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To jack or not to jack

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carrottop

Senior Member
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Cold hard Chicago winter has arrived. Considering putting my BT7 on jack stands as I'm told its "better" for the car to relax over the winter. I've read on previous forums where and how to jack but it doesn't seem reasonable that this is necessary. No work is planned and I didn't know my Healey needed to "relax". Any thoughts?
 
Hey there,

I am just as confused about it. I have decided not to jack the car because of all the warnings on safety issues. But would like to get some maintenance done on the car. Going to strip my floor pans. They look rusted. Get some good primer on them and then do some painting on it. I have heard that if you don't jack the car then overinflate the tires so no flat spots develop? Any ideas

Carrottop----you in Hinsdale? I am in Palatine. Welcome to the forum. You have anyone doing your maintnence in the area that understands Healey's?

Tony
 
Yes, Hinsdale. Know of 2 but have had no work done yet. Just Brits in Hinsdale and Columbia Restorations in LaGrange.
 
I don't see a reason to jack it up except for developing flat spots on the tires or if your tires will lose air and go flat. If a tire goes flat, it's really hard to get a jack underneath!

If you do jack it up, I understand it's not good for the bushings to let the suspension hang. Whenever I have mine up for any period of time, I will have the stands supporting the rear axle and have 2" blocks of wood under the upper A-arms to keep the suspension in it's normal position.
 
John,

Thanks. I suspected that jack stands did not help the suspension any. I ususally move the car a few feet either way each month to avoid flat spots. I may need a compressor though.

Eric
 
Have had my BJ8 for 20 years and have never jacked it up for winter storage. It gets cold here also(Spokane WA) But every year there is a day during the months it is supposedly stored where I can start and drive it around the block for about 20 minutes and have never had any engine or suspension problems as a result. Have a 54 Chev pikup I have owned for 30 years and have always done the same with it.
 
There is one other aspect with regard to jacking the car/removing the wheels for storage: safety. If a fire or other emergency occurs that requires quick removal of the car, having the wheels/tires on makes it a lot easier to remove from the hazard.

Maybe not a big factor, but one to consider.
 
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