Door gap when put on jackstands
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 1,455
Likes: 5
From: Upstate South Carolina
Batman is right. Original 70-72 cushions were aluminum. Rubber was not used until 73.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 8,319
Likes: 7
From: Wilmington DE, Drive it like you stole it, 68 327 4 speed coupe
But nope the 68 body mounts are solid
Team Owner
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 23,831
Likes: 10
From: Springfield MO
St. Jude Donor '07
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show...num+cushion%2A
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show...num+cushion%2A
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show...num+cushion%2A
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show...num+cushion%2A
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show...num+cushion%2A
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show...num+cushion%2A
And the real kicker:
The rubber body mounts found on 73-82 Corvettes vastly improved noise and ride over the solid aluminum mounts used on the 68-72 models.
I've seen a body mount, I changed mine a few months ago...with poly. Would you care to try again?
BTW, the PM about my "stupid post" was certainly an interesting way to start the day. Some members might react most negatively to such messages.
Last edited by I'm Batman; Dec 21, 2007 at 08:15 AM.
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 1,523
Likes: 1
From: grand prairie texas
I have been reading all the replies on this thread and on my 77 when the front end is on jack stands I have no problems with door rear gaps or closing problems but what I do notice when I open up the doors and look up under the front fender where it meets the birdcage below the windshield the gap that is in there increases is that normal?
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 758
Likes: 14
From: Ville de la Baie Quebec. A winner is just a loser who tried again.
I had flex also, after repairing all body mounts the problem diminished but the part that completely solve the problem was replacing the windowframe and *T*bone at the top. just these parts alone made the car solid. I have no more flex at all.
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!
Joe Kucinski
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter
Joe Kucinski
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Corvette Engines RANKED by Peak Torque (70+ Years of Muscle!)
Joe Kucinski
Corvette ZR1X Will Be Pacing the Indy 500, And Could Probably Race, Too!
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Corvettes Coming to Mecum Indy 2026!
Brett Foote
Top 10 C9 Corvette MUST-HAVES to Fix These C8 Generation Flaws!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Revolutionary 'Corvette Firsts' Most People Don't Know
Joe Kucinski
5 Reasons to Upgrade to an LS6-Powered Corvette; 5 Reasons to Stay LT2
Michael S. Palmer
Racer
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 474
Likes: 127
From: Stafford Virginia
http://www.valvoline.com/carcare/art...cid=5&scccid=7
I have to believe that there is some flex in the C3 frame. Maybe it varies but I've owned a 1996, 2001, and now an 82 and every one of them flexed to some degree when being jacked up. Jack up the side of a truck sometime and watch the bed go out of line. Jacking points are critical and there for a reason because there are different stress points based upon the balance of weight. Now, that said, if you have a large gap it could be an indicator but I wouldn't worry too much. If you are seriously concerned, take it to a body shop and have an expert look it over.
I have to believe that there is some flex in the C3 frame. Maybe it varies but I've owned a 1996, 2001, and now an 82 and every one of them flexed to some degree when being jacked up. Jack up the side of a truck sometime and watch the bed go out of line. Jacking points are critical and there for a reason because there are different stress points based upon the balance of weight. Now, that said, if you have a large gap it could be an indicator but I wouldn't worry too much. If you are seriously concerned, take it to a body shop and have an expert look it over.
Pro
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 593
Likes: 0
From: Warrenville IL
In my case the flex is very, very small, less than 1/16 of an inch total movement as it relates to on door striker. It just happens to be that on that particular striker I had no room for any type of flex.
There is definately some flex in these cars, not necessarily the frame, as mine is rock solid, but more likely the birdcage. Convertables more so than coupes because they don't have any structural support provided from the t-bar.
Just look at the physics of it. You have changed where the load is resting when you put it on jack stands. Consider how the engineering would have changed if your wheel base was where you jackstands are?
There is definately some flex in these cars, not necessarily the frame, as mine is rock solid, but more likely the birdcage. Convertables more so than coupes because they don't have any structural support provided from the t-bar.
Just look at the physics of it. You have changed where the load is resting when you put it on jack stands. Consider how the engineering would have changed if your wheel base was where you jackstands are?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 5,921
Likes: 0
From: GA "When I grow up, I'm gonna get a Trans Am and run from the cops". Direct quote from my 4yo son.
I have had mine jacked side to side, front to back, one side or the other or even one corner and never had a problem opening the doors or the hood.
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 144
Likes: 0
Every single C3 has frame flex when you jack it up, sure if you have frame issues like rust or cracks it will be worse, but there will always be frameflex to some extend on these cars.
I have lifted more than 50 different C3's from 68- 78 and most of them had visible flex when jacked up.
Convertibles flex alot more than the coupe, i own a 68 myself and flex are even more of a problem here than the other years (68 are missing the a set of extra bracebars at the kickup in the back).
I can guarantee that my frame is just as healthy as when it came from the factory but depending on where i jack up the car in some cases i can have my doors bind slightly or i can see the hood shift more to one side or the other.
Worring about the car crack in 2 pieces at the higway is
unless you have a really ****ty/rusty frame.
There is a reason that books has been written about how to beef up that sloppy frame.
I have lifted more than 50 different C3's from 68- 78 and most of them had visible flex when jacked up.
Convertibles flex alot more than the coupe, i own a 68 myself and flex are even more of a problem here than the other years (68 are missing the a set of extra bracebars at the kickup in the back).
