The Ford Barn

montanafordman · 03-02-2013, 01:03 AM

Hello everyone, I am looking for a tire jack to keep in my model A to take with me when I'm out cruising around and was wondering what works for the rest of you? While having a nice full set of vintage tools sounds great I havn't had the time or the funds to aquire any vintage Model A tools yet - besides do any of you use those tools or just show them? I was thinking about a small bottle jack but thought I'd ask here first. Do you use a bottle jack, scissor jack, and what size etc? Thanks!

SDJason · 03-02-2013, 01:59 AM

I went the scissor jack route (I think it's this one)...I'm paranoid about a bottle jack developing a leak at some point. Don't know if that's at all a common or rare thing, but also decided that I don't want to find out the hard way...

A31Woody · 03-02-2013, 02:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SDJason

I went the scissor jack route (I think it's this one)...I'm paranoid about a bottle jack developing a leak at some point. Don't know if that's at all a common or rare thing, but also decided that I don't want to find out the hard way...

At what points on the car do you use this jack? I was looking at the same one but was afraid my A would slide off the jack.

Joe K · 03-02-2013, 02:43 AM

My scissor jack was identical but green. And probably period to the Model A.

I actually ground a square onto the end of the starting crank so it would mate up to the 1/2" square recess needed to raise the jack.

I put it under the axle, either front or back, left or right. Usually set the E-brake similar to when you change a tire on a modern car. I always felt more secure if I put a couple of rocks under one of the "other" wheels.

Joe K

1931 flamingo · 03-02-2013, 07:49 AM

AAA+ and Hagerty Roadside.

Paul in CT

Aok · 03-02-2013, 08:13 AM

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)

I use a bottle jack have used one for years on various vehicles,never had one leak . I have a small maybe 5 ton I forget exact size that is in a plastic carry case perfect for the A or cars.

Richard Wilson · 03-02-2013, 08:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SDJason

I went the scissor jack route (I think it's this one)...I'm paranoid about a bottle jack developing a leak at some point. Don't know if that's at all a common or rare thing, but also decided that I don't want to find out the hard way...

I use a scissor jack with a couple pieces of wood board. Never a problem. I have seen at least 4 - 5 Model A's fall off bottle jacks while attempting to change a flat tire on club tours. I would suggest that if you use a bottle jack that you need to carry a jack stand also.

Chuck Kuntz · 03-02-2013, 08:29 AM

I use a Model T jack. No handle to worry about and never sticks in the up position. Top plate is dished so it won't slip off the axle.

Kurt in NJ · 03-02-2013, 08:38 AM

I use the original jack ---thats what it is for, works good(screw type),--B2, or C1 version

In 40 years perhaps 3 times for a flat (same tire), maybe 8 lifts for brake adjustment, I am not worried about wearing it out.

If you don't worry about needing the original tools NOW looking at yard sales can be a good place to get a original tool kit ,it can be done for less than 20$, make a copy of the pages from the judging standards, or look online for pictures-- http://www.mafca.com/tqa_jacks.html --

newshirt · 03-02-2013, 08:42 AM

When I first got my Model A, I was no naive I thought it came with the original jack and all the tools. I searched under the seats but came up empty. Hummm, where is it? I pictured myself alongside the road every thousand miles patching tubes with rubber cement like one does bicycle tubes.

So I bought a cheap bottle jack and rubber cement, which I've never used.

Chuck Kuntz · 03-02-2013, 08:46 AM

The Model A screw type jacks are fine and I would use one if I had it. My early 30 coupe doesn't require the screw type and I have had some bad experiences with the original early jacks.

P.S. · 03-02-2013, 08:57 AM

I use the non-hydraulic bottle type jack out of a 1998 Ford Ranger pickup. It's small and fits under the back seat with ease, including the handle. It telescopes up in 2 sections and goes tall enough to jack up the car by the axles with plenty more lift to spare. It's also rated for more weight than the entire car.

Randy in Illinois · 03-02-2013, 11:33 AM

I use a Model T jack. no fun fixing your car on the side of the raod if you don't do it like they use too.

