[marauder]

The other day I noticed that when my car was on the frame lift there was a gap between the fender and the bumper on both sides however when we set it down the gap disappeared.

Apparently there is some flex that causes this...has anyone else noticed it?

[gtohurstjudge]

That is normal.....the bumper is bolted to the frame and when you
hoist the car the frame sags on each end, opening up the bumper gaps. On
convertibles. the gap opens up at least a half inch and the doors won't open
either when on the lift.

[marauder]

Originally Posted by gtohurstjudge

That is normal.....the bumper is bolted to the frame and when you
hoist the car the frame sags on each end, opening up the bumper gaps. On
convertibles. the gap opens up at least a half inch and the doors won't open
either when on the lift.

Is it a problem if you have to keep it on the lift for like a week?

[dxeven]

Originally Posted by marauder

The other day I noticed that when my car was on the frame lift there was a gap between the fender and the bumper on both sides however when we set it down the gap disappeared.

Apparently there is some flex that causes this...has anyone else noticed it?

I noticed the same thing as I was cleaning up the arse end of my car after paint. Started to re-adjust the bumper while it was in the air, what a pita. Don't think I changed a thing. Dropped the car to the ground, the gaps disappeared. Car was on stands for almost a month, no lt effects.

[Andretti]

Originally Posted by marauder

Is it a problem if you have to keep it on the lift for like a week?

For that long I would position an axle stand (adjustable 6 footer) under the rad support and level it out a bit.

[azmotorhead]

Originally Posted by Andretti

For that long I would position an axle stand (adjustable 6 footer) under the rad support and level it out a bit.

And pray the lift doesn't sag.
It'll be ok it would take gravity about 50 years to permanently twaek the frame

[69RamAirDave]

Its normal. Its also an example of why you usually do not want to adjust your front end sheetmetal without the weight (including engine) on the frame/suspension.

[gtohurstjudge]

I had my convertible on the lift for 12 months straight with no
harm done. One thing to watch out for is that you have to tighten the
bolts that connect the bumper brackets on the front to the frame rail
extremely tight(As tight as possible with a breaker bar) Otherwise, when
you raise the car on a lift the bumper brackets will move from the frame
flexing and the front bumper will get out of adjustment. This had happened to
me a couple of times over the years the first time I raised the car on a lift
after reinstalling the front bumper.

[Andretti]

Originally Posted by azmotorhead

And pray the lift doesn't sag.
It'll be ok it would take gravity about 50 years to permanently twaek the frame

That's what I use old inner tie-rods for, hoist locks.

[68GeeeTO]

Wow, I often wondered about that gap when the car was on a lift. I’ve notice the same thing with my 68 GTO with the endura bumper. I though maybe my frame was weak. I feel a lot better now that I’m hearing you guys say its normal. By the way during the winter months I store the car with jack stands under the frame. I guess from what I’m hearing I should but a stand under the radiator core support too.
Thanks,
Frank

[blown 68]

i jacked up my grandfathers '59 caddy, and supported it with jackstands as close to the front end as possible, on the frame, you should have seen that car bend! i thought the front windshield was going to pop out. i think the front end weighs more than our cars do. needless, to say, i got my work done in a hurry, and got her back down.......