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Putting C3 on blocks?

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Old Jul 27, 2003 | 11:03 AM
  #1  
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Default Putting C3 on blocks?

I just purchased a 1996 CE Corvette on Friday, so I think the C3 is going to be "parked" for a while.

What techniques do other C3 owners use to "put the car on blocks" to get the wheels off the ground? Four jack-stands?
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Old Jul 27, 2003 | 11:28 AM
  #2  
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Default Re: Putting C3 on blocks? (Sting1978)

However you decide to raise the vette(wheels) off the ground make plans it is sturdy enough to get inside the car whenever you want if you are planning on leaving it sitting for a long period of time. You will want to start it up occassionally and put it in gear to rotate all of the mechanics/gears to keep them fresh. I'd think about maybe getting some 2"x6" boards and cut them up into 12" long pieces and stack them under the side frames between the tires(4 places) and let the tires rest on the ground without all of the weight that will flat spot them. And then once in awhile jack the front up and rotate the tires and jack up the back a little further and start it up and let the tranny/rearend get up to operating temp. I know I wouldn't want to leave my shocks in the stretched mode for a long period of time.

I'm sure others will have other suggestions. And if you have a breathable car cover leave the windows down to let air in and out.
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Old Jul 27, 2003 | 02:15 PM
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Default Re: Putting C3 on blocks? (bgrice)

However you decide to raise the vette(wheels) off the ground make plans it is sturdy enough to get inside the car whenever you want if you are planning on leaving it sitting for a long period of time. You will want to start it up occassionally and put it in gear to rotate all of the mechanics/gears to keep them fresh. I'd think about maybe getting some 2"x6" boards and cut them up into 12" long pieces and stack them under the side frames between the tires(4 places) and let the tires rest on the ground without all of the weight that will flat spot them. And then once in awhile jack the front up and rotate the tires and jack up the back a little further and start it up and let the tranny/rearend get up to operating temp. I know I wouldn't want to leave my shocks in the stretched mode for a long period of time.

I'm sure others will have other suggestions. And if you have a breathable car cover leave the windows down to let air in and out.

Sound like excellent advice. I'll just add that you should never run the rear in a hanging condition, jack the trailing arms up under the strut rods to simulate the weight of the car in order to keep the geometry of the ujoints at minmal angles and take the weight off the c-clips in the side yokes.


[Modified by FeedVaal, 1:17 PM 7/27/2003]
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Old Jul 27, 2003 | 07:18 PM
  #4  
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Default Re: Putting C3 on blocks? (FeedVaal)

Just to furter what vaal said...

Never turn the rear wheels under power with the suspension down or you will bind up the half shafts and have more fun...
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Old Jul 27, 2003 | 07:21 PM
  #5  
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Default Re: Putting C3 on blocks? (goofygrin)

I'll just add that you should never run the rear in a hanging condition, jack the trailing arms up under the strut rods to simulate the weight of the car in order to keep the geometry of the ujoints at minmal angles and take the weight off the c-clips in the side yokes.
Never turn the rear wheels under power with the suspension down
Can someone please elaborate, for the dumb kid, what this means? I am _not_ a suspension / axel guru..

:withstupid:
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Old Jul 27, 2003 | 10:57 PM
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Default Re: Putting C3 on blocks? (Sting1978)

The rear independent suspension is not designed for the rear wheels to turn while hanging. The half shafts or in a position where the ujoints can handle the angle the are in.... In other words, you have a great chance of breaking something while turning the rear wheels while they are hanging down.
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Old Jul 27, 2003 | 11:09 PM
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Default Re: Putting C3 on blocks? (LAvetteman)

Just drive it once a week and put it under a car cover. :P
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Old Jul 27, 2003 | 11:56 PM
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Default Re: Putting C3 on blocks? (Sting1978)

Just drive the C3 once a week for an hour, enough to get the coolant and oil up to temperature and move the lubricants in the bearings, etc. A car will deteriorate if it is just left to sit. Use the car, it will last much longer.
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