Frame twisting question???
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 241
Likes: 1
From: Sebastian Florida
Frame twisting question???
When I jacked up my new 1971 vert for the first time the other day to look at the passanger rear brakes, I wasn't able to open the driver side door because it was jammed. When I lowered the car, it was fine again. Then I jacked up the frame from just behind the front wheels on both sides (two jacks) to work on the power steering and again the driver door was jammed. However, the passenger door was not jammed. The car was equally raised on both sides and the frame was only raised enough to have the wheels off of the ground.
What is going on here? Is there something wrong with my frame? The door hinge assemble? I'm not sure what to make of this and cannot determine if something needs to be investigated.
Please advise.
Thanks,
Patrick
What is going on here? Is there something wrong with my frame? The door hinge assemble? I'm not sure what to make of this and cannot determine if something needs to be investigated.
Please advise.
Thanks,
Patrick
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 8,339
Likes: 24
From: I can walk to MA
You will get two basic answers here.
One group will claim that the frames always flex a bit and
you should always open the doors and loosen the Ttops
when jacking. If you have glass Ttops, I agree with loosening them to prevent breakage.
However, I am in the group that would argue that your frame
has been compromised. Perhaps it has rusted to the point of
becoming weak, has been damaged in an accident, or driven
hard enough to fatigue the frame in certain stress areas.
The proof is in the fact that there are many C3 owners that
jack their vettes up and can still open/close doors, etc.
The folks that think the frame should flex ... in denial (IMO).
I fear you have frame issues that may not become apparent
unless the body is lifted. Do you see any signs of frame rot
near the front of the rear wheel well ? This is the most common
area to see it. If it shows here, you likely have more rot that is
hidden. Take a screwdriver and poke around the corners.
Good luck ... hope it isn't too bad ... like mine was.
http://web.archive.org/web/200311161...me_drivers.JPG
One group will claim that the frames always flex a bit and
you should always open the doors and loosen the Ttops
when jacking. If you have glass Ttops, I agree with loosening them to prevent breakage.
However, I am in the group that would argue that your frame
has been compromised. Perhaps it has rusted to the point of
becoming weak, has been damaged in an accident, or driven
hard enough to fatigue the frame in certain stress areas.
The proof is in the fact that there are many C3 owners that
jack their vettes up and can still open/close doors, etc.
The folks that think the frame should flex ... in denial (IMO).
I fear you have frame issues that may not become apparent
unless the body is lifted. Do you see any signs of frame rot
near the front of the rear wheel well ? This is the most common
area to see it. If it shows here, you likely have more rot that is
hidden. Take a screwdriver and poke around the corners.
Good luck ... hope it isn't too bad ... like mine was.
http://web.archive.org/web/200311161...me_drivers.JPG
Last edited by NHvette; Apr 22, 2005 at 06:23 PM.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 958
Likes: 1
From: In the Beautiful Shenandoah Valley of VA
However, I am in the group that would argue that your frame has been compromised.
Steve
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 241
Likes: 1
From: Sebastian Florida
I've checked the frame and so far I do not see any rust. I've looked into the little holes in various sections of the frame and again find no rust to mention. The drivers side door is a little lower at the front gap than I think it should be and is higher than the passanger door which does not stick. I wonder if the door were better aligned at the gap which is toward the front of the car, if maybe the flexing wouldn't be such an issue.
Should I have the issue looked at by a frame professional, or might it be something I could live with? What are your thoughts on this?
Patrick
Should I have the issue looked at by a frame professional, or might it be something I could live with? What are your thoughts on this?
Patrick
Intermediate
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 35
Likes: 0
check the obvious and simplest things first before freaking out about a frame problem. Closely compare the lock striker position, relative to the latch, on the driver and passenger door. Next check upper/lower hinges relative from driver to passenger. What you are looking for is a difference between one side to the other to explain the door hang up issue. One striker may be closer than the other side...both sides are flexing when jacked, but only one is affected. Same thing with the hinges....look real close at the door while closing and almost hitting striker...make sure the sweep is level and not inclined.
6
6
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 241
Likes: 1
From: Sebastian Florida
ttt
appreciate all of the input so far. I know the drivers door is a little low toward the front of the car. I'm hoping that when I get to adjusting it the problem resplves itself.
appreciate all of the input so far. I know the drivers door is a little low toward the front of the car. I'm hoping that when I get to adjusting it the problem resplves itself.
Pro
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 713
Likes: 1
From: plymouth mass
Frame Twist
Let's see, I have jacked my glass roofed 73 front to rear and side to side with no problems opening the doors. I jack at the front cross member and jack under the rear end. To date it seems like I can jack the car anyway I want without any frame twisting problems.
Chuck D
Chuck D
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Drifting
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 1,345
Likes: 3
Frames on C3 convertibles flex enough to make the doors tight even if everything is right with your frame. On T-tops I'd bet the doors will work even if you jack away from the jacking points.
If you jack from the correct jacking points (shown in the owner's manual) the doors will work fine on a convertible - get off more than 2 or 3 inches and you will see your doors jam again.
In front if you jack from the front cross member and jack-stand on the lower a-arms and in the rear jack on the spring mount your doors will work fine as well. In the rear, the only place I ever found to locate jack stands that would allow me to work the doors was the recommended rear location.
For reference we had a '68 Impala convertible and when it was jacked from the rear bumper via a trailer hitch, you could see the top go slack and its doors jammed as well. That was when the car was BRAND NEW! Impalas convertibles had special heavier gage steel steel frames than the sedans, coupes, and wagons and (of course) steel bodies. It is only relatively recently that manufacturers have been going for maximum stiffness.
If you jack from the correct jacking points (shown in the owner's manual) the doors will work fine on a convertible - get off more than 2 or 3 inches and you will see your doors jam again.
In front if you jack from the front cross member and jack-stand on the lower a-arms and in the rear jack on the spring mount your doors will work fine as well. In the rear, the only place I ever found to locate jack stands that would allow me to work the doors was the recommended rear location.
For reference we had a '68 Impala convertible and when it was jacked from the rear bumper via a trailer hitch, you could see the top go slack and its doors jammed as well. That was when the car was BRAND NEW! Impalas convertibles had special heavier gage steel steel frames than the sedans, coupes, and wagons and (of course) steel bodies. It is only relatively recently that manufacturers have been going for maximum stiffness.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 241
Likes: 1
From: Sebastian Florida
I think I should look at the body mount bolts. I know from the seller that the car had an 80 style front end when he bought the car and he had it changed back to the proper C-3 front clip. I wonder if it was done properly.
