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Another version of Kevin's idea - I place my Rhino ramps at the end of the driveway just in front of the garage slab. The slight increase in height of the garage slab relative to the driveway holds them in place.
Also allows me to access the car from the front in the shade of the garage while any potential spills are outside in the driveway.

Frank

All,

Thanks for the advice. The big issue I was having is not having garage space or a hard surface to jack the car up... or ramp's when the ground is wet. Thanks dustin for the plywood idea. not only will that work, but I will also have a nice non dirty surface to lay on. If I lay the plywood right, I will also be able to use it to soak up any spilt liquids (anything I poor on the ground, I have to drink).

Hey, that was my idea, damn Dustin for taking credit for it.

We changed the oil in my roommate's miata tonight. If I had seen your message earlier, I would have had you come over and serve as motivation to get ours done earlier Maybe next time.

I've heard (but not tried) that a diaper under the oil filter is a good way to keep a miata clean during a change. I looked tonight and there is a nice little pocket where a diaper could sit. We just used a load of shop towels tonight.

Also, jack stands make changing the oil filter on a miata WAY easier than rhino ramps because you can take the front right tire off. I get much better leverage that way.

And not to hijack the topic, but I wonder if anybody has tried a vacuum pump to suck oil out. Apparently, that's how Mercedes dealerships get oil out of their engines. Using the drain plug is easy enough for me, just curious if anyone's tried that.

a two post lift is the only way to do it right, everything else is primitive. that being said the management of my apartment complex can tell you what a jack and jack stands will do to asphalt in the middle of july.....

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#77 nasa spec 3
e36 M3

I think its harder that way ... Rhino ramps to get to the oil plug, but grab the filer from above using a filter "cap" and socket wrench. Maybe I get lucky, but the oil that then drips put all goes in the the same pan that catches the sump oil. Give the underside a wipe with some paper towels to get the dripping oil off.

Frank

My garage floor is as slick as glass. I have gotten one of those floor mats they sell for putting infront of your work bench works like a charm.

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2002 MCS, 2003 MCS Track Rat, 2003 Generic White Yukon, 2003 BMWk1200rs, 1973 CB350F, 02 996. 08 Cayenne Turbo
http://www.clinehallagency.com

Invest in some tools. Even my wife has "real" one-piece screwdrivers
Get the right filter removal socket or a good strap-wrench. Then you won't need a screwdriver!!

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Brad

One item that I have found invaluable for working on concrete, gravel, sand or dirt are the interlocking foam mats intended for placing in front of workbenches. They make cold concrete bearable, gravel less painful, and can even be pressed into service as a mattress when camping at the track (although they really are better in double thickness for that). They are relatively cheap and make great Christmas gift suggestions for those of you who have not been naughty. They come in packages sufficient to "pave" the area under most sporty cars.
Charlie Guthrie

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1998 BMW Z3
1987 BMW 325is
2000 BMW
1996 F250 Turbo Diesel

I use the Rhino ramps, and I had the epoxy in my old garage. I glued some strips I cut off an old tire to the bottom supports to provide grip and keep the ramps from sliding (the rubber pad works as a start, but once the weight transfers to the rear...)

I always pour in a quart or two of oil after the plug has been removed to kind of rinse out the dirty oil sediment from the bottom of the pan. I highly recommend it, keeps the oil clean.

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1995 M3
2009 Nissan Cube
2009 Kawasaki Versys

A small piece of plywood under each stand gets rid of that problem. A long piece for the jack itself goes a long way to show your complex that you do care about not damaging their property.