This may seem dumb but looking under the rear of my 1981 vette the exhaust is running right in the area of the rear housing so putting a jack there to lift rearend off floor is not going to happen unless there is supposed to be some special lift device to fit up between the exhaust....so is there one and if so where can it be obtained?

|UPDATED|1/2/2012 9:31:37 AM (AZT)|/UPDATED|


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Tommy

You know I had the same kind of questions and after reviewing what and where to lift the car (an '81) I thought I would go cautiously and do as you suggested.

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Check out this...................

https://www.c3vr.com/vrforums/message144906&Jump=1.html

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I find the easiest way is to lift the entire side - use a floor jack placed on the frame where the cross member meets. Get one side in the air, put a stand in front of the rear wheel and at the back of the front wheel. Go to the other side do same - very easy and quick, although these days the stands must go pretty high for me to get my rolls to roll under it. Good luck!

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That's Ed Zachary how I does it....


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Joel Adams
C3VR Lifetime Member #56    
My Link


(click for Texas-sized view!)             NCRS

"Money can't buy happiness -- but somehow it's more comforting to cry in a CORVETTE than in a Kia"

Like all who own a c3 I have had my 81 on stands a few times. From side to side is the easiest way I have found. I read somewhere about cracking the fiberglass if you torque the car too much. So, I always loosen the t-tops and open the doors before jacking it. I don't know if this is really necessary, someone with more knowledge about this please chime in.

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Like everyone else, I have heard the rumors about damaging the t-tops, doors, windshield, etc, from jacking a Shark car, or putting one on a lift. Honestly, I've never seen one damaged. I've had mine in the air hundreds of times, as well as had others elevated, with no problems. I never open the doors, or pop the tops. If you have glass tops, it might be a good idea to remove them, sure...just in case. My '85 has the glass targa top, and it's been in the air plenty, too...no cracks on it, either.
I think the biggest thing for me is...if the frame/body on a car flexes enough to cause all these problems we've heard about over the years, then there is prolly something else going on with the car...maybe previous frame/body damage, rust, etc.
That being said, you should do what makes you comfortable when jacking your own car.


|UPDATED|1/3/2012 6:05:48 AM (AZT)|/UPDATED|


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Joel Adams
C3VR Lifetime Member #56    
My Link


(click for Texas-sized view!)             NCRS

"Money can't buy happiness -- but somehow it's more comforting to cry in a CORVETTE than in a Kia"

That is correct!!  We gotta be careful of the fiberglass !!!  Just take your time and do it one side at a time if you gotta have the whole car raised !!!

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(click to see a larger image)

   Okay to make sure I understand what has been posted......it is okay to go slow but to raise one whole side of the car jacking from mid-point and then place 2 jacks under frame on that side and then lower and move to other side and do the same?

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Tommy

Hi Tommy - even if I'm only raising the front, I often lift the whole side. It's just easier to place the stands w/o having to deal with the jack being in the way. If you are concerned about cracking / flexing, go ahead and unlatch the doors, hood, tops and etc. As always, safety first for you - and have fun.

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