Classic cars forum & vehicle restoration.

[Bitumen Boy]

Well, it's that time of year again when vehicles ancient or modern will benefit from a check-over underneath, and any touching-up of the rustproofing that may be required. This has posed a problem for me of recent years as the modern - 2001 Corsa - isn't at all easy to raise more than one corner at a time, and the old drive-on ramps I've been using instead don't offer much room to work underneath, especially towards the centre section of the car.

Recently, however, I got to hear of Ridd's Ramps - a self service garage with two post lifts available to hire by the hour, based just outside Aberdare. Such enterprises are nothing new, of course, but it's the first time I've come across anything like it within striking distance of home. After phoning with a few basic enquiries, I made a booking and went over there this afternoon.

Underbody work of this nature is never going to be exactly pleasant, but in two hours I've done probably a better job of rustproofing the car than I could normally manage in a whole day. I've used a lot less wax and have stayed reasonably clean, thanks to an overall coat and an old hat that usually offer little protection when rolling and sliding around on the cold concrete garage floor.

For £20 per hour you get the use of a 4 tonne 2 post lift, compressor etc and a large chest of tools - I didn't have cause to examine these closely, but I wouldn't expect to find anything vehicle specific or in AF/BS sizes. Hot drinks are available, the lavatory and washing facilities are adequate and they don't (at present) make a fuss about you doing the sort of filthy jobs I was tackling. Apparently they're busy at the weekends, but have plenty of capacity during the normal working week, pretty much as you might expect.

I have no connection to the firm other than as a satisfied customer. I'll be going back again, and thought others might like to hear about it too. IMO that £20/hour represents real value for the sort of work I was doing this afternoon, in fact I reckon the amount of expensive wax I saved pretty much halved the rate anyway!

http://www.riddsramps.com/