What kind of jack do you carry?

[leadpot]

Was wondering what type of jack Model A'ers carry in their car? Have seen some original ones on ebay & wanted to get some opinions on using them. Where were the originals mounted/stored on the cars when new. Don't currently have any type of jack & am leaning towards a small hydraulic bottle type, something easy to store under the back seat of my tudor.

[700rpm]

The originals aren't very safe and cost a lot now for just general use. Bottle jacks are also unsafe, but that's what I keep under the seat in my truck and just hope I never have to use it! I keep an old scissors jack in my sedan under the back seat. It's a little more sturdy, but I wouldn't get under the car using it. I would only use either for changing a tire, and I would be very quick about that. I also keep a piece of 2x6 12" long to put down under the jacks in case I'm on uneven or soft ground, and two short piece of 4x4 to block the wheels.

[ford1]

i have an original for show, but i have a small hydralic floor jack from kragens for the changing of any flat tires, safer and a lot faster and easier to operate

[JBill]

I keep a small hydraulic jack AND a jackstand.

[leadpot]

Appreciate the info - the jackstand is an excellent idea, thanks

[Clydes 31 P/U]

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Thought I went back in time, but there WAS a thread about this on 04/08/2011 by Steve Plucker titled Original Model A jack not safe, do a search, there was some good ideas there too

[Glenn C.]

Small jackstand in combo with a scissor jack, or small bottle jack.....Great idea!!!

[cars56]

Small bottle jack, a couple of blocks of 2x4 and wheel chocks

[glenn in camino]

I carry a bottle jack and a small floor jack in my deluxe delivery but just the bottle jack in my other Model As.

[ChicagoBob]

Old Toyota scissor jack - lightweight and secure. Many similar types available online these days.

[Kevin in NJ]

An original screw type jack.

Not sure how on determines a jack as dangerous. The ratchet jacks are prone to problems and I would not want to use them too much. The screw jacks do not have much to go wrong as long as the car is stable, that is it can not roll.

If you understand the tool and its limits then it can be used properly. The original jacks tend to store nice in cars with limited space.

To be honest, if I was traveling and had the option to use a modern floor jack or a jack with a wider base and top I would take the option over the original. Taking the low rate of flats we see today and the small amount of space in my car I am willing to keep the original jack on hand for emergency use.

I do not see the original type screw jacks as more unsafe than other portable jacks. If the car can move some any jack will fall down.

[1931 flamingo]

AAA plus
Paul in CT

[MikeK]

Daniels, in a nice nickel plate hip flask.

[Jerry Parr WI]

I think road side tire changes are best done by AAA but the reality is that's not always possible. I carry the original screw type but because that's what all my cars came with. I see it as safe as any small base jack like a bottle or scissor. I feel it's safer than a bottle jack because like the scissor jack the long handle lets you stay more clear of the vehicle. A jack stand or large floor jack is useless without a large hard flat area to use it. If you have a truck and can carry a half sheet of plywood or only travel roads with paved shoulders they may work well. The danger is in the vehicle rolling or sliding and tipping the jack and with a soft surface a jack stand or floor jack is just as likely to tip as a small jack. My past experience with flats is I always have them in rural areas with no cell service and soft narrow shoulders. The best advice I've seen so far is understand the limits of your tools and use them properly. Don't get under a car on any jack. The alternative may be start walking.

[Kahuna]

I really like the isea of a scissors jack. Can anyone recommend one that might be good from a wrecking yard?
Thanks
Jim

[roccaas]

Originally Posted by Kahuna

I really like the isea of a scissors jack. Can anyone recommend one that might be good from a wrecking yard?
Thanks
Jim

Any 80's 90's BMW scissor jack is solid with a big saddle. Try to get the matching steel wheel chock. Doesn't rattle when stored.

[roccaas]

Originally Posted by MikeK

Daniels, in a nice nickel plate hip flask.

I like the glass lined. Nickle gives Old #7 a metallic twang.

[Tom Wesenberg]

Here's what I like to use. A good screw jack will work in any position and will never leak oil nor air lock like some hydraulic jacks. I made some 10" square boards to use with my jack stands so they don't dig into the carpet and dirt. I also cut some 10" x 20" boards out of 3/4" plywood to place under the tires so they don't sink into the dirt when parked over 6 months of winter. I have a sheet of heavy plastic layed on the dirt, them covered it with some old carpet. It keeps the Model A dry and is nice to work on.

[John Walters]

Where is the correct placement of the jack on the axles?

[BILL WILLIAMSON]

Originally Posted by John Walters

Where is the correct placement of the jack on the axles?

Whether a bottle jack or a scissor jack, I find that 1/2 of a muffler clamp welded on top makes a safe saddle for use under the front axle or the rear axle housing. Also a sturdy square piece of heavy plywood to set the jack base on, and wheel chocks.