How to Jack Up Your Corvette
How to Jack Up Your Corvette
When you want to work on your Corvette or install parts such as our Corvette splitters or side rockers, you might need the use of a jack to get your car up in the air for proper installation. Of course, your vehicle is important to you, so we’ve put together a guide on how to jack up your Chevrolet Corvette properly.
The safest way to work on your Corvette is with a premium lift, but not everyone can afford that option. There are also plenty of high-quality ramps you might consider. The trouble with that is they can’t be used when you need to remove the tires. When you must jack up your Corvette, follow our steps and you’ll have no trouble getting on your new mods safely.
What’s Different Between Lifting the C6 and C7 Corvette?
The difference in lifting a C6 or C7 Corvette is not too different. These steps can be followed equally for both generations of Corvette. Both have an aluminum frame, but the C7 has hollow aluminum castings for the cradles. With the C6, you had solid castings. The newer castings reduce weight by 25% because they are thinner and might crack. Even a small crack easily leads to a big one, that’s why you only want to lift your C7 Corvette properly.
It’s also wise to utilize jacking pucks. If you have any of our side rockers installed, they won’t cover up the jacking points. That leaves plenty of room for our pucks to work in conjunction with your jack. We’ll talk more about this a little later – so stay with us.
Preparing to Lift the C7 Corvette
Before you lift any vehicle, it’s imperative you understand that doing it improperly could lead to injury or damage to your car. Your Corvette could easily slip off the jack and roll over the people near it. That’s why you must start by finding a level place to lift the car.
To further prevent your Corvette from moving, you’ll want to set your parking brake. Then, place your automatic transmission in Park or your manual transmission in either Reverse or First. You also shouldn’t leave your engine running while you jack it up.
For even more peace of mind, we recommend putting blocks behind and in front of your wheels. No matter what, don’t ever go underneath your car while it’s on a jack.
Furthermore, if you don’t lift your C7 Corvette properly, you raise the risk of it falling and causing damage to the car itself. Always follow the instructions found with your jack; just make sure you use the correct lifting points for your vehicle.
Lifting Your C7 Corvette from the Front Cradle
Make sure that your front jack pads don’t contact the rocker panels at any time. You’ll also want to keep them away from the floor pan and front fenders. If you allow contact, you might face damage.
- Find the front lifting points from either side of your Corvette. They are located behind the front tires.
- Place a jacking pad or block between your vehicle and the jack.
- Lift the jack slowly and carefully.
Lifting Your C7 Corvette from the Front Frame
Make sure you only use a service jack that has a lifting pad diameter of 2.5-inches (64mm) or smaller. You also want to ensure it’s thick enough that the jack never comes in contact with the body of your Corvette.
- Position your jack and lifting pad under the frame rail shipping slot reinforcement.
- Lift your jack slowly and carefully.
Lifting Your C7 Corvette from the Rear Cradle
- Find your rear lifting points. They are found from the rear driver or passenger side of your Corvette.
- Put a pad or block between your vehicle and the jack.
- Lift your jack slowly and carefully.
Lifting Your C7 Corvette from the Rear Frame
Make sure you only use a service jack that has a lifting pad diameter of 2.5-inches (64mm) or smaller. You also want to ensure it’s thick enough that the jack never comes in contact with the body of your Corvette.
- Position your jack and lifting pad under the frame rail shipping slot reinforcement.
- Lift your jack slowly and carefully.
Why You Need a Quality Set of Jacking Pucks
You don’t want to know what happens if you lift your Corvette without the right car jacking pads. Many Corvette owners can attest to the damage that’s caused when you neglect to use jacking pucks for a C7 Corvette.
Our Corvette C7 jacking pucks are left in place after the installation. This means you don’t need to remove them. Many people find this handy if they allow a mechanic to work on their vehicle. You’ll no longer have to worry whether he installed pucks before lifting your car. This small investment offers you plenty of protection and gives you the insurance you need.
Of course, there are other Corvette jacking pads on the market, so what makes ours so unique? Our jacking pucks ensure a stable and secure lifting point to complete all your maintenance tasks. In addition, they work seamlessly with all ACS Composite Corvette side rockers. If you are curious if side rockers are right for your Corvette, then be sure to read our blog on, the benefits of side skirts
Our lift pads are constructed from heavy-duty aluminum and then coated in a black or red metallic finish. You can install jack pucks on C5 Corvettes, C6 Corvettes, or C7 Corvettes. It doesn’t matter if you drive a Stingray, Z06, ZR1 or Grand Sport. Simply use an Allen wrench because there’s no drilling required.
As a customer of ours, you already know what a difference working with ACS Composite makes. We provide only the highest quality parts for your precious investment.
Final Thoughts
If you need to put your C7 Corvette in the air to do maintenance or modify it, then you want to do it safely. Don’t damage your car or yourself by failing to follow the guidelines set by GM. You also don’t want to trust just anyone to care about your vehicle the way that you do.
That’s why you only do business with ACS Composite. You know we care about Corvettes and Camaros because it’s all we focus on. We live and breathe your cars, just like you do. Together, we build vehicles that are sure to turn heads.