It's arrivedJacking Info If You Can Help

[UFO 2 NOB]

Can anyone tell me what's the best type of jack for general use and where the jacking points are on a Can Am.Thanks

[Steve_D]

There are no specific points you just need to find a point with the most triangulation of chassis tubes.

Now that you have a bare chassis is the time to teach yourself these points because you will soon skin the underside and will not be able to find them easily.

When the car is complete and at normal ride height a trolley jack will not go under unless you go and buy one of the hugely expensive race car jacks. I normally slide a scissor jack under and wind that up until a trolley jack will fit. An alternative is to make some wedge blocks to roll the wheels up to get that initial height to get the trolley under.

Steve

[UFO 2 NOB]

Thanks Steve,it's a built car so I guess I already won't be able to see the triangulation.Thanks for the info,already got the wedges,good idea.Will invest in trolley jack.Guess the old race car quick lift would be a little light weight for this one.

[crafty]

I roll it onto timber blocks. If its in the garage (no room to move it onto blocks), I turn the wheel to full lock and get the trolley jack in behind the wheel, lift her up a bit and get the block under the wheel, then move the jack to the front.

At the rear just go for a X member.

Ive duct taped a but of wood to the jack to stop scratching my lovely bottom.

[Steve_D]

UFO 2 NOB said:

.....it's a built car so I guess I already won't be able to see the triangulation.......

OK so you will have to apply a bit of logic from what you can see. Out back it is fairly open so you can see the strong points but then again most of the chassis at the back will be strong enough.
At the front you don't want to be jacking anywhere forward of the lower front wishbone mount. When looking from above you can see there is, in effect, a box girder formed with the battery and brake master cylinders sitting inside. The forward member of that box is ideal and can be found from underneath by tracing the lines of rivets in the ali skin.

Steve

[eliot]

My mate got one of these for his westfield, might work for an ultima - and cheap.
Also seen them in the local costco if you have one near you.

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/NEW-3TON-LOW-PROFILE-SERVICE...

[TuxMan]

you need a low one to get under the front ,got mine off the wife for xmas !!!!!!!! she knows her stuff !!

[Graham-P]

I have the racing jack and it's still not low enough for the front, I have to run it up on blocks first.
It's good to see another CanAm in Essex, I'm south(ish) Essex. Maybe meet up (when I get mine back on the road)

[bluesatin]

These work fine for the front of the car

[UFO 2 NOB]

Thanks for all the help guys.

I have a race jack which I guess would be ok for the front as you say.

Don't want to mess the chassis so good advice from all of you.The slim jack looks good,will try one of those also.Can't wait to x-mas though.

I am South Essex also so look forward to that once you are on the road.Look forward to seeing your doors and dash,looks good.