Technical Jacking up a 1940 Ford

I am just getting started on returning my Dad's 1940 Ford to running condition. Today I was planning to put the car on jack stands. However, when I used my floor jack to lift one side of the car it appeared to bend in the frame a little at the point where the jack was lifting the car. Same thing for the floor jacks that I positioned on the frame. Is this normal or are there better points on the frame that I should use for jacking up the car and resting it on stands?

Thanks,
Eric

 

I only jack on the side to change a flat, but on the axle and not the frame. To put on jack stands jack the front center of axle and place stands under frame or axle. Jack rear center of axle and then stands where you choose. Works for me...

 

The frame on a forty is basically a C channel and only strong on the vertical outside wall. If the frame is from rust country it may be especially weak. I recommend following Fly'n kolors suggestions. The axles are usually the best place to lift the car and the best for placing jack stands unless you need to remove the front axle or rear end.

 

Fly'n Kolors and The 39 Guy - really appreciate the feedback. In the rear I ***ume it is best to put the jack under the gear housing to lift and then put the jack stands to each side. Please let me know if that is correct. Also, in a few weeks I was planning to remove the rear axle for a rebuild. When I do this should I support the rear of the car using cinder blocks under the frame, or something similar that is flat to avoid bending the lower part of the frame?

Thanks again, I really appreciate the help.

Eric

 

Do not use cinder blocks. Use good quality jack stands.

 

You got that right. HRP

 

^^^^^^^^ x 2


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Only use jack stands made out of cut rear banjo axle tubes to stay traditional.

 

Thank you everyone for your help with this. Happy New Year to all of you and continued good luck with your projects.

Eric

 

x 3

When I was young and foolish (as opposed to old and foolish like now), I jacked up a 39 and put a cinder block near the outer end of a rear axle tube. When I let the jack down, the tube went right through the block. Fortunately, I hadn't removed the wheel/tire but I sure learned never to use cinder blocks as jack stands.

 

Where the X member joins the perimeter C channel you have a double C, one inside the other. That double C continues extends past the front and rear spring mounts (crossmembers) respectively. I would put the jack stands under those double areas; provided there is no heavy rust damage. The rear "kickup" area is one of the most problematic areas on these frames. It's hard to evaluate without pictures.

 

The area forward of the rear body mount outrigger is what I was referring too.

 

No Cinder Blocks! They crumble away and you may be injured!