[BILL WILLIAMSON]

Originally Posted by RichPA

30 years ago I worked in a Ford dealership that had its Grand Opening coincide with the new "A". The old timers always talked about the days before lifts were installed. The chain hoists rolled on an I beam(they were still there).They would hoist em up by the front bumper till the rear touched the floor and either use the high stands in the picture or tuck 2 low stands under the frame just ahead of the rear wheels. Then they let the hoist down so the car was level. They would work on the car hanging on the hoist and resting on the stands.

Rich,
That's exactly what we did at Lutz Ford in Palo Alto, Ca, when I worked there in 1959. Each side of the shop had a beam and each had 6 chain hoists with HEAVY chain with hooks and a large round ring in the middle of chain where it hooked to the chain hoist! Very safe. It afforded lots of room, as their were NO stands under the front of the car. I worked on a '55 Green Ford wagon all day, tune up, trans bearings, clutch, & u joints. Just needed to tighten rear u joint bolts, shop caught FIRE! and my car died on the hook! The lady was waiting for the car! We stood outside and CRIED! I used to be able to remember the car's license number!! Bill W.