Dumb question.
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 70
Likes: 0
From: Lake Jackson (South of Houston) Texas
Dumb question.
Good Afternoon Forum,
Brand new - old vette owner here (1979 C3) and I need to get under this damn thing to replace a fuel pump and possibly some lines (leaking gas). I have never done any work on ANY cars before so my first question is this: What should I use to prop my my car up to work on it? Should I jack it up and put four stands under it or should I buy some drive up stands? I have 0 experience with either one, so if you make a suggestion a brand type and where I could find it would be great. Thanks!
Brand new - old vette owner here (1979 C3) and I need to get under this damn thing to replace a fuel pump and possibly some lines (leaking gas). I have never done any work on ANY cars before so my first question is this: What should I use to prop my my car up to work on it? Should I jack it up and put four stands under it or should I buy some drive up stands? I have 0 experience with either one, so if you make a suggestion a brand type and where I could find it would be great. Thanks!
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 1,873
Likes: 27
From: Sonora CA
If I were you, I would ask for help in doing the actual work. I'm sure that there are plenty of members that are willing to help. Either that, or watch a bunch of you-tube videos first.
Just my2c's
Just my2c's
Pro
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 557
Likes: 3
From: El Sobrante CA
Long story short: I've used 5 stands for going underneath: 4 at each of the frame corners specified in the manual, and a 5th stand to support the front crossmember. (These are standard adjustables from Harbor Freight and Sears.) Additionally, I put the trolley jack next to the crossmember stand for a bit more support. The concern is 'frame droop;' there's a lot of weight forward which could cause frame stress.
A few guys on this forum have built wooden wheel supports - which look to me a safer alternative to stands. You might find pix of those, or perhaps the builders will chime in with them.
Most important: be careful; take your time; make sure the car is well balanced and secured before going beneath it.
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 70
Likes: 0
From: Lake Jackson (South of Houston) Texas
I was planning on youtubeing/forum searching. Just looking for a place to start, need to be able to get under it before I can even get a definitive answer on wth is going on.
Thanks for the advice Cap, I'll start looking around a bit. I have done some google searching but did not come up with great results = why im here
Thanks for the advice Cap, I'll start looking around a bit. I have done some google searching but did not come up with great results = why im here
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 3,264
Likes: 3
From: Vero Beach FL
If you going to go in from underneath you only need to raise the front end and secure it with jack stands. Personal preference but I like jack stands over ramps because they take up less space when storing. If your car does not have a/c or headers you might be able to do most of the work topside. Do you have an understanding of how to remove and replace the pump?
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 2,136
Likes: 62
From: West Kingston RI
I have used both stands and ramps. Prefer ramps as it feels more secure to me. You can get ramps for about $30 to $50 a pair for good polymer type ramps at any good auto parts store or online vendors. As mentioned by others main thing is be safe. 
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 38,923
Likes: 1,482
From: Southbound
Cruise-In II Veteran
Do you have a set of mechanics tools and space to work? I agree with imariver. It might be quicker, easier, and safer to farm this chore out to the pros.
Good quality jack stands. Do not use concrete blocks.
Two in front should work for fuel pump replacement.
...What should I use to prop my my car up to work on it?...
...Should I jack it up and put four stands under it...
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 3,487
Likes: 83
From: Titusville Florida
Good Afternoon Forum,
Brand new - old vette owner here (1979 C3) and I need to get under this damn thing to replace a fuel pump and possibly some lines (leaking gas). I have never done any work on ANY cars before so my first question is this: What should I use to prop my my car up to work on it? Should I jack it up and put four stands under it or should I buy some drive up stands? I have 0 experience with either one, so if you make a suggestion a brand type and where I could find it would be great. Thanks!
Brand new - old vette owner here (1979 C3) and I need to get under this damn thing to replace a fuel pump and possibly some lines (leaking gas). I have never done any work on ANY cars before so my first question is this: What should I use to prop my my car up to work on it? Should I jack it up and put four stands under it or should I buy some drive up stands? I have 0 experience with either one, so if you make a suggestion a brand type and where I could find it would be great. Thanks!
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 70
Likes: 0
From: Lake Jackson (South of Houston) Texas
929nitro: I was thinking along the same lines, I'm going to see if I can pick some ramps up today after work. I dont trust my E-brake enough to just jack up the front end.
Easy Mike: I do have a solid work area, I've got a two car detached garage to work in and I have some tools, hopfully the ones I need. I did take it to a local "mechanic" (to whom i was refered) and its been sitting in his front yard for 2 weeks. It is going back to my garage, im biting the bullet and going to power through this at the house. It should be a good learning experience. It would be great to connect with someone local who has some experience and would work for beer, but im not holding my breath.
