DIY maintenance work under jack stands - LotusTalk

Aviate · 01-21-2005, 03:46 PM

I'm still waiting for the delivery of my car, but in the meanwhile thinking
about some routine maintenance, it seems that removal & installation
of the underbody panel needed for oil change & other tasks would be tricky to do solo crawled under the car supported by jack stands.

Any experience that you can share? Thanks.

TimMullen · 01-21-2005, 03:56 PM

Not to mention that you need to get some of the panels off to put the jackstands under the car.

I plan on using my Rhino Ramps to back the Elise onto when necessary. Then crawl under and remove the under tray as necessary. If it's necessary to jack it up at that point, I can, but I suspect that oil changes and such will be done on the ramps.

Ground Loop · 01-21-2005, 04:28 PM

I had a real easy time with a recommendation posted in another thread..

Jack up the whole side of the car using the point under the door. Lift it high. Place blocks/rhino-ramps/reams-o-CopierPaper(!) under the two wheels, then go to the other side and do the same.

If you're not working on the wheels, done! If you are, well, then it's back to jack stands once you creep under and drop the panels.

My jack stands have these forked "Y" tops to them that don't look like they would sit well with the flat Elise bottom. I've been using 2x4s on top, but am looking for better stands. Ideas?

Aviate · 01-21-2005, 05:14 PM

Ground Loop,

Please take a look at:
http://www.asedeals.com/jack_stands.html

I don't have them myself though.

Back to my question, the bottom panel can be removed & reinstalled
by one person or does it require a helper? Thanks.

Randy Chase · 01-21-2005, 06:03 PM

I think the rear diffuser panel that you want to remove, is easily done by one person in less than 15 minutes and without jacking up the car.

If you do buy jackstands, I recommend the ones with the flat top and rubber cushion.

khamai · 01-22-2005, 10:22 AM

Hockey pucks are perfect "jacking" pads. Just place them on top of your floor jack or on top of even a standard jack stand.

$10 for a dozen at Sportsmart or similar.

Kiyoshi

TimMullen · 01-22-2005, 12:08 PM

I have a Harbor Freight "Garage Jack Rubber Saddle Base - ITEM 36004-0VG" (Click here and search for ITEM 36004-0VGA) on my jack. I bought it many years ago, and it replaces the normal jack saddle, by installing in it's place. It works great, costs $10.

Arno · 01-23-2005, 02:25 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Ground Loop

My jack stands have these forked "Y" tops to them that don't look like they would sit well with the flat Elise bottom. I've been using 2x4s on top, but am looking for better stands. Ideas?

These adapted stands:

http://www.ultimategarage.com/acjacks.html

Bye, Arno.

Surferjer · 01-23-2005, 11:30 AM

Like Randy, I believe geting the diffuser off is easy. Jack one side of the car up and you can accomplish it in minutes. Easier with a ratchet screwdriver and a socket head. Socket wrench works fine too.

mact3333 · 02-05-2005, 07:56 PM

I really like the AC flat top jack stands with rubber padding...cheapest I have seen is 85.00 a piece...anyone know a place where they sell it for cheaper???

01-21-2005, 03:46 PM	#1 (permalink)
Aviate Registered User Join Date: Nov 2004 Posts: 9	DIY maintenance work under jack stands I'm still waiting for the delivery of my car, but in the meanwhile thinking about some routine maintenance, it seems that removal & installation of the underbody panel needed for oil change & other tasks would be tricky to do solo crawled under the car supported by jack stands. Any experience that you can share? Thanks.

