<VV> Getting the car on jack stands right?

[J R Read_HML]

My preferred method - using a floor jack with a large (4 inch?) cup and a 6" 
or so piece of 2X4 in the cup - is to jack on the rocker panel about 6 to 8 
inches ahead of the rear wheel.  There is a pinch weld down the center of 
the rocker and the piece of wood is placed up next to it on the outboard 
side.  This lifts one side of the car (both wheels) and you will find a 
triangular area inboard and just ahead of the rear wheel for the rear stand. 
The spot for the front stand will be obvious.

Now the safer way to do this is - half way up on one side, then all the way 
up on the other side, then finish putting the first side the rest of the way 
up.  With the jack still under the rocker , but not really holding any 
weight, go around to all four corners and nudge the car to feel if it seems 
solidly in place.  Make any adjustments (probably none) needed to have the 
body firmly on four stands.

I typically leave the jack in place unless I need it for something else - 
say engine removal as example.  Same jack, bigger piece of wood.

Attachments (if any) are scanned with anti-virus software.

Later, JR

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "R.B. Dorran" <rbdorran at comcast.net>
To: <virtualvairs at corvair.org>
Sent: Monday, August 29, 2005 11:26 PM
Subject: <VV> Getting the car on jack stands right?


I have not put a car up on jack stands in 20 years (or done my own car
maintenance/repair) and would like to draw from the wisdom of the group.
I've done all of the work so far on the Vair using ramps, but someday will
probably need to use the jack stands to facilitate other types of repairs.
As I remember, on the cars I've done this with in the past, there were other
areas on the frame I could safely lift with the floor jack and then place
the jack stands properly without a problem (i.e. heavy duty bumpers, cross
members, etc.). But, as I was looking around the Monza the other day, I
could not positively identify where I could use the floor jack safely that
wasn't going to be right where I want to put the jack stand. Being a unibody
doesn't seem to allow for bend free, safe lifting other than on the 4 places
I would put the jack stands.



Can anyone provide me with advice? Or, better yet a link to pictures or
diagrams as to other areas where the car can be lifted safely using the
floor jack, as well as any precautions on what to use with the floor jack
(such as a 2x6 15" long or something like that), to prevent damage.



 In all honesty, I was surprised this wasn't a featured article on the group
red page. At least I couldn't find it there when I was looking for answers
before coming to you all.



R.B. Dorran

65 Monza Coupe





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