Everyone else: Thank you for the comments and concerns, I'm looking forward to getting this issue fixed!
Easy Mike: I do have a solid work area, I've got a two car detached garage to work in and I have some tools, hopfully the ones I need. I did take it to a local "mechanic" (to whom i was refered) and its been sitting in his front yard for 2 weeks. It is going back to my garage, im biting the bullet and going to power through this at the house. It should be a good learning experience. It would be great to connect with someone local who has some experience and would work for beer, but im not holding my breath.
Everyone else: Thank you for the comments and concerns, I'm looking forward to getting this issue fixed!
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 3,264
Likes: 3
From: Vero Beach FL
I would recommend changing the "S" shaped rubber fuel line from the pump to the steel line that runs along the frame out at the same time. Its formed in that shape to keep it from kinking available from most supporting vendors for around $12. You may want to have before you start.
Last edited by Roco71; Feb 4, 2014 at 06:15 PM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 3,363
Likes: 32
From: Bowtie, Pennsyltucky
St. Jude Donor '13-'14-'15,'21
Make darn sure your car is stable before getting under the car!
When you remove the fuel pump from the engine, in your block you'll find the shaft that drives the pump lever up and down. To get the new pump back in, you need to hold that shaft in the up position to get the pump lever in and seat the pump to the block. A small screwdriver or popsicle stick works pretty good here. You can glue the gasket to the pump to ease alignment, too.
When you remove the fuel pump from the engine, in your block you'll find the shaft that drives the pump lever up and down. To get the new pump back in, you need to hold that shaft in the up position to get the pump lever in and seat the pump to the block. A small screwdriver or popsicle stick works pretty good here. You can glue the gasket to the pump to ease alignment, too.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 2,136
Likes: 62
From: West Kingston RI
It is not a difficult job. If memory serves me right there is a bolt towards the front surface of the block and in the upper portion of the fuel pump ( bolt will be running front to back in the engine). If you pull this bolt out and replace it with a longer one and lightly seat it until it bottoms this should hold the rod up so you don't need a screwdriver. Bolt thread length should be little more than the distance from the front face to midpoint of fuel pump. Just remember to put original bolt back in once the new fuel pump is in place. If you haven't already got them I would suggest getting a copy of the AIM (Assembly Instruction Manual) and GM service manual for your year cat, they will come in handy if you plan on doing more work yourself.
Racer
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 442
Likes: 6
From: jacksonville Florida
Good Afternoon Forum,
Brand new - old vette owner here (1979 C3) and I need to get under this damn thing to replace a fuel pump and possibly some lines (leaking gas). I have never done any work on ANY cars before so my first question is this: What should I use to prop my my car up to work on it? Should I jack it up and put four stands under it or should I buy some drive up stands? I have 0 experience with either one, so if you make a suggestion a brand type and where I could find it would be great. Thanks!
Brand new - old vette owner here (1979 C3) and I need to get under this damn thing to replace a fuel pump and possibly some lines (leaking gas). I have never done any work on ANY cars before so my first question is this: What should I use to prop my my car up to work on it? Should I jack it up and put four stands under it or should I buy some drive up stands? I have 0 experience with either one, so if you make a suggestion a brand type and where I could find it would be great. Thanks!
Pro
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 664
Likes: 89
From: Marysville Ohio
good news, fuel pump wise, it is in your gas tank
Clamp off the rubber lines into the pump, and as Roco71 said, might as well get new ones - no telling how old the current ones are. If you can get under it, much easier (in my opinion) to do from beneath the car.
You probably will spill gas from the pump and the hard line to the carb, so be safe and be ready for that.
Safety Car
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 4,705
Likes: 983
From: Orlando FL
Drifting
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 1,886
Likes: 9
I would recommend changing the "S" shaped rubber fuel line from the pump to the steel line that runs along the frame out at the same time. Its formed in that shape to keep it from kinking available from most supporting vendors for around $12. You may want to have before you start.
Also, get a container to catch any spilled gas.
What you might be able to do is carefully crimp off the fuel line just under the tank by using an adjustable wrench to pinch it. As long as your fuel line is in good shape. Otherwise you will have lots of problems.
GASOLINE CAN BE VERY DANGEROUS. Respect it, and work in a well ventilated area.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 2,936
Likes: 2
From: Enraging liberals everywhere. Ocala,FL
