First Question as an Official C3 Owner
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From: Riverview Florida
First Question as an Official C3 Owner
I'm sure the answer to this one is somewhere on the Forum but after 4 years I still haven't learned all the tricks to getting good search results.
Can a C3 with a solid frame be jacked from a point under the door so I can get both wheels on that side off the ground at the same time. This would be for just long enough to get jackstands under the frame near the front and back wheels? Are there any major bending or binding issues with the body or doors? Any other problem areas?
Can a C3 with a solid frame be jacked from a point under the door so I can get both wheels on that side off the ground at the same time. This would be for just long enough to get jackstands under the frame near the front and back wheels? Are there any major bending or binding issues with the body or doors? Any other problem areas?
Last edited by es; Nov 7, 2004 at 08:18 AM. Reason: additional info
Race Director
Joined: Feb 1999
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From: Lenoir City Tennessee
Ci 6, 8 & 10 Veteran
St. Jude Donor '05-'06-'07-'08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15
I have jacked mine up this way before. Now that I have new paint, I don't know as though I would do that or not. May have to figure somting else out.
Race Director
Joined: May 2004
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Originally Posted by Jughead
If you have factory side exhaust, forget it. 
Put a 12" length of 2X6 in front of the wheels on the side that you want to jack up and drive onto it.
Now slip the jack in under the side exhaust and jack up!
From
to 
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 2,119
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From: Pittsburgh PA
Good question. I like doing what Chevy says to do in terms of chosing the initial jack point. If you jack at the front spot (5" in front of the door), the rear will lift as well. Then you can put a jack stand in the rear spot behind the door. Then you can put another stand towards the front, move the jack to the mid crossmember. Jack where the mid crossmember attaches and move the front stand to the correct front spot. Sounds crazy, but I figure it's a lot less stress on the frame than going in the middle from the onset.
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Thread Starter
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From: Riverview Florida
Originally Posted by Eddie 70
I have jacked mine up this way before. Now that I have new paint, I don't know as though I would do that or not. May have to figure somting else out.
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From: Riverview Florida
Originally Posted by foundvettelifeisgood
Good question. I like doing what Chevy says to do in terms of chosing the initial jack point. If you jack at the front spot (5" in front of the door), the rear will lift as well. Then you can put a jack stand in the rear spot behind the door. Then you can put another stand towards the front, move the jack to the mid crossmember. Jack where the mid crossmember attaches and move the front stand to the correct front spot. Sounds crazy, but I figure it's a lot less stress on the frame than going in the middle from the onset.
I want to do this so I can put the jackstands at the factory jacking points for long-term work (1 month or so).
Jacking from the center works great with my C4 vert but I know the C4 frame design was supposed to be one of the big improvements over the C3.
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2004
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From: Mansfield Ohio
I always jack mine up on the trans crossmember (under door) using a 2x6 to pad the jack. Both wheels come off the ground then I can put stands forward and behind the jack on the frame. Never had a problem with twisting or bending any parts. Doors open/close normally and no strange gaps in panels either.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2002
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From: "Too Low, Too Fast, Too Loud" TX
Everyone I have talked too..also got this info from a very big tire chain..that especially for a coupe with ttops on..to unlatch tops, ajar both doors, and pop hood before you start a jacking routine. This will take the stress off the locking mechanisms..ie, doors, tops and hood. I did have a friend that had a vette long time ago that was jacking the car up and had a t top crack due to the jacking and pressure changes on the body/ frame as it flexed. If there is a chance of this happening I will not be taking it. Just my .02 cents worth..thanks Joe!