Ford: JACKING IT UP, ford mustang coupe, old mustang

Question
Hi Greg

I just bought a '66 Ford Mustang Coupe a couple of weeks ago, and love it.

The car is leaking some red fluid; I think its either tranny or brake fluid. I'd like to get under the car.

I pretty handy but hardly ever did any really big stuff on cars but I'm willing to try.

I'm somewhat confused: My friend who work on Mustangs a bit says to get two RAMPS and  then two CAR STAND and jack the car up that way you'll have MORE HIGHT UNDER THE CAR.

Greg is he right about that. If so how would that make the car HIGHER so I have more room to work under it?

P.s. Greg what kind of jack do I need as far as tonage is concerned i.e. 3 ton jack ?

THANK GREG.
RAY M.

Answer
hey ray.

congrats on the purchase.  it's among my favourite cars of all time, and i gotta say, i'm a little jealous.  anyways, i'm not surprised to hear about a few leaks.

this is a tough question for me, it's been a while since i did heavy duty work on old cars.  and when i did, we didn't have very good equipment.

i'm having a little trouble understanding what your friend is suggesting, but it sounds like he's talking about "stacking the stands".  a tall stand tends to be a little unstable when it reaches it's max height.  nowadays, the cars are so light. a heavy car such as an old mustang would need a little more stability underneath.  secure another car stand on the base stand to add in an extra level.  this should give you more room to roam.  having two ramps will help you get the car on top of the extra level.  if you've never done this before, have an experience person help.  i've stacked once before, but i don't like recommending it.  if all else fails, just find a good garage that has a proper lifting device for what you need.  an improper, and unsafe job is destined to be sloppy, and a '66 mustang will appreciate a job well done.  best of luck to ya, and don't take any unnecessary risks.  i sure hope i helped some.  cheers, ray.

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ps. a '66 mustang would have been between 2700-3000 lbs.  that's pretty heavy, so don't skimp on the tonage of the jack.  a 3 ton jack will be enough, but i wouldn't recommend anything far less.