Topic: Floor jack
in Forum: C3 Handling Components
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Flat Rock, MI - USA
Joined: 4/4/2010
Posts: 14
Vette(s): L48 coupe, red on red.
Just bought a 73 and I want to do a lot of the suspension work myself. I am using a floor jack, any tips? Want to put on 4 stanchions or jacks. What is the safest place to place jack to lift the rear? The front was a no brainer but I am used to a solid axle in the rear. I also have access to a garage with a lift but it is not real close to home.
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Lifetime MemberHOWELL, NJ - USA
Joined: 5/18/2004
Posts: 6812
Vette(s): 1979, Targa Blue (72 Color), Pace Car rear spoiler, L88 hood, Dark blue factory interior, 525HP 406, HD 700R4, 370 gears,Steeroids, composite rear spring, TT IIs wrapped in T/A Radials.
I always put jack stands under the rear corners of the chassis - in front of the rear wheel wells...
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Mounds View, MN - USA
Joined: 5/24/2007
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Vette(s): 70 LT1 coupe, 69 350 HP coupe, 69 390HP 427 coupe, 71 LS5 convert, 85 coupe, 93 coupe
I don't lift front, then rear. I lift one side, then the other. I put the stands just in front of the rear wheels, and behind the front wheels where the frame levels out. That puts the wheight close to where it normally is, and helps reduce flexing.
Larry
Larry
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Duncanville, TX - USA
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Vette(s): #1-1974 L-48 4spd Cp Med Red Metallic/Black deluxe int w/AC/tilt/tele./p/w-p/b/
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As said above; you have to use jack stands; not just the jack.
And before you lift; open the doors, the t-tops and the hood. For the doors; leave them in between; as if it wasn't closed properly. This way, the will not swing open when you lift the car at an angle and the panels won't touch each other from the slight distortion created when lifting the car. If you don't open them; you risk damaging (read cracking) some of the fiberglass panels and/or getting your doors out of their current alignment.
And before you lift; open the doors, the t-tops and the hood. For the doors; leave them in between; as if it wasn't closed properly. This way, the will not swing open when you lift the car at an angle and the panels won't touch each other from the slight distortion created when lifting the car. If you don't open them; you risk damaging (read cracking) some of the fiberglass panels and/or getting your doors out of their current alignment.
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Flat Rock, MI - USA
Joined: 4/4/2010
Posts: 14
Vette(s): L48 coupe, red on red.
Exactly what I was looking for, great info. One of the guys at work pre warned me about doors but not T-Tops or hood. Everything is out of line right now, doors sag hood is to the left. I need to research door and alignment. Thanks all.
Lifetime MemberHOWELL, NJ - USA
Joined: 5/18/2004
Posts: 6812
Vette(s): 1979, Targa Blue (72 Color), Pace Car rear spoiler, L88 hood, Dark blue factory interior, 525HP 406, HD 700R4, 370 gears,Steeroids, composite rear spring, TT IIs wrapped in T/A Radials.
Goin up!!!
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This lifting technique was outlined on the ZR-1NetRegistry site: Use two floor jacks, one on either side, to lift the front first and set the jack stands in place. Then move the jacks, lift the rear and set the jack stands in place. The process goes quicker with a helper working the 2nd jack but can certainly be done alone. Reverse the process to put the car back down on the ground.
I lift all three cars ("The Toy", "The Beast", & "BIGBRRD") front first using the front cross member, set the jack stands, then lift the rear using the differential and set the jack stands. No problems to date using that method.
I lift all three cars ("The Toy", "The Beast", & "BIGBRRD") front first using the front cross member, set the jack stands, then lift the rear using the differential and set the jack stands. No problems to date using that method.
Jim Olson 
"The Toys"...!!! Save the Wave! 
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Oak Creek, WI - USA
Joined: 5/21/2008
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Vette(s): 1981 Great White Shark. Red Interior, 350/190 hp. PS, PB (SS), A/C CC, T-Tops. Served three years in Active Duty Army, then Retired Air Force after 34 years! Badger State Vettes Car Club. 175,000 Original miles!! Now own a 1998 C-5!
Nice pic Joel!! I called you last week left message on cell.
Dan
Like Larry, I have always used the side to side method. I guess I have been extremely lucky over the years because I have never removed the tops or opened the doors. My seams look fine. Prehaps this thread will clear up the process. Thanks,
Scott ranger3 2010-04-10 09:26:28
in Forum: C3 Handling Components
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