mechanical jack

[1930artdeco]

I was at my car meeting last night and asked if anyone had a USA made floor jack for sale. Well, a guy comes up and says he has a mechanical floor jack from the 20's that he will sell me. My question is this: what can go wrong with type of jack and what should I look for? I have never seen one.

Mike

[Kurt in NJ]

If it is a screw type look at the threads---how much play in the "nut", compare that to the thread spacing, if the play is a good percentage on the thread spacing consider it needing a new "nut"----threads that are almost worn through can give you a sudden letdown

If it is a ratchet type look at the ratchet teeth for damage and rounding---if dirt gets in the teeth and prevents full engagement the edges will get rounded and chipped ---

take the jack to a car and try it, see how easy it works, how well oiled is it---this will make a difference in the effort, does the action seem positive, the release work smooth ---if it has wheels look to see that the axles are tight, if the swivels have ball bearings ,how wobbly are caster wheel swivels---a very loose one may be just loose bolt, or missing ball bearings

[leo]

I have a Walker Roll-A-Car jack, mechanical, probably early 1930's. I think these are great, built like a brick -house, no oil cylinder to leak. Look for some type of data plate which was rivited to the frame.

[1930artdeco]

Thanks guys, I will call on the guy tomorrow as he is at a funeral now. He only wants, $85, so if it is in good working shape it is mine. All, 125 lbs. of it.

Mike

[400A-64]

I have a early WALKER two wheel floor jack. Very positive action and handy to use.
Bruce Davis

[H. L. Chauvin]

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)

Other safety issues one may want to be reminded of even if it is a 1920's mechanical jack; or, even a later more modern mechanical jack with a small base:

1. In soft ground, small square base jacks can sink more on one corner & overturn, thus causing the vehicle to fall. (Does not hurt to carry a wider wood plank to use underneath for a sub-base.)

2. An 18 wheeler at moderate speed has enough wind pressure to make a tall Model A, (with wind scoop fenders), to fall off the jack while changing a flat, even on a hard surfaced highway shoulder; &,

3. Never substitute "any" jack for a (4) legged jack stand if one has to get under a vehicle even if for only a few seconds.

[1930artdeco]

O.K. here she is!!!! It is a Walker 2.5 ton mechanical floor jack still in her original red paint job. I am just going to clean her up and figure out how to use her. Anyone have a manual by chance that you could email me? The tag says "Walker 745 series B 4.25-20 2.5 ton"

Mike

[Bruce Lancaster]

I have one about like that...the leverage and ratchet arrangements are very roubust and sturdy. Some things are dependent on springs to maintain tension on pawls or whatever, so look over the springs and figure out peplacement plans for any that are badly corroded or weak. You will have to adapt from generic stuff of course, and likley there are reasonable substitutes scattered around Old Ford parts catalogs, pedal return springs and such.

[1930artdeco]

Anyone know how to get the rear wheels out of their housings? I 'may' need to replace the bearings.


Mike

[leo]

Is there a bearing at the rear wheels? On my Roll-A-Car the wheels are held on by a pin, maybe just a cotter pin.

[KR500]

The rear wheels have friction round rings which kept the king pin of the wheels in. Send an email to me at sponge19501924@yahoo. I may have the parts breakdown for the Walker 745.