Stupid garage tricks - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

hgs_notes · 08-26-2003, 06:54 PM

Just trying to fix a little tranny leak today. My TH350 book said to lift the rear end up higher than the front to minimize oil loss(leak on speedo fitting). I already had the front up on steel ramps and the rear on jack stands. So I put the jack under the rear diff and start jacking. I get it up about 5 inches and the right front tire starts rolling out of the ramp. Too late to stop, so I back off and hope for the best. The truck falls, no damage, but a 5 gallon bucket full of used motor oil is sitting near the rear bumper. It gets crushed and all the oil spills.

The worst part is that I was waiting for the wife to come home so I could bring the oil to a garage for disposal. She was about 15 minutes late. So 70 pounds of oil dry, and about $15 worth of cleaners and I still have the other half of the floor to finish cleaning. To top it off, I haven't even looked at my tranny since.

I did find the low spot in the garage floor though. It runs from one side to the other about where the rear tires sit.

HG

smokekiki · 08-26-2003, 07:17 PM

Well....welcome to the board!

Hotrod70C10 · 08-26-2003, 07:36 PM

so.. the trick is, "how to dispose of 5 gallons of oil"? hehe
Just messin with ya!
Welcome to the board!

FRENCHBLUE72 · 08-26-2003, 07:41 PM

Welcome to the board glad no one was hurt..

Gordo · 08-26-2003, 07:56 PM

Welcome from Connecticut! Some days it doesn't pay to get outa bed. Always expect the worst and you won't be disappointed. Many years ago we would spread the used motor oil down on the dirt driveway to keep the dust down.

EdB · 08-26-2003, 10:05 PM

Welcome from S. Miss.

Could have been diesel oil.

EdB

Class of 69 · 08-26-2003, 10:30 PM

Welcome aboard, Captain Hazelwood, we should be departing the terminal shortly, enroute thru Prince William Sound.

Been there done that..only with very used 80-90 gear lube! Stinky!!!!

krue · 08-26-2003, 10:32 PM

Welcome to the board!

Longhorn Man · 08-26-2003, 11:37 PM

On the good side, it'll look like you waxed the floor next time it gets wet.

Welcome to the board from Central ohio.

rambler · 08-27-2003, 09:43 AM

Been there,, done that,, the trick is to get it all cleaned up BEFORE the wife gets home, so she doesn't see the mistake and the mess.. I always get in trouble with even "one" spot of oil on the floor...

Speaking of stupid garage mistakes,, I've gone a little too far on the one piece ramps,, on the surburban,, and actually crushed one.. that was fun.. got the heaver two piece now,, and a spotter.. when I use them LOL

boraxman · 08-27-2003, 11:13 AM

Welcome from So. Cal.

Davy · 08-27-2003, 12:06 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Gordo
Many years ago we would spread the used motor oil down on the dirt driveway to keep the dust down.

This makes me laugh!

I know this ol' timer that always tells the story how he used to go to a local lake years ago and catch a hundred fish in a day, and now he doesn't get a bite all day.

I've heard him tell this story a dozen times, and I don't think he hears what he's saying.

Davy.

Truckhead · 08-27-2003, 12:47 PM

Huh?

JHickson6 · 08-27-2003, 01:32 PM

Try using brake cleaner on the floor, it pulls up mosy of the oil spills aslong as there fresh, just let it sink in for a few seconds, then wipe or hose off, <--keep that on the down low, i don't usually hose everything off.

Hotrod70C10 · 08-27-2003, 03:36 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Davy
I know this ol' timer that always tells the story how he used to go to a local lake years ago and catch a hundred fish in a day, and now he doesn't get a bite all day.

I've heard him tell this story a dozen times, and I don't think he hears what he's saying.

Davy.

I'm lost on this. hehe

Davy · 08-27-2003, 03:58 PM

I strayed away from the subject of the thread starter a little.

Something Gordo said made me think of something else. Forgive me for getting off the subject.

Davy

Duallie · 08-27-2003, 06:10 PM

Regarding your oil stains: a tip I learned from my baby brudder is to spread floor dry or kitty litter on the oil and then grind the floordry into the concrete with old 2x4 chunks. The stains disappear for me.

