C3 Undercar safety / 4 Ramps

[Richard K.]

As suggested in a prior thread, I'm going to set my '69 conv onto 4 ramps for working under-car. So, I could use some advice on:

1.) Purchasing a floor jack that has a high enough lift to get the wheels/tires over the ramps. How much lift do I need? What brand and model # jack would you suggest? Habor Freight Tools any good?

2.) What procedure should I use to jack the car up, i.e., front first, both wheels, front first, one wheel at a time, or rear first, both wheels, etc.? Where should I place the jack to accomplish the lifts?

Thanks for any advice on what is probably an no-brainer for most, but for me................lol. I want to do things under-car such as, final exhaust system fitting, power steering system bleeding, QC checks afer getting the car back from my Restorer, etc., and I don't want the car to move in any way while I'm under there.

Thanks Much
Rich Kossum

[Joe L.]

Re: C3 Undercar safety / 4 Ramps

Rich-----

You need a pretty good size jack; like a 3 ton size that has a lift range to about 18". Lots of these out there to choose from. I use heavy wood blocking between the jack saddle and the frame lifting point so that I don't "lose" a lot of the jack's lifting range just moving the jack to the frame.

I lift the front from the main front crossmember, using a heavy block of wood which OVERLAPS THE FRONT CROSSMEMBER FRONT AND REAR SO THAT THE WEIGHT IS NOT BORNE BY THE THIN STEEL PLATE ON THE BOTTOM OF THE CROSSMEMBER.

I lift from the rear under the rear spring center plate, once again using a block of heavy wood to avoid marring anything.

AFTER FULLY CHOCKING BOTH REAR WHEELS AT THE FRONT AND REAR OF BOTH WHEELS, I raise the front of the car and put the ramps under the wheels. Next, AFTER MAKING SURE THAT THE FRONT WHEELS ARE CHOCKED OR EFFECTIVELY CHOCKED BY THE RAMPS, I raise the rear of the car and place the ramps under the wheels.

[Tom R.]

Re: C3 Undercar safety / 4 Ramps

What ramps are you using?

[Jim K.]

Re: C3 Undercar safety / 4 Ramps

I used to use 4 6 ton jack stands with heavy rubber pad glued on top it gives you 18" of clearance underneath. Now I use 2 ramps... on a lift and can get almost 6 feet of clearance, what a difference. Back to jacking, I always jacked to the limit then slid in the stands, and if I needed more lift, used a 8"x8" block of oak for a spacer between the jack and the car. Be carefull not to use soft wood (pine, which is most house framing wood, it splits too easily) and NEVER EVER use CMU (masonry or "cinder" blocks), they crumble without warning...
Jim

[Michael M.]

Re: C3 Undercar safety / 4 Ramps

Not that one way is right or wrong (at least not that I'm aware), but I jack the car from the side in the middle of the frame on my '68. Then I place jack stands at the front and rear of the frame rails, let the car down and then jack from the other side and do the same. I have done it that way for years with no issues/accidents, etc. I think as long as you are careful and chock the wheels you will be fine.

[John D.]

Re: C3 Undercar safety / 4 Ramps

HI Rich, I was happy to see your name and the fact that you are working on your 69 and it's back together. Congratulations old friend. Can't wait to see it as the first time I did I believe it was almost 20 years ago. Time sure does fly.
Go up to Sears and look at their jacks. I bought one from them when your car was new and the thing still works. I also lug a little aluminum one around for the trailer but don't trust it. Jacks have come a long way today though. Hope to see you at the picnic. John