Tom F OHIO · 03-02-2013, 11:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by montanafordman

Hello everyone, I am looking for a tire jack to keep in my model A to take with me when I'm out cruising around and was wondering what works for the rest of you? While having a nice full set of vintage tools sounds great I havn't had the time or the funds to aquire any vintage Model A tools yet - besides do any of you use those tools or just show them? I was thinking about a small bottle jack but thought I'd ask here first. Do you use a bottle jack, scissor jack, and what size etc? Thanks!

I use the scissors jack. The jack and the handle fit nicely under my front seat. Never had any trouble lifting the car with it.

MikeK · 03-02-2013, 11:59 AM

A little off-topic, but did Ford ever specify in print where the jack points were for tire changing? I have a 12V electric scissors jack (genuine chinese!) that someone gave me. Tried it once. Way too slow.

Tom F OHIO · 03-02-2013, 12:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MikeK

A little off-topic, but did Ford ever specify in print where the jack points were for tire changing? I have a 12V electric scissors jack (genuine chinese!) that someone gave me. Tried it once. Way too slow.

I have one of them from HF and it would not lift the Model A for some reason

Purdy Swoft · 03-02-2013, 12:29 PM

We keep the original jack under the seat in our model A's. The original jack works well but so far I haven't needed it. I added a feeler gauge and some fine sandpaper to the original tool pouch and that is about all that has ever been needed while on the road.

Bill B · 03-02-2013, 12:43 PM

I take the one that came with the car in 1930. Worked then and works now.

Dick M · 03-02-2013, 01:45 PM

I use a small bottle jack. I welded a small piece of channel iron to the top of the jack. The channel is wide enough to cup the botom of the front axle and it is also wide enough to cup the rear alxe housing. I also carry a piece of thin sheet steel to place under the jack for stability on soft or loose ground. Works great for me and takes up very little room.

CarlG · 03-02-2013, 01:59 PM

I use a scissor jack like the one in post #2. It's one of several I have, all say "Honda" on them.

59mgaguy · 03-02-2013, 02:23 PM

2X with Purdy. I have two original jacks. One I take with me plus a bottle jack just in case. I don't trust the bottle jack. As for jacking the A up I've been very lucky with only needing to at home with my floor jack. Seeing the tires are Lester's and I bought them mid 70's I figure I would have had a flat or blow out by now. Knock on wood those son of a guns are still holding up to date. Too bad Lester sold out. A good friend bought a set from Lester the same time as I did for his 15 Baby Grand. And those are still going strong too.

hardtimes · 03-02-2013, 02:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tom F OHIO

I have one of them from HF and it would not lift the Model A for some reason

Hey Tom,
'would not lift the model a'....Ho,ho, that's good one! Can you say..genuine chinee

!
Well, I have mabe dozen old jacks ..from unused model a thru old screw type thru bottle and up thru bumper jacks (hm, wonder how bumper jack would work on model a)!
However, I don't carry any jack...or even a spare tire in my roadster

!!
Never had a flat.. and don't expect to with coker steel radials.
WHY..you say? In a recent past thread about..what to take with you on a trip... a 'Guru'

here said....take NOTHING, if you've done the work and your A runs like it should ! I think mine does,eh

JBill · 03-02-2013, 02:46 PM

I use a scissor jack. The part that the axles actually rest on is a little larger/longer on mine than what's on the jack pictured.

Tom F OHIO · 03-02-2013, 03:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hardtimes

Hey Tom,
'would not lift the model a'....Ho,ho, that's good one! Can you say..genuine chinee

!
Well, I have mabe dozen old jacks ..from unused model a thru old screw type thru bottle and up thru bumper jacks (hm, wonder how bumper jack would work on model a)!
However, I don't carry any jack...or even a spare tire in my roadster

!!
Never had a flat.. and don't expect to with coker steel radials.
WHY..you say? In a recent past thread about..what to take with you on a trip... a 'Guru'

here said....take NOTHING, if you've done the work and your A runs like it should ! I think mine does,eh

Luckly, knock on wood I have never had to jack my car up on the road, but just at home to work on it. BUT, there are a lot of threads on this site where somebodys car was running like a champ and then all of a sudden on a trip the car wants to quit or something. You just never know.

