Is this normal?
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Joined: Mar 2002
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From: napanee ontario
Is this normal?
I put the front end of my '80 up on jack stands tonight to change the brake pads. While I was standing sipping my beer I noticed that the door gap at the front was three times what it usually is. The jack stands were placed approx. 3 inches in front of the door. I used my other hydralic jack to jack up the front end and was able to raise the front about four inches without affecting the jack stands at the doors. Should there be that much flex in the frame???
Burning Brakes
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 998
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From: Missouri City Texas
Re: Is this normal? (bourne62)
There is a pretty good amount of flex when you put it on stands. Don't forget to pop your hood, crack your doors and remove or pop your t-tops. These things have been known to crack when put on the jacks.
Safety Car
Joined: Feb 2002
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From: Seattle WA
Re: Is this normal? (Scott A)
There is a pretty good amount of flex when you put it on stands. Don't forget to pop your hood, crack your doors and remove or pop your t-tops. These things have been known to crack when put on the jacks.
Racer
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 478
Likes: 3
From: Huntsville AL
Re: Is this normal? (bourne62)
I have had my front end up all summer rebuilding the engine/front end and never seen that much flex. I think I would check that out real good, something doesn't sound right.
YBNormal...drive a vette
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YBNormal...drive a vette
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Race Director
Joined: Apr 1999
Posts: 10,861
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From: Beverly Hills/Pine Ridge Florida
Re: Is this normal? (Ybnormal)
They flex, but this sounds like a lot. I've had my 69 on stands for months over the winters while working on it. I'll put jackstands as close to the "front" as possible, near where the frame turns in. In the rear, I'll place them as far "back" as possible. Chuck
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Racer
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 253
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From: Berlin,NJ,USA
Re: Is this normal? (bourne62)
I would check that frame out real good. Dosen't sound good to me eighter.
Also, I don't thimk it is a good idea to take away all of the upper body support by opening everything up. Then again I guess you will find out in a hurry if the frame is rotted when the t-support gives way.
Also, I don't thimk it is a good idea to take away all of the upper body support by opening everything up. Then again I guess you will find out in a hurry if the frame is rotted when the t-support gives way.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 2,581
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From: Tolar Texas
Re: Is this normal? (bourne62)
My '80 has always flexed as you describe when lifted just in front of the door hinge area. I have not actually measured the difference and doubt that my door gap is THREE TIMES its at-rest width but it is noticable.
I don't like it but I don't worry about it.
I also ALWAYS loosen the T-tops and leave the doors ajar when lifting from the frame.
I don't like it but I don't worry about it.
I also ALWAYS loosen the T-tops and leave the doors ajar when lifting from the frame.
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Joined: Mar 2002
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From: napanee ontario
Re: Is this normal? (MIKER)
I re-checked the location of my jack stands and they were right under the door hinges. When I moved them forward to where they should be placed the flex was hardly noticable.