As I move thru the restoration process, I now need to use my mid level hoist, a snap-on 6,000lb scissor type lift with swing out arms. I found the lift points in the Fisher manual and setup the hoist then raised the car until the wheels were just off the ground to test stability etc....this is the first time I have used this hoist. I noticed the door gaps had changed slightly and I can't open the doors, the top is down.

Just wondering if the top frame needs to be up and latched or if the car can be safely raised with the doors closed and the top down, and just not be able to open the doors while it's in the air? Is this normal or should I be concerned about a weakness in the unibody?

Thanks

How long is it going to be up on the jack?

Well I lowered it right away yesterday and left it like that overnight, but I would imagine a day at a time, maybe more once I get to replacing the rear axle, I could probably figure out a way to lower it every day. If I am not doing suspension work I could set it down so the wheels are on big blocks, that's safer anyways.

Thanks

Can you take a pic of the contact locations where the hoist meets the car .

Got to be careful, especially a vert. Corrosion under your car can affect your chassis strength.

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I'm sure the body bushings are wiped out and are contributing to the flex.

When I was in the shop, I always put the pads as far forward on the front stub frame, behind the front wheels, as possible. And the rear pads always went on the leaf spring front mounts just ahead of the rear wheels.

Some flex is to be expected - all cars do it.

Unless you need the doors open, leave them closed, or open them before you lift.

And yes, my doors were difficult to open as well.

Thanks guys. I don't think I have anything to worry about after hearing from you and talking to a few local shops. I just leave the doors closed when it's just on the hoist, and for the most part, it's just sitting lightly on the blocks so the flex is relieved and the doors are free to open.

The project is moving along nicely, thanks for your help.

Cheers

Atta boy!

^^^This. Would be a good idea to ahead and replace with solid mounts right now, to protect the body from flexing relative to the subframe when lifting. Plus it's a nice addition to handling.