Topic: Location for jackstands for wheel rehab?
in Forum: C3 General Discussion
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Hi guys,
This winter, I plan to put my '81 up on 4 jackstands or 6x6 blocks so I can restore and polish the alloy wheels. I have heard that it is better to not leave the suspension hanging out of it's normal position for long, i.e., I shouldn't put the stands under the frame, but under some sprung part of the suspension. Opinions on whether this is the right way to go and, if so, where would you choose to put the jack stands?
Thanks! You guys are alway EXTREMELY helpful. This forum is the best $$ I ever spent on anything
This winter, I plan to put my '81 up on 4 jackstands or 6x6 blocks so I can restore and polish the alloy wheels. I have heard that it is better to not leave the suspension hanging out of it's normal position for long, i.e., I shouldn't put the stands under the frame, but under some sprung part of the suspension. Opinions on whether this is the right way to go and, if so, where would you choose to put the jack stands?
Thanks! You guys are alway EXTREMELY helpful. This forum is the best $$ I ever spent on anything

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I had mine up on stands under the frame for about 2 weeks while working on the wheels. Owners manual states to put the jack about 4" in from the end of the frame. That is where I put the stands and had no problems. The car will sag after a while and the doors won't close but once it's back on the ground it will be fine. Just open the doors and pop the latches on the T-Tops and you'll be good to go. These things are not as fragile as people think. 
|UPDATED|12/3/2004 1:56:07 PM (AZT)|/UPDATED|

|UPDATED|12/3/2004 1:56:07 PM (AZT)|/UPDATED|

Hot Springs, AR - USA
Joined: 4/24/2004
Posts: 3236
Vette(s): 69 Conv #'s match 427, TKO-600/.64, 3.36HD-Posi, HT, T/T, PS, PB, PW, SP, Leather, Comp XE264HR & Roller Rockers & Lifters, Air-Gap RPM intake, Holley St Av 770 VS, MSD 6AL+Dist+Blaster SS, K&N, Jet-Hot Hooker Side-Pipes, Steeroids, Al Rad, Spal Fans
yeah what he said..
but one thing you want to look for.. if the door gap opens up big (to 3/4" or more) than your frame is weak..
I usually open the doors and bungee them..
then lift a side at a time..
but honestly.. if you put 6x6 blocks under your rotor it is bascially the same as having a wheel on it.
it cant hurt your suspension anymore than having wheels on it.
but one thing you want to look for.. if the door gap opens up big (to 3/4" or more) than your frame is weak..
I usually open the doors and bungee them..
then lift a side at a time..
but honestly.. if you put 6x6 blocks under your rotor it is bascially the same as having a wheel on it.
it cant hurt your suspension anymore than having wheels on it.
Your owners manual tells you where to position the jack.
This wouud be good places to support your car.Leaving the suspension hanging for a while won't hurt anything.
Steve
This wouud be good places to support your car.Leaving the suspension hanging for a while won't hurt anything.
Steve

I was talking with a long time corvette guy and he has a set of plain old 15" steel wheels with old tires he sticks on the car so that it does not have to sit on jack stands.
Just a thought!
Bill
Just a thought!
Bill


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Duncanville, TX - USA
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When I have to hang mine in the air at home, I put the stands under the control arms @ spring pocket on the front, and on the frame just forward of the rear tires on the back. I had my '74 up like that for a year doing the susp./chassis detailing, and the doors always opened & closed just fine. I also have the luxury of raising it on a lift at my shop if needed, but I do most of the work on it here at home. Hope this helps.!!






Joel Adams
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Adams' Apple said: I put the stands under the control arms @ spring pocket on the front, and on the frame just forward of the rear tires on the back. |
Same here. No problems in over 20 years of storing my 79 all winter long. Doors open and close fine, never any problems with the glass tops, and I don't unlatch them. Seems like maybe 1/2 the weight is off the front suspension this way judging by the wheel opening. You don't have all that front end weight hanging like when the stands are just forward of the doors. And I always jack from the side at the transmisson crossmember, never from a corner.
Mike

Hot Springs, AR - USA
Joined: 4/24/2004
Posts: 3236
Vette(s): 69 Conv #'s match 427, TKO-600/.64, 3.36HD-Posi, HT, T/T, PS, PB, PW, SP, Leather, Comp XE264HR & Roller Rockers & Lifters, Air-Gap RPM intake, Holley St Av 770 VS, MSD 6AL+Dist+Blaster SS, K&N, Jet-Hot Hooker Side-Pipes, Steeroids, Al Rad, Spal Fans
yeah i imagine thats a good location as it doesnt leave the engine hanging off in front.. which is likely the source of the frame flexing which leads to doors getting stuck..
I have done all of these..
4 stands on frame (good for suspension work where you wouldnt want the stand under the control arm)
control arm and frame in rear..
and blocks under rotors/hubs..
never seen any detrimental effects of any of them. the only real items that could be affected at all is the springs and shocks.. and I dont see how having them uncompresed or less comressed for a while would hurt..
I have done all of these..
4 stands on frame (good for suspension work where you wouldnt want the stand under the control arm)
control arm and frame in rear..
and blocks under rotors/hubs..
never seen any detrimental effects of any of them. the only real items that could be affected at all is the springs and shocks.. and I dont see how having them uncompresed or less comressed for a while would hurt..
If you really want an extream, support the frame at all 4 corners and at 4 points just in front of the rear, and behind the front wheels. That way the suspension can hang and the frame will be in the level position in all respects. Done right, you can open and close the doors.
It will NOT hurt the suspension to let it hang for long periods. Unless you let it rust that way.
But that's way too much trouble. The best advice is to support the front control arm, and the frame just in front of the rear wheels. Unless I want the front to hang for a special reason, that's what I do. Most of the time mine sits on it's wheels.
It will NOT hurt the suspension to let it hang for long periods. Unless you let it rust that way.
But that's way too much trouble. The best advice is to support the front control arm, and the frame just in front of the rear wheels. Unless I want the front to hang for a special reason, that's what I do. Most of the time mine sits on it's wheels.

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When I used Jack stands....(I no longer do) I placed them directly under the bottom of where the shock was attached...
The one comment on using a set of old wheels/tires was a good one. I have a set that I have "loaned" out for uses like yours...and for mounting on cars going off to the paint shop...
Check around...
Bob Griffiths
Bob
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in Forum: C3 General Discussion
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