Working Under a C3 Convertible
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Sep 2023
Posts: 28
Likes: 9
Working Under a C3 Convertible
I need to do some work under my 69 and am wondering what you guys use to get that baby off the ground and work under her safely (in my younger days I thought a floor jack was sufficient but no longer believe that)...
Is a floor jack combined with jack stands enough?
Anyone used those car ramps with the built in bottle jacks?
Any other suggestions?
Thanks!
Is a floor jack combined with jack stands enough?
Anyone used those car ramps with the built in bottle jacks?
Any other suggestions?
Thanks!
Banned Scam/Spammer
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 3,684
Likes: 425
From: Indiana Cornfield
I need to do some work under my 69 and am wondering what you guys use to get that baby off the ground and work under her safely (in my younger days I thought a floor jack was sufficient but no longer believe that)...
Is a floor jack combined with jack stands enough?
Anyone used those car ramps with the built in bottle jacks?
Any other suggestions?
Thanks!
Is a floor jack combined with jack stands enough?
Anyone used those car ramps with the built in bottle jacks?
Any other suggestions?
Thanks!
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 6,743
Likes: 1,385
Sunburned69
If you can swing it then just get a quickjack. I got one in the fall of 2023 after using jacks and ramps for decades. It is wonderful. Some place had some on sale here recently. Let me see if I can find the post.
If you can swing it then just get a quickjack. I got one in the fall of 2023 after using jacks and ramps for decades. It is wonderful. Some place had some on sale here recently. Let me see if I can find the post.
Last edited by carriljc; Mar 2, 2024 at 12:45 PM.
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 11,953
Likes: 4,510
From: Virginia
Nose up on long RaceRamps, then jack rear onto jackstands (by the diff or by the steel rear spring with a spreader bar), then jack front onto jackstands (by the front crossmember). That way, the car NEVER rolls side to side on jackstands, and barely rocks (pitches) front to back..
Or get Quickjacks from Costco.
Or get Quickjacks from Costco.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 6,743
Likes: 1,385
Sunburned69
Here you go. Costco has a sale going on. That is 100 bucks less than I paid in the fall of 2023 and I was ok with that sale. https://www.costco.com/quickjack-500...100833778.html
Here you go. Costco has a sale going on. That is 100 bucks less than I paid in the fall of 2023 and I was ok with that sale. https://www.costco.com/quickjack-500...100833778.html
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 3,415
Likes: 1,824
From: Apple Valley, MN
Please keep one word in mind at all times -SAFETY. Not worth risk your life by cutting corners here.
Never, ever, trust a jack alone.
Any jackstand you buy from the “tool stores” should be considered highly suspect, given where they are produced and you have no idea of the quality control, or most likely, lack thereof, of what you are getting. If you use jackstands, get some lumber and put under the tires or another location to provide a secondary means of support. If you remove the tires as part of your project, push them underneath as well for additional safety.
Never, ever, trust a jack alone.
Any jackstand you buy from the “tool stores” should be considered highly suspect, given where they are produced and you have no idea of the quality control, or most likely, lack thereof, of what you are getting. If you use jackstands, get some lumber and put under the tires or another location to provide a secondary means of support. If you remove the tires as part of your project, push them underneath as well for additional safety.
Last edited by 69L88; Mar 2, 2024 at 10:40 PM.
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Instructor
Joined: Nov 2023
Posts: 195
Likes: 72
From: Raleigh, NC
Sunburned69
Here you go. Costco has a sale going on. That is 100 bucks less than I paid in the fall of 2023 and I was ok with that sale. https://www.costco.com/quickjack-500...100833778.html
Here you go. Costco has a sale going on. That is 100 bucks less than I paid in the fall of 2023 and I was ok with that sale. https://www.costco.com/quickjack-500...100833778.html
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 3,315
Likes: 697
I have a several different jack stands. I believe the safest are the ones that use a cross pin to establish the height required. Having said that I also for many years used the lever locking type without issue. Both the pin type and the lever locking type are rated at 10 ton? Most I've ever had on them maybe 4000 lbs?
