A topside creeper is a certain piece of equipment with which you can easily lean over the vehicle. It will support your back and legs so that you feel comfortable, and it will be easier for you to work on the engine or other parts of the vehicle for a long time.
A topside creeper enables the technician to access those difficult parts of the vehicle and work with ease. They have a deck on top that allows access to difficult parts, and they can work on those parts in comfort.
Building a DIY topside creeper is cost-effective. By purchasing the necessary materials, you can make your own topside creeper. This will cost you less than built-in topside creepers. Another advantage of DIY topside creepers is that you can design your topside creepers with a height-adjustable feature.
Here we are going to provide a step-by-step guide to making a DIY topside creeper, which will enable you to build your own topside creeper.
Materials and Tools Needed to Build a DIY Topside Creeper
Tools
- Screw
- Bolts
- Saw blade
- Drill machine
- Measuring tape
Materials
- Wood
- PVA glue
- Plywood board
- Caster wheels
- Foam
Design Considerations for DIY Topside Creeper
Topside creepers are available in various designs with different heights and weights. When it comes to DIY topside creepers, you can choose any design according to your taste and comfort.
The creeper should be comfortable enough to lean on and work on a specific part of your car. The height of the topside creeper should be according to your car so that you can easily reach the difficult parts of the car.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Design for a DIY Topside Creeper
- Weight Capacity
Most topside creepers are capable of supporting up to 400 pounds, which is perfect for the majority of people. If your weight doesn’t exceed this stage or is much less than this, you can keep your DIY topside creeper weight up to 350 or 400 pounds.
- Height Adjustment
The height of your topside creeper should be adjustable, so you can easily access and repair the engine or other parts of the car. And it’s not like you’re designing a creeper for a particular vehicle.
So, your creeper should fit any vehicle. That’s why it is very important to have a height adjustment feature in your DIY topside creeper.
- Foldability
Choose the foldable topside creeper. If you use the topside creeper once or twice a week to fix your cars, the foldable creeper would be the best option for you.
Use the creeper when needed, and after the work is done, fold it and keep it in the garage or any open space. By folding, you can place the creeper easily, and your space will also be saved.
- Wheel Placement
You’ll definitely consider your topside creeper’s caster wheels. For creepers, you should use higher-quality rubber or urethane caster wheels. Check that your creeper gives you easy access to all engine areas without the restriction of the wheels.
DIY Topside Creeper | Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Get Your Appropriate Measurement
Make sure your measurements are accurate before beginning to create a topside creeper yourself. Then determine the base’s breadth, which will serve as your platform. You can use wooden material or plywood, but keep in mind that its width should be wide to accommodate your body.
If it is a few inches wider on either side, it will be good for your shoulders. Measure the appropriate height. The creeper should be comfortable so that your back, hips, and head can get the utmost comfort. If you have support and your feet can move the topside creeper easily, you may maintain this length.
Step 2: Build the Base and Your Topside Creeper
Once you have measured the correct height and width, you will now have to make a strong base. Build a frame to support your creeper. The frame is also needed to cushion the creeper. Use four pieces of wood to support the base’s four edges.
Measure and cut two pieces of wood with the saw blade for the long two sides. Keep the wooden pieces in place. Add some PVA glue and push firmly with a heavy object to secure them. Now, screw the wooden pieces to the base using the drill. For every ten centimeters, screw the components firmly.
The other two portions should then be handled in the same manner. Cut two wooden pieces to size after measuring the base’s bottom and top. Once more, PVA glue and drilling screws will securely fasten them.
Step 3: Add Wheels to Your Creeper
The creeper will have a total of four wheels. Two pieces of wood that are wider than the base’s width are required for this. Next, join the frame’s bottom and the head’s top. Once more, use screws and PVA glue to secure the parts. The wheels should now be attached to the bottom of the two pieces of wood.
Step 4: Cushion Your Creeper
It’s best to use soft foam for cushioning. To cut the foam appropriately, measure the space where it will be placed. Your creeper is ready when you place foam inside the frame. You can now use your DIY topside creeper.
Step 5: Finishing Touches
Ensure that the screws go all the way through the base and the frame’s attachment point. You can add extra lumber to the vertical parts a few inches from the frame to strengthen them.
It shouldn’t matter how thick or thin the cushion is. Obtain a level piece of foam that will fit the creeper perfectly. Finally, you can spray paint it to give your DIY topside creeper a good appearance.
Safety Tips When Using Topside Creepers
- Mounted carefully on top or bottom of the Topside Creeper.
- Use both hands and position your body in the middle of the creeper’s railing.
- If you get tired quickly in the creeper, get off the creeper.
Conclusion
There are many advantages to DIY topside creepers. You can design your topside creeper as you wish. DIY topside creepers save you money. It can be built for much less money than you would spend buying a ready-made topside creeper.
We recommend you use the DIY topside creeper. It will be cost-effective for you, plus it will show your manufacturing power. And making your own product will give you a different level of happiness.