Hotrod70C10 · 08-27-2003, 06:22 PM

Hey davy, that's ok! I wasn't trying to be rude or anything. I was just wondering what you were saying.

**Palf70Step** · 08-27-2003, 07:14 PM

And a hearty #3 Welcome from South Mississippi.

GMC Jim · 08-27-2003, 07:22 PM

Oil's well that ends well.... Welcome from Oregon !!!!!!

**COBALT** · 08-27-2003, 07:24 PM

Welcome from Seattle.

...I remember using jackstands to get my TH400 in/out. What a nightmare. I had that thing jacked up in the air so high I was afraid I was going to hit the rafters. I ended up using all sorts of supports to keep it stable enough to get under it.

You're lucky someone didn't get hurt, yourself included. That's why I would never use ramps. Too bad I can't install a lift!

Be careful next time. Don't want anyone here getting killed by their truck.

jimfulco · 08-28-2003, 12:14 AM

My T-bird came off the ramps when I was jacking up the rear & I was too squatted-down to run, so I rolled off the driveway. The damn thing turned & chased my rolling fat a$$ into the yard & it only stopped when the floor jack wheels bogged down in the dirt. Try rubbing powdered laundry detergent into the oil with a broom & let it sit for a while, preferably ovenight. Then hook a hose up to as hot water as you can get & hose it off. A pressure washer works even better.

ChevLoRay · 08-28-2003, 12:29 PM

I put a new tail pipe on my '69 Malibu (about 25 years ago), and to get some working room, I backed the car onto the ramps. No problems. Got the pipe installed, clamps tightened, checked for leaks.

Then, I dropped it in gear (autoamatic) and all of a sudden, one side (the right) dropped done....FAAAAAST! When I dropped it in gear, the traction of the right tire on the ramp (a home-made one) shot the ramp out from under the car.

Those ramps are made from inch-an-a-half steel angle, welded, with a piece of aluminum checker-plate for a driving surface. Very sturdy, and fairly heavy, but they are flat on the bottom, and have nothing to grip the pavement.

Live and learn......

Iron-Butt · 08-28-2003, 04:14 PM

Welcome

08-26-2003, 06:54 PM	#1
hgs_notes GEARHEAD Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: MN Posts: 6,126	Stupid garage tricks Just trying to fix a little tranny leak today. My TH350 book said to lift the rear end up higher than the front to minimize oil loss(leak on speedo fitting). I already had the front up on steel ramps and the rear on jack stands. So I put the jack under the rear diff and start jacking. I get it up about 5 inches and the right front tire starts rolling out of the ramp. Too late to stop, so I back off and hope for the best. The truck falls, no damage, but a 5 gallon bucket full of used motor oil is sitting near the rear bumper. It gets crushed and all the oil spills. The worst part is that I was waiting for the wife to come home so I could bring the oil to a garage for disposal. She was about 15 minutes late. So 70 pounds of oil dry, and about $15 worth of cleaners and I still have the other half of the floor to finish cleaning. To top it off, I haven't even looked at my tranny since. I did find the low spot in the garage floor though. It runs from one side to the other about where the rear tires sit. HG __________________ If no one knows what you're doing, they can't tell you you're doing it wrong HG's Dream Car Build - Shelby Cobra Kit Build your own adjustable track bar 71 Long Fleet C/10 72 Jimmy 4x4 (Junkyard Jimmy) HG's Plow Truck '78 K35 Dually Bigass Farm Truck HG's thread of miscellaneous stuff

08-26-2003, 07:17 PM	#2
smokekiki Mike Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: west chester pa Posts: 2,473	Well....welcome to the board! __________________ 70'c/10, 71 suburban4x4 402bb, 72suburban 4/6 drop, 72k/5 4x4 blazer 4" lift 35 tires

08-26-2003, 07:41 PM	#4
FRENCHBLUE72 PROJECT 7DEUCE Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: GRANTS PASS OR Posts: 21,606	Welcome to the board glad no one was hurt.. __________________ GO BIG GREEN GO DUCKS MEMBER #6377 72 k-5 daily driver 6'' lift 35'' 350-350-205 slowly getting rust free. Project "7DEUCE" check out my build http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=267665 Tim Powell..R.I.P EastSideLowlife..... R.I.P..

