I have put my 69 vette up on 4 jack stands to rebuild the suspension and brakes. The back stands are currently placed on the main frame side rail at the point where the third crossmember attaches (at the frame kick-up in front of the rear wheels). The front jack stands are on the main frame side rail just behind the #1 body mount (just before the frame rises up toward the a-arms). The car is stable this way, but this leaves a lot of the engine hanging in front of the front jack stands and the flex in the frame causes problems with door closing. These are essentially the points where a garage lift would lift the car. Is there a better place to put the jack stands, or should additional jacks be placed on the front frame rails (and where)to take pressure off of the frame?

Thanks,

Jim

If you are concerned about the front end overhang, use your floor jack under the front cross member to support the front while you do your work.

Thanks Eddie. Until I start taking things apart this weekend, I have used two bottle jacks to raise the a-arms and take some pressure off that way. One recommendation I did get from a Corvette rebuild shop is to pop the hood but leave it down, remove t-tops if there are any and leave the doors slightly ajar.

Jim in Memphis.

Although I have spent a lot of time under my car, it still scares me. Here is something that I do as a safeguard to keep me from being crushed. I have 4 good jack stands that I use to support the car. After I get the car up I have 4 pieces of 6"x6" wood that is about 1/2 inch below the jack stands. I position these in places where they would support the car in a catastrophy. Call me paranoid but it gives me piece of mind.

I've had the best success placing the rear jack stands just forward of the rear crossmember and the front standsright where the front fram begins to go inward about the rear of the starter.

I'm with you on the extra safety. The last time I had my big block up on the stands I was scared stiff to get under it. Thats alot of weight. I also have Triumph TR6's and they are a breeze to lift, but the jack really groans when I left the Vette. I used my jack under the crossmember as well after it was on jack stands. I like the 6x6 blocks as well.

Mark