Proper Way to Jack Up a C3 with a Floor Jack

[Christopher J. Bunsey]

OK, I have been told you NEVER want to use a Floor Jack to Jack up a C3. It has also been rumored that you have to open the doors or else the windshield will crack. I just want to jack up the front end so I can crawl under and grease the fittings and change the oil (stands used for safety of course). How about telling me the best place to jack, and place the jack stands? Oh yes...do I do anything with the doors?

Thanks Experts!

[Joe L.]

Re: Proper Way to Jack Up a C3 with a Floor Jack

Christopher-----

I've been using a floor jack on my 1969 for over 37 years now. Never once have I "cracked a windshield". I've never heard of it happening to anyone else, either.

For jacking positions refer to your copy of the Chevrolet or Corvette Factory Service Manual applicable to your year. Actually, the jack positions are the same for all C2 and C3 Corvettes, so you can refer to ANY 63-82 manual.

Do you do anything with the doors? Yes, just leave them closed. If necessary, though, you can open them while the car is jacked up. They might be a little harder to open and close, but it's no real problem.

As far as doing the maintenance operations you described, my recommendation is to use ramps rather than jacking with jack stands. For one thing, it's much easier to do than jacking. For another thing, it's way safer than the car on jackstands. You do really need the long ramp "Super Ramps" to get enough clearance and clear the front air dam. These are a bit expensive at about $150-200 a pair. But, they are worth it.