Safely jacking front end '66 coupe

[pa0101]

Comments, please, on the safe approaches to jacking up the front end of a '66 coupe.

The front cross-rail (just under the radiator) seems little light to carry the entire load.

I have read (by searching) of the idea of using two jacks, one on each front frame rail. Is there another safe approach?

Also, do the front stands best go on the front frame rail? Ours are a bit rusted inside, so alternate locations for the jack stands would be where?

Thanks.

 

[D.Hearne]

You can support the front end with jack stands placed under the front frame rails, just under the floor boards.

 

[HistoricMustang]

Ditto.

HistoricMustang
www.historicmustang.com

 

[HistoricMustang]

Perhaps a better angle.

HistoricMustang
www.historicmustang.com

 

[pa0101]

Where to place the jack in the front?

Thanks for the jack stand pictures and suggestions. But I'm sorry my question wasn't specific enough. Where are the safe points for placing the jack to get the front of the car up in the air? I have read about using two jacks, on the frame rails, but I bet I would prefer using one jack. Where should that one go? Thanks again!

 

[Mark66p]

It is just not safe with one. If y ou are going to be working under your car you should put TWO, and the frame rails will work fine if you are going to work under your car. Whenever I have to get under mine I lift it from the frame rails.

 

[Cal Cobra]

I usually drive up on a set of Rhino ramps, then jack under the control arm, set the stand and pull the ramp out. Lower the jack and repeat for the other side.

 

[pa0101]

I like the Rhino ramp idea, but the car's not driveable now. That said, did "Mark66p" mean that I just can't use one hydraulic jack to push the car up into the air before setting the stands? Can I jack one side at a time (under the control arms) without using the ramps as a starter?

 

[D.Hearne]

I like the Rhino ramp idea, but the car's not driveable now. That said, did "Mark66p" mean that I just can't use one hydraulic jack to push the car up into the air before setting the stands? Can I jack one side at a time (under the control arms) without using the ramps as a starter?

Yes, you can, I do just that all the time. There's really not anything under there that will support all the weight to use a single jack to lift the whole front end. You could possibly do it with the bolt on cross member, but if it suddenly gave way, you crunch the oilpan.

 

[2nd Mustang]

I use a late model scissors jack that I bought at the junk yard for a 2000 something Mustang. Those things are really easy to use and fit the original jacking points of my 67. The rear is easy enough to use a hydraulic floor jack, I tend to use the rear pumpkin and jack slowly, but the front is another issue. The car is too low for a floor jack, hence the use of a late model scissors jack. A little advice, don't get those cheapy scissors jacks from the parts store, they don't last. The factory designed ones are really easy to use, really good leverage.

 

[2nd Mustang]

Also, do the front stands best go on the front frame rail? Ours are a bit rusted inside, so alternate locations for the jack stands would be where?

Thanks.

I use a short piece of 1x6 board cut into a square on top of the jack stand and place them under the front lower control arms when I can't use the frame rails, like when adjusting the clutch, etc. One word of caution, when I put a car on jack stands, I do it a little at a time, one side at a time so the car doesn't rock and fall off the stand. After getting the car to the height I need, I also shake the car to see if it is going to fall. I'd rather replace car parts, I can't replace me!

I did use the front radiator support once, but after looking at the physics of the car, I didn't think that was such a good place to support the weight of the car.

 

[pa0101]

OK, I can't get the jack far enough outboard to clear these two little clips on the bottom of the control arm. What are these clips and is it OK to just jack them up (they'll get crushed, I guess?).

Right now I'm planning to rebuild the front end (Granada spindles) so I gather I'll end up with new control arms, too? Or am I on in totally the wrong area at all?

 

[pa0101]

So it just doesn't seem right to put the jack there. But where?

 

[D.Hearne]

Nothing wrong with jacking up the car under the lower control arm there, afterall, it DOES support the weight of the car. That stamped steel "U" there isn't going anywhere either. Go for it.