<VV> Getting the car on jack stands right?

[kovacsmj]

 I use a long 2x4 (wrapped in an old towel to prevent scratches) on the
floor jack and locate the center of the jack about even with the rear of
a 2 dr and slightly aft of that for a 4 dr. I use the rocker panel as
the lifting surface. Be sure the 2x4 is snuggled up against the sheet
metal flange under the car. 

 When jacking up one side, secure with jack stands and then jack up the
other side, always go back to the first side and carefully examine the
location of the first set of jack stands. They sometimes will shift
some. 

 One trick after you think you have the car safely up is to try to knock
it off the jacks by vigorously shaking the car. Another trick is to tap
the jack stand bases with a dead blow hammer to be sure they have
settled properly on the car and floor. If your floor is not flat you may
find you have it on 3 jacks. A wood shim may be used.
 
 When I was in the USAF we always used 3 jacks on my 50,000lb fighter
and then kicked the hell out of the jack bases to be sure all was
settled. Invariably there was a small settling thud as one jack settled.


 Anybody have a useful modification on this method?

Getting all the information is most of the solution.
 
MIKE KOVACS
 

-----Original Message-----
From: virtualvairs-bounces at corvair.org
[mailto:virtualvairs-bounces at corvair.org] On Behalf Of R.B. Dorran

 ....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....


.....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.....