I can guarantee that my frame is just as healthy as when it came from the factory but depending on where i jack up the car in some cases i can have my doors bind slightly or i can see the hood shift more to one side or the other.
Worring about the car crack in 2 pieces at the higway is
unless you have a really ****ty/rusty frame.There is a reason that books has been written about how to beef up that sloppy frame.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 2,387
Likes: 123
From: CA.
http://www.valvoline.com/carcare/art...cid=5&scccid=7
I have to believe that there is some flex in the C3 frame. Maybe it varies but I've owned a 1996, 2001, and now an 82 and every one of them flexed to some degree when being jacked up. Jack up the side of a truck sometime and watch the bed go out of line. Jacking points are critical and there for a reason because there are different stress points based upon the balance of weight. Now, that said, if you have a large gap it could be an indicator but I wouldn't worry too much. If you are seriously concerned, take it to a body shop and have an expert look it over.
I have to believe that there is some flex in the C3 frame. Maybe it varies but I've owned a 1996, 2001, and now an 82 and every one of them flexed to some degree when being jacked up. Jack up the side of a truck sometime and watch the bed go out of line. Jacking points are critical and there for a reason because there are different stress points based upon the balance of weight. Now, that said, if you have a large gap it could be an indicator but I wouldn't worry too much. If you are seriously concerned, take it to a body shop and have an expert look it over.
Pro
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 576
Likes: 0
From: Kernersville North Carolina
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 256
Likes: 0
From: Norfolk VA
Nope, the 68-72 cars came with aluminum spacers instead of rubber cushions. Try a bit of research before you unleash the attitude, please. Here's some threads for you:
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show...num+cushion%2A
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show...num+cushion%2A
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show...num+cushion%2A
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show...num+cushion%2A
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show...num+cushion%2A
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show...num+cushion%2A
And the real kicker:
https://www.corvetteforum.com/techti...=210&TopicID=3
I've seen a body mount, I changed mine a few months ago...with poly. Would you care to try again?
BTW, the PM about my "stupid post" was certainly an interesting way to start the day. Some members might react most negatively to such messages.
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show...num+cushion%2A
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show...num+cushion%2A
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show...num+cushion%2A
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show...num+cushion%2A
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show...num+cushion%2A
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show...num+cushion%2A
And the real kicker:
https://www.corvetteforum.com/techti...=210&TopicID=3
I've seen a body mount, I changed mine a few months ago...with poly. Would you care to try again?
BTW, the PM about my "stupid post" was certainly an interesting way to start the day. Some members might react most negatively to such messages.
Lol, some people are really passionate about their technical info. 
Racer
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 474
Likes: 127
From: Stafford Virginia
The problem is we put our own tone of the posting person in our heads when we read a post. Regardless of the little "Smilies" sometimes it comes across like you're being an ***.
Then it always appears the threads split into two factions trying to ensure they are correct or have to prove a point. If you're right, take the high road and just put the facts out there with a source if needed. Sarcasms can be such a killjoy.
I personally follow a few folks on this forum just because of the way they put out information and even when challenged they keep there head about them. Durango_Boy comes to mind right off…always a wealth of information and never seems to take offense. Kudos to him. Many others to thank but I just suck at remembering the goofy handles.
:o 
and finally
Happy Holidays to all
Then it always appears the threads split into two factions trying to ensure they are correct or have to prove a point. If you're right, take the high road and just put the facts out there with a source if needed. Sarcasms can be such a killjoy.
I personally follow a few folks on this forum just because of the way they put out information and even when challenged they keep there head about them. Durango_Boy comes to mind right off…always a wealth of information and never seems to take offense. Kudos to him. Many others to thank but I just suck at remembering the goofy handles.
:o and finally
Happy Holidays to all
Drifting
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 1,795
Likes: 1
my 78 must be a special car.
doesnt flex t-tops on or off doors and hood
open and close with no problems and will even set up
on 3 jackstands.
before you ask thats 2 at the rear and
1 either side up front.
never tried it with 2 up front and 1 either side
in the rear but i think i will come spring just to
find out.
doesnt flex t-tops on or off doors and hood
open and close with no problems and will even set up
on 3 jackstands.
before you ask thats 2 at the rear and
1 either side up front.
never tried it with 2 up front and 1 either side
in the rear but i think i will come spring just to
find out.
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 1,970
Likes: 45
From: Cameron Park CA
From what I'm reading here the frame on my '69 convert. is weak and about to fall apart. It has flexed from day one for me. With the top down, if I drive into a driveway at an angle the door ajar light often comes on briefly as a result of frame flex. When I put it on jack stands which I locate at the recommended jack points on the side frame rails, the back of the car droops slightly; the gaps at the back of the doors widen slightly.
With the hard top bolted on the car is much more rigid. The door ajar light doesn't come on on driveways and the entire car feels more solid, especially on a twisty or bumpy road. It changes the entire character of the car.
As for aluminum body mounts, my car missed those going down the assembly line. They are rubber.
Cheers,
Pete
With the hard top bolted on the car is much more rigid. The door ajar light doesn't come on on driveways and the entire car feels more solid, especially on a twisty or bumpy road. It changes the entire character of the car.
As for aluminum body mounts, my car missed those going down the assembly line. They are rubber.
Cheers,
Pete