01-21-2005, 03:56 PM	#2 (permalink)
TimMullen Moderator Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Chantilly, VA Posts: 11,637 Images: 19	Not to mention that you need to get some of the panels off to put the jackstands under the car. I plan on using my Rhino Ramps to back the Elise onto when necessary. Then crawl under and remove the under tray as necessary. If it's necessary to jack it up at that point, I can, but I suspect that oil changes and such will be done on the ramps. __________________ Tim Mullen --- There is no such thing as Touring suspension or Touring wheels. I love being married. It's so great to find that one person that you want to annoy for the rest of your life. - Rita Rudner Chantilly, VA http://members.cox.net/elans4/ 05 Lotus Elise - Chrome Orange - No Touring - No LSS - No Hardtop - Lotus Driving Lights - Lotus "Chin Guards" - plain and simple. 94 Miata R Package - Black 72 Lotus Elan Sprint - Colorado Orange/Cirrus White

01-21-2005, 06:03 PM	#5 (permalink)
Randy Chase Registered User Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: San Diego Posts: 28,281 Images: 761	I think the rear diffuser panel that you want to remove, is easily done by one person in less than 15 minutes and without jacking up the car. If you do buy jackstands, I recommend the ones with the flat top and rubber cushion. __________________ Please do not PM me. My box is full. Thanks.

01-22-2005, 10:22 AM	#6 (permalink)
khamai Plain ol' Lotus-nut Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Nor Cal Posts: 3,600	Hockey pucks are perfect "jacking" pads. Just place them on top of your floor jack or on top of even a standard jack stand. $10 for a dozen at Sportsmart or similar. Kiyoshi __________________ life is better behind the wheel of a Lotus...

01-22-2005, 12:08 PM	#7 (permalink)
TimMullen Moderator Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Chantilly, VA Posts: 11,637 Images: 19	I have a Harbor Freight "Garage Jack Rubber Saddle Base - ITEM 36004-0VG" (Click here and search for ITEM 36004-0VGA) on my jack. I bought it many years ago, and it replaces the normal jack saddle, by installing in it's place. It works great, costs $10. __________________ Tim Mullen --- There is no such thing as Touring suspension or Touring wheels. I love being married. It's so great to find that one person that you want to annoy for the rest of your life. - Rita Rudner Chantilly, VA http://members.cox.net/elans4/ 05 Lotus Elise - Chrome Orange - No Touring - No LSS - No Hardtop - Lotus Driving Lights - Lotus "Chin Guards" - plain and simple. 94 Miata R Package - Black 72 Lotus Elan Sprint - Colorado Orange/Cirrus White Last edited by TimMullen : 01-22-2005 at 12:14 PM.

01-21-2005, 04:28 PM	#3 (permalink)
Ground Loop Student Driver Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: San Diego, CA Posts: 2,192	I had a real easy time with a recommendation posted in another thread.. Jack up the whole side of the car using the point under the door. Lift it high. Place blocks/rhino-ramps/reams-o-CopierPaper(!) under the two wheels, then go to the other side and do the same. If you're not working on the wheels, done! If you are, well, then it's back to jack stands once you creep under and drop the panels. My jack stands have these forked "Y" tops to them that don't look like they would sit well with the flat Elise bottom. I've been using 2x4s on top, but am looking for better stands. Ideas?

01-21-2005, 05:14 PM	#4 (permalink)
Aviate Registered User Join Date: Nov 2004 Posts: 9	Ground Loop, Please take a look at: http://www.asedeals.com/jack_stands.html I don't have them myself though. Back to my question, the bottom panel can be removed & reinstalled by one person or does it require a helper? Thanks.

01-23-2005, 11:30 AM	#9 (permalink)
Surferjer No more cone damage! Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Exton, PA Posts: 8,954	Like Randy, I believe geting the diffuser off is easy. Jack one side of the car up and you can accomplish it in minutes. Easier with a ratchet screwdriver and a socket head. Socket wrench works fine too. __________________ Jer-2005 Elise (retired from autox) 1993 MR2 autox car 2002 Ford Excursion DIESEL 4 X 4 1993 Miata (throwout bearing or clutch failure) 1987 Toyota Corolla FX16 Lemons car (needs new head) 1984 Chevy Citation Lemons car (needs a motor)

02-05-2005, 07:56 PM	#10 (permalink)
mact3333 Registered User Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Portland Posts: 970	I really like the AC flat top jack stands with rubber padding...cheapest I have seen is 85.00 a piece...anyone know a place where they sell it for cheaper??? __________________ ardent/blk...lss...touring...HT..starshield...perhaps QS.

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