running boards/loading ramps

[Rusty Bucket]

So:  we don't really have a section for tangentially related-to-motorcycle projects. so since I have been working hard on this one for days now, I am going to jam it in here...  last summer one of the tree-planting companies tipped a set of broken aluminum ATV ramps into the recycling bin outside my shop.  I grabbed them, despite them being 16" wide and having several broken rungs and bent frames.    I needed some step-bars for the truck, but the ones I want are 6 weeks away, in LA.  Since winter probably will not wait that long, I decided to make some interim running boards for the truck, and, given the materials at hand, I thought I would try to make running boards that could quickly be removed and still serve as ramps.  I always thought this should be possible...

  So, first order of business is attaching them to he truck, which turned into a really involved project, and eventually resulted in these brackets.

[attachment deleted by admin due to full attachment storage]

[Rusty Bucket]

 I narrowed the ATV ramps down to about half the original width, and straightened the frames as best I could.  I want smooth ramps, so the top plate is a thin piece of alloy checkerplate.

[attachment deleted by admin due to full attachment storage]

[Rusty Bucket]

... and here is the skeleton of the ramp attached to the truck with 3 bolts.  It takes maybe a minute to pull one of the ramps off so far - I suppose dirt, corrosion and abuse might extend that somewhat as time passes.

[attachment deleted by admin due to full attachment storage]

[Rusty Bucket]

 Here it is with the top skin on. More or less like a running board, except with funny-looking ends.  They are about the same length as my usual steel ramps, at just over 6' long, so the cab-length works out about right for that. (though longer is always better if you have the room, of course)  The ramps were already bent/broken when I got them, so I wouldn't say they are super heavy-duty.  I think I would rate them as more dirt-bike ramps, rather than bring-it-on hd touring bike ramps.  Have not had a chance to try them out, natch, but they should be considerably better than nothing, if that was the choice...

  I'm told the factory step-bars weigh about 12 lbs per side, and my alloy ramps weigh about 9, so I am satisfied with that result, and they feel very solid as far as bearing my weight.  If the chance/need arises to use them, hopefully I will be able to finish this little thread with a pic of the units in action.

[attachment deleted by admin due to full attachment storage]

[fast1]

  WOW! you are a genius. CHEERS.

[stikman]

I like it

[Hans]

You sent the Ford packing?

[Rusty Bucket]

Mmm, well, my feeling was the Ford was in the process of packing itself in - I really liked that truck very much, it was the nigh-ideal configuration for me.  The motor, however, in my opinion, was showing the signs of impending serious unpleasantness, and was way beyond anything I could ever work on myself, or want to learn to, and the dealer seemed intent on making my bad luck into a vicious sack-beating...  anyway, yup.

[Chopperman]

That's a very cool idea, nice work!