Also never use jack stands on asphalt unless you use at least 1/2" plywood pads under the stands.
Also never use jack stands on asphalt unless you use at least 1/2" plywood pads under the stands.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 6,743
Likes: 1,385
Sunburned69
Just FYI --- I ended up using BOTH the liquid sealant AND the teflon tape to get the non-AN fittings to seal. Just make sure to NOT to place the teflon tape over the edge where it might contaminate the system if you shred it.
I'm only sharing this to save yourself some time...... I tried to just use the liquid sealant as suggested in the instructions.... and half of the fittings weeped, so then I redid those with teflon tape...and some still weeped....so then I tore them apart and used both the liquid sealant and the teflon tape..... and I did not have to overtighten and they did NOT weep.
Just FYI --- I ended up using BOTH the liquid sealant AND the teflon tape to get the non-AN fittings to seal. Just make sure to NOT to place the teflon tape over the edge where it might contaminate the system if you shred it.
I'm only sharing this to save yourself some time...... I tried to just use the liquid sealant as suggested in the instructions.... and half of the fittings weeped, so then I redid those with teflon tape...and some still weeped....so then I tore them apart and used both the liquid sealant and the teflon tape..... and I did not have to overtighten and they did NOT weep.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2021
Posts: 2,718
Likes: 2,163
From: Minnesota
Sunburned69
Just FYI --- I ended up using BOTH the liquid sealant AND the teflon tape to get the non-AN fittings to seal. Just make sure to NOT to place the teflon tape over the edge where it might contaminate the system if you shred it.
I'm only sharing this to save yourself some time...... I tried to just use the liquid sealant as suggested in the instructions.... and half of the fittings weeped, so then I redid those with teflon tape...and some still weeped....so then I tore them apart and used both the liquid sealant and the teflon tape..... and I did not have to overtighten and they did NOT weep.
Just FYI --- I ended up using BOTH the liquid sealant AND the teflon tape to get the non-AN fittings to seal. Just make sure to NOT to place the teflon tape over the edge where it might contaminate the system if you shred it.
I'm only sharing this to save yourself some time...... I tried to just use the liquid sealant as suggested in the instructions.... and half of the fittings weeped, so then I redid those with teflon tape...and some still weeped....so then I tore them apart and used both the liquid sealant and the teflon tape..... and I did not have to overtighten and they did NOT weep.
I haven’t used it on the C3 yet, but I lifted my buddies car. Wow is that so much easier than using a jack and stands, plus you get the car much higher. For smaller jobs like oil changes I would recommend getting ramps to just bring the front up, but any larger projects I would recommend the Quickjack.
Safety Car
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 4,364
Likes: 1,588
From: los altos hills california
MaxJax - price has gone up but still worth it for convenience. I always put a support under each arm. If I lift it way up, like a clutch job, there are trailer stands for that.
Used to use cinder blocks back when I was cheap and stupid, I am so much smarter now.
Used to use cinder blocks back when I was cheap and stupid, I am so much smarter now.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 1,219
Likes: 448
From: Loir Valley Sarthe, France
2025 c3 ('74-'82) of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2024 C3 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2023 C3 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
I made a set of wooden ramps from 5x5 inch fence posts (I don't really trust the metal versions that I used for years on lighter cars). I like them for the security and the easy of access around the wheels. But, not so keen on the driving up on to them, especially at the front, which I cannot see from the drivers seat. I always need my "trusty assistant" handy!👍
But, I bought a Quick-Jack a few years ago and I love it! 🥰 I do use it as is if I'm not going to actually under the car, but I often slot axle stands in at the rear, which would prevent it dropping in the event of a failure of the locking mechanism. That said, they have been around a while now it seems and I'm not actually aware of a failure?
But, I bought a Quick-Jack a few years ago and I love it! 🥰 I do use it as is if I'm not going to actually under the car, but I often slot axle stands in at the rear, which would prevent it dropping in the event of a failure of the locking mechanism. That said, they have been around a while now it seems and I'm not actually aware of a failure?