Any problems with jacking a C3 under the front crossmember?
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Mar 2001
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From: St. Louis, Missouri
Any problems with jacking a C3 under the front crossmember?
I know this isn't an "approved" jacking point. I'd place jackstands in their correct locations once the car is airborne.
Race Director
Joined: Apr 1999
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From: Beverly Hills/Pine Ridge Florida
Re: Any problems with jacking a C3 under the front crossmember? (76 Red)
Put the jack under the front lip of the crossmember. If you jack it in the center, you'll dent it, sometimes rather severely. If you look under many C2 and C3 Corvettes, you'll see LOTS of dented, smashed crossmembers from improper jacking. Chuck
Safety Car
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From: San Antonio TX
Re: Any problems with jacking a C3 under the front crossmember? (Neo Fender)
The sheet metal on the bottom of the crossmember is rather thin, hence, not a recommended jack-point. Although, you'll not likely see a C3 that doesn't have a dented or caved-in crossmember which implies that nearly everyone -self included- jacks from there when stands need to go under both front frame rails. I do use a large wooden block to distribute the load so the thin sheetmetal isn't taking the full load. If I only need one side up, I'll generally jack the front and back side rails separately.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2000
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From: Des Moines Iowa
Re: Any problems with jacking a C3 under the front crossmember? (Chuck Gongloff)
Yep, my crossmember is all dented, not by me, was that way when I got the car, but yes I jack at this point all the time, just to get it high enough to place the jack stands, because I NEVER leave the car in the air to work on, with just the hydraulic jack. I place a 2" x 4" piece of wood on the jack plate, then put it up to the cross member, won't dent anymore, and seems like it's less prone to slipping using the 2x4.
Race Director
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From: Waterloo ontario Canada
Re: Any problems with jacking a C3 under the front crossmember? (Neo Fender)
I took a 1/8th inch thick piece of stainless, rolled it to match the front crossmember then welded it into place. I regularly jack the car in the center and wanted a strong dent free location. I also welded a big nut and made a screw in hook so I have a place to tow if need be. Took a little effort but it is there for life
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2001
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From: colorado springs CO
Re: Any problems with jacking a C3 under the front crossmember? (norvalwilhelm)
yah the problem is when u slide the stupid jack under there youll @#@# fark up the front spoiler!!!
that is if your front end it lowered 1 inch like mine!!
:mad :mad :cuss :cuss :cuss :cuss
that is if your front end it lowered 1 inch like mine!!
:mad :mad :cuss :cuss :cuss :cuss
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From: Just because I'm paranoid doesn't mean people aren't out to get me...
St. Jude Donor '09
Re: Any problems with jacking a C3 under the front crossmember? (daily_driver)
I put a piece of 12"x12" piece of lumber atop the jack saddle before jacking under the front crossmember. Then I put one jack stand under each sway bar mount.
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Instructor
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From: Center Ossipee N.H.
Re: Any problems with jacking a C3 under the front crossmember? (1970 Stingray)
Yea, i put a peice of lumber on the jack also so it won't dent the crossmember. :yesnod: :cheers: :cool: ..........
Safety Car
Joined: Apr 2001
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From: Spring, Texas
Re: Any problems with jacking a C3 under the front crossmember? (SevenT1Shark)
Ditto on using scrap wood (2X6) to distribute the weight, but my crossmember was alrealdy dented from the previous owner.
Melting Slicks
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From: WANTED: '68 rear valance with b/u light assemblies IM, e-mail, or PM me here. Thanks!
Re: Any problems with jacking a C3 under the front crossmember? (Chuck Gongloff)
Put the jack under the front lip of the crossmember. If you jack it in the center, you'll dent it, sometimes rather severely. If you look under many C2 and C3 Corvettes, you'll see LOTS of dented, smashed crossmembers from improper jacking. Chuck
Team Owner
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From: Huntersville NC
Re: Any problems with jacking a C3 under the front crossmember? (SevenT1Shark)
Yea, i put a peice of lumber on the jack also so it won't dent the crossmember. :yesnod: :cheers: :cool: ..........
sorry.... I have been diligently jacking mine up side by side at the approved jacking points.... I may just try the lumberjack method. MJ
[Modified by MNJack, 9:42 PM 1/16/2002]
Safety Car
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From: Charles Town WV
Re: Any problems with jacking a C3 under the front crossmember? (63Banshee)
Put the jack under the front lip of the crossmember. If you jack it in the center, you'll dent it, sometimes rather severely. If you look under many C2 and C3 Corvettes, you'll see LOTS of dented, smashed crossmembers from improper jacking. Chuck
Any ideas on how to correct a bubbafied crossmember?
Any ideas on how to correct a bubbafied crossmember?
Pro
Joined: Aug 2000
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From: Montrose CA
Re: Any problems with jacking a C3 under the front crossmember? (Neo Fender)
My car has a crushed frame in that area from previous persons jacking in that area... I tried it once and noticed the steering geomerty changing (as in mildly springing back a forth as I pumped the jack) so I wont do it again.
Race Director
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From: My own state of mind
Re: Any problems with jacking a C3 under the front crossmember? (Carl in LA)
Is it just me or do all of your cars, when jacked up from the side, lift the rear wheel off the ground too? I give just enough room in front to put my jackstands there and always notice the rear wheel coming off the ground a little bit too when I'm raising the front.
Safety Car
Joined: Dec 1999
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From: Roxbury NJ
Re: Any problems with jacking a C3 under the front crossmember? (Golden80)
Ok, so if you don't jack under the crossmember (I do), where do you jack from up front? I've tried it right behind the front wheel, but the entire car looks like it's going to fracture :eek: :eek:
Melting Slicks
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From: Topeka-Pothole capital of the universe
Re: Any problems with jacking a C3 under the front crossmember? (Golden80)
Is it just me or do all of your cars, when jacked up from the side, lift the rear wheel off the ground too? I give just enough room in front to put my jackstands there and always notice the rear wheel coming off the ground a little bit too when I'm raising the front.
up using the crossmember. I'm glad to see this post.
Team Owner
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From: Huntersville NC
Re: Any problems with jacking a C3 under the front crossmember? (Flareside)
Golden80, (and Joe), If I want to put the car up on 4 stands I usually take advantage of what Golden80 was talking about. I place the jack just a little behind the front edge of the door, on the side. This is within the approved jacking area, but a little towards the back. Sure enough, both the front and the rear wheel come up off the ground as I jack up the side. I place 2 stands under the car, front and back, and go do the other side. If I do them one at a time I really feel like I am twisting the car like a pretzel. MJ
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 1999
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From: Tolar Texas
Re: Any problems with jacking a C3 under the front crossmember? (norvalwilhelm)
I took a 1/8th inch thick piece of stainless, rolled it to match the front crossmember then welded it into place. I regularly jack the car in the center and wanted a strong dent free location. I also welded a big nut and made a screw in hook so I have a place to tow if need be. Took a little effort but it is there for life
Norval, will you email a picture of this to me?
Racer
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 489
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From: Orlando Florida
Re: Any problems with jacking a C3 under the front crossmember? (MIKER)
Good thread. Very informative. This will save me some time when I install my headers.....both sides at one.........a great idea and no twisting of the frame.