08-26-2003, 07:56 PM	#5
Gordo Registered User Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Killingworth, CT. USA Posts: 3,378	Welcome from Connecticut! Some days it doesn't pay to get outa bed. Always expect the worst and you won't be disappointed. Many years ago we would spread the used motor oil down on the dirt driveway to keep the dust down. __________________ 1971 C10 swb stepside 350/700R4/3.73posi (retired as of 4/22/03) 1998 S10 short bed 2002 S10 Blazer 1942 Oldsmobile 1958 Massey Harris Pony 1951 Wife Killingworth, Connecticut May those who love us, love us, any of those who do not love us, may God turn their hearts. And if God is unable to turn their hearts, may he turn their ankles so we may know them by their limping. A man who works with his hands is a laborer; a man who works with his hands and his brain is a craftsman; but a man who works with his hands and his brain and his heart is an artist.

08-26-2003, 10:30 PM	#7
Class of 69 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Stillwater MN Posts: 1,166	Welcome aboard, Captain Hazelwood, we should be departing the terminal shortly, enroute thru Prince William Sound. Been there done that..only with very used 80-90 gear lube! Stinky!!!! __________________ 69 GMC K10 ..some restoration required....still..

08-26-2003, 07:36 PM	#3
Hotrod70C10 Low & Slow Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Oklahoma Posts: 1,047	so.. the trick is, "how to dispose of 5 gallons of oil"? hehe Just messin with ya! Welcome to the board! __________________ 70' C-10 LWB Fleetside 4.5/6 drop

08-26-2003, 10:05 PM	#6
EdB Registered User Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Gulfport Ms Posts: 401	Welcome from S. Miss. Could have been diesel oil. EdB

08-26-2003, 10:32 PM	#8
krue Designated A-hole! Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: South Mississippi Posts: 36,448	Welcome to the board! __________________ "If it ain't broke, fix it 'til it is!" Being stupid ain't illegal. We're Still Debt Free Except for the House!!! www.daveramsey.com 70 GMC SWB Stepside project "Green Booger" soon to be 6.0l/4l80e 93 S-10 "Poppaw's Truck"

08-26-2003, 11:37 PM	#9
Longhorn Man its all about the +6 inches Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Hilliard Ohio Posts: 2,690	On the good side, it'll look like you waxed the floor next time it gets wet. Welcome to the board from Central ohio.

08-27-2003, 09:43 AM	#10
rambler MOVE OVER Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Warrensburg, MO Posts: 5,470	Been there,, done that,, the trick is to get it all cleaned up BEFORE the wife gets home, so she doesn't see the mistake and the mess.. I always get in trouble with even "one" spot of oil on the floor... Speaking of stupid garage mistakes,, I've gone a little too far on the one piece ramps,, on the surburban,, and actually crushed one.. that was fun.. got the heaver two piece now,, and a spotter.. when I use them LOL __________________ No matter where you are..... There you are... Buckaroo Banzi

08-27-2003, 11:13 AM	#11
boraxman Keepin an eye out Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: So.Cal Posts: 3,920	Welcome from So. Cal.

08-27-2003, 12:47 PM	#13
Truckhead 18436572 Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Waynesboro, Va. Posts: 488	Huh?

08-27-2003, 01:32 PM	#14
JHickson6 I Love This Stuff! Join Date: May 2002 Location: Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada Posts: 739	Try using brake cleaner on the floor, it pulls up mosy of the oil spills aslong as there fresh, just let it sink in for a few seconds, then wipe or hose off, <--keep that on the down low, i don't usually hose everything off. __________________ My Rides 1967 C10 In Pieces for now 1985 Ford B700 SourPuss Bus - BIG BLUE 2003 Silverado CITY WORKER YELLOW!!

08-27-2003, 03:58 PM	#16
Davy Registered User Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Rice, Minnesota Posts: 370	I strayed away from the subject of the thread starter a little. Something Gordo said made me think of something else. Forgive me for getting off the subject. Davy __________________ 1970 Blazer CST Looking for NOS items for my CST restoration.

