-3's to spring brakes. My strong advice is to just block the bus up in the air (and ramps are a great start to the whole "up in the air" thing), and take all the rear wheels off. Makes working on the brakes so much easier when you can see what you are up against.

Brian

mung · January 07, 2015, 06:12:48 AM

Not DD-3s, I have an old 4104, so I have straight chambers on the back.

The plan is to run it up the ramp, with it fully aired up block the body up. I was going to leave the tire on and on the ramp, but I can see that it might be easier to do with the tires off.

Aaron · January 07, 2015, 08:27:00 PM

If you have # 30 service brakes now,all that you would need to do is install the top hat and of course the lines and valve.
If you can even buy the top 2/3 rd sections any more.

mung · January 08, 2015, 04:28:01 AM

I already have all of the parts with 30/30 cans. Just have to get the bus in the air so I can put them on.

uncle ned · January 08, 2015, 07:52:57 AM

Vern

You should have spent some time crawling around and under Huggy. Lots of good ideas and some bad ones
in him.

Every one is always welcome to visit do not have to be invited. Good luck on your adventure with our 04.

uncle ned

mung · January 08, 2015, 08:27:22 AM

I should have.

RJ · January 08, 2015, 08:39:43 AM

Vern -

Did you buy Uncle Ned's "spare" 4104?

mung · January 08, 2015, 08:51:58 AM

Nope, I think what he meant by our is that we are the guardians of the last of a breed.

uncle ned · January 08, 2015, 01:53:03 PM

RJ

Vern was my neighbor at the GM barn at Arcadia.

The time I spent with you, john vickers, sam kayor, jack campbell and luke are the best times of all.

I just hope I get to meet clifford in person.

after meeting the young people at Arcadia I think out hobby and love for these old buses is in good hands.

uncle ned

ps do not know what to think of a turn coat. LOL LOL