i have an 83 and today i got some 10w30 and an oil filter to change the oil, i was wondering were to jack it up so i just jacked it up at the front left scissor jank point, then when i went to open the passenger door it didnt open. is this normal? or is this a concern also im going to get it on a lift tommorow ( i couldnt fit under the car with just a jack)so were do i put the arms? or does it say in the haynes manual?

 

I would never get under a car with just a scissor jack. I bet the jack was too far forward and under the bottom the the fender. Your lucky the trailing edge of the fender didn't get pinched.

I don't like using a scissor jack because it seems to cause more damaged.

If you don't want to purchase a floor jack and a set a jack stands or even ramps, you can make some ramps that will get you an additional 4.5 inches. Just cut some 2x6 3' 2' and 1' and nail them on top of each other. I use a set like this to make clearance to use a floor jack under the front cross member.

 

The jacking points recommended by the owners manual for the scissor jacks are not stable.
They will bend and deform very easily and are inherently not safe.

I usually place my jack stands under the front frame rail where it is doubled in thickness for the
joint with the chassis frame rail. Its a strong point on the car and works well. I put the rear
jack stands under the forward supports for the lower links of the rear end.

I jack the front up by either center of the cross member or the mounting blocks for the
stabilizer bars (not the sway bar). I jack the rear by pumpkin.

 

thank you

 

I'm confused as to why it's being jacked up to change the oil?

 

You should be able to reach the bolt from the top on passenger side withought lifting the car. I dont lift mine. 2nd gen is a bit tougher.

 

Best spots to lift the 1st gens that ive found are...
-differential
-front sub frame
-the front seam of the frame rails with a proper wide floor jack

 

Interestingly, the FSM has a diagram specifically for jack and jackstand placement. Sure wish modern cars did.

 

I believe they did this since so much of the car is thin gauge sheetmetal and easily damaged. One trick to make it so light.

 

Most modern cars have triangles stamped into the body work.