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I’ve read different opinions on lifting a convertible relative to body flex, doors closed/open, lift positions etc etc. I plan to lighten the gas tank and place the lift points as far forward and back as possible under the cockpit. 1971 SB. Thanks for any current thoughts.
From: At my Bar drinking and wrenching in Lafayette Colorado
The body lift points were not the same as the jacking points for the car. The factory lifted and handled the body using some brackets that clipped into the tops of the wheel openings. I've used a 4-post to lift by the wheel wells openings without using brackets, and it works perfectly. On a convertible, you either have to have the doors installed and latched closed, or you have to weld or bolt stiffener bars in across the door opening, picking up the rear door jamb and the forward hinge attach points. If you don't, the body will break in half at the door openings.
2020 Corvette of the Year Finalist (performance mods)
2019 C3 of Year Winner (performance mods)
2016 C3 of Year Finalist
I use the quick jack and lift at the bend of the frame in the front and at the weld of the crossmember in the back for general stuff. If I need to do something to the rear suspension that doesnt allow that I use a jack stand with a block behind the wheel on the frame up near the antenna and in the front before the sway br then remove the lift. Your frame is definitely going to flex. Doesnt matter if the door is closed or open, but if its closed and you open it, dont slam it shut. Depending on your particular frame, the flex may throw off the pin location enough to make it so it cant close. I had mine lifted for about 3 to 4 months then lowered it with not frame damage. It will go back straight just because of weight and gravity. Its nothing to worry about, just dont align doors, windows, the soft top or body panels with it in the air
Lifting a C3 convertible
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