08-27-2003, 06:10 PM	#17
Duallie Registered User Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: Nikiski, Alaska Posts: 477	Regarding your oil stains: a tip I learned from my baby brudder is to spread floor dry or kitty litter on the oil and then grind the floordry into the concrete with old 2x4 chunks. The stains disappear for me. __________________ Just as if I knew what I was doin'



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08-27-2003, 06:22 PM	#18
Hotrod70C10 Low & Slow Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Oklahoma Posts: 1,047	Hey davy, that's ok! I wasn't trying to be rude or anything. I was just wondering what you were saying. __________________ 70' C-10 LWB Fleetside 4.5/6 drop

08-27-2003, 07:14 PM	#19
Palf70Step State of Confusion! Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Gulfport, MS USA Posts: 47,268	And a hearty #3 Welcome from South Mississippi. __________________ Bill 1970 Chevy Custom/10 LWB Fleetside 2010 Toyota Tacoma PreRunner SR5 Double Cab - DD Member of Louisiana Classic Truck Club (LCTC) Bill's Gallery Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's still a gift. Live simply. Love generously. Care deeply. Speak kindly. Leave the rest to God!

08-27-2003, 07:22 PM	#20
GMC Jim Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Portland, Oregon Posts: 901	Oil's well that ends well.... Welcome from Oregon !!!!!! __________________ '71 GMC;fleetside;PB/PS/AC/CC/402 Eng./Custom Paint/110,000act miles/3 fuel tanks(52gal).

08-27-2003, 07:24 PM	#21
COBALT Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Seattle, WA, USA Posts: 5,817	Welcome from Seattle. ...I remember using jackstands to get my TH400 in/out. What a nightmare. I had that thing jacked up in the air so high I was afraid I was going to hit the rafters. I ended up using all sorts of supports to keep it stable enough to get under it. You're lucky someone didn't get hurt, yourself included. That's why I would never use ramps. Too bad I can't install a lift! Be careful next time. Don't want anyone here getting killed by their truck. __________________ '69 3/4 ton C20 2wd-350ci/TH400 '69 3/4 ton Custom 20 2wd-350ci/4sp Manual '99 2wd 5.7 Chevy Tahoe Seattle, WA.

08-28-2003, 12:14 AM	#22
jimfulco Registered User Join Date: May 2003 Location: Shreveport LA Posts: 3,170	My T-bird came off the ramps when I was jacking up the rear & I was too squatted-down to run, so I rolled off the driveway. The damn thing turned & chased my rolling fat a$$ into the yard & it only stopped when the floor jack wheels bogged down in the dirt. Try rubbing powdered laundry detergent into the oil with a broom & let it sit for a while, preferably ovenight. Then hook a hose up to as hot water as you can get & hose it off. A pressure washer works even better.

08-28-2003, 12:29 PM	#23
ChevLoRay Old Skool Club Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: Benton, AR "The Heart of Arkansas" Posts: 10,880	I put a new tail pipe on my '69 Malibu (about 25 years ago), and to get some working room, I backed the car onto the ramps. No problems. Got the pipe installed, clamps tightened, checked for leaks. Then, I dropped it in gear (autoamatic) and all of a sudden, one side (the right) dropped done....FAAAAAST! When I dropped it in gear, the traction of the right tire on the ramp (a home-made one) shot the ramp out from under the car. Those ramps are made from inch-an-a-half steel angle, welded, with a piece of aluminum checker-plate for a driving surface. Very sturdy, and fairly heavy, but they are flat on the bottom, and have nothing to grip the pavement. Live and learn...... __________________ Member Nr. 2770 '96 GMC Sportside; 4.3/SLT - Daily driven....constantly needs washed. '69 C-10 SWB; 350/TH400 - in limbo The older I get, the better I was.

08-28-2003, 04:14 PM	#24
Iron-Butt 454 club Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Oklahoma Posts: 1,348	Welcome __________________ David 1965 Chevrolet c-10 454 automatic Custom bbw swb. 1965 Chevrolet C-10 swb (Sold) 1963 Chevrolet C-10 6 Cyl automatic with dual exhaust, pb, ps and 17's. R.I.P "I will miss you. 1967 Chevrolet C-10 6 Cyl Custom lwb 1939 Chevrolet Coupe, 350 v8 automatic. 1935 Chevrolet 2 Dr Standard in the works. 2015 Harley Davidson Street Glide. 2023 Chevrolet Stingray Z51 Convertible. I never want to grow up.

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