Purdy Swoft · 03-02-2013, 04:57 PM

[QUOTE=Tom F OHIO;603170]Luckly, knock on wood I have never had to jack my car up on the road, but just at home to work on it. BUT, there are a lot of threads on this site where somebodys car was running like a champ and then all of a sudden on a trip the car wants to quit or something. You just never know.[/QUOT

Thats when its good to have a feeler gauge and sandpaper , in case the points close up and need to be dressed and re set. I use to keep a feeler gauge in my pocket. The rubbing blocks on the points seem to last longer on the points now available.

SDJason · 03-02-2013, 05:00 PM

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Quote:

Originally Posted by A31Woody

At what points on the car do you use this jack? I was looking at the same one but was afraid my A would slide off the jack.

Got me thinking a bit now...maybe I'll take Bill's advice (post # 20 of this thread) and make more of a saddle to cradle the axle in...

Clem Clement · 03-02-2013, 06:00 PM

Bottle and a chock and a flat borad to place the jack on.

John Stone · 03-02-2013, 06:31 PM

I made these for the various bottle jacks I have in my cars. You never know when you need to jack up the car.

Keith True · 03-02-2013, 06:36 PM

In the 80's Nissan used some crank up jacks in the pickups that look surprisingly like one of the A jacks.Very well made and goes up a lot further than I would fell safe doing.With the price of scrap now though Nissans are hard to come by.

montanafordman · 03-02-2013, 07:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SDJason

Got me thinking a bit now...maybe I'll take Bill's advice (post # 20 of this thread) and make more of a saddle to cradle the axle in...

Usually I use the search function when looking for info on this site. I had not remembered this topic coming up since getting my A and joining Fordbarn in Sept of 2011 so I just jumped at the question - this was in april of that year so there you have it! Thanks for all the replies! Lots of good stuff to ponder when I'm looking.

Tom Wesenberg · 03-02-2013, 07:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by John Stone

I made these for the various bottle jacks I have in my cars. You never know when you need to jack up the car.

Thanks John, that's exactly what I was going to make and post a picture of, but you saved me the trouble.

A bottle jack under a flat plate is fine, but when used under any round axle tube or front axle should have one of these adaptors on top of the small screw pad.

03-02-2013, 01:03 AM	#1
montanafordman Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: Meridian, ID Posts: 568	What sort of tire jack do you take on tour? Hello everyone, I am looking for a tire jack to keep in my model A to take with me when I'm out cruising around and was wondering what works for the rest of you? While having a nice full set of vintage tools sounds great I havn't had the time or the funds to aquire any vintage Model A tools yet - besides do any of you use those tools or just show them? I was thinking about a small bottle jack but thought I'd ask here first. Do you use a bottle jack, scissor jack, and what size etc? Thanks!

03-02-2013, 02:43 AM	#4
Joe K Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Cow Hampshire Posts: 4,188	Re: What sort of tire jack do you take on tour? My scissor jack was identical but green. And probably period to the Model A. I actually ground a square onto the end of the starting crank so it would mate up to the 1/2" square recess needed to raise the jack. I put it under the axle, either front or back, left or right. Usually set the E-brake similar to when you change a tire on a modern car. I always felt more secure if I put a couple of rocks under one of the "other" wheels. Joe K __________________ Shudda kept the horse.

03-02-2013, 07:49 AM	#5
1931 flamingo Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: new britain,ct 06052 Posts: 9,390	Re: What sort of tire jack do you take on tour? AAA+ and Hagerty Roadside. Paul in CT

03-02-2013, 08:13 AM	#6
Aok Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Tx Posts: 502	Re: What sort of tire jack do you take on tour? Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) I use a bottle jack have used one for years on various vehicles,never had one leak . I have a small maybe 5 ton I forget exact size that is in a plastic carry case perfect for the A or cars.

03-02-2013, 08:29 AM	#8
Chuck Kuntz Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Posts: 13,690	Re: What sort of tire jack do you take on tour? I use a Model T jack. No handle to worry about and never sticks in the up position. Top plate is dished so it won't slip off the axle.

03-02-2013, 01:59 AM	#2
SDJason Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: San Diego, CA Posts: 442	Re: What sort of tire jack do you take on tour? I went the scissor jack route (I think it's this one)...I'm paranoid about a bottle jack developing a leak at some point. Don't know if that's at all a common or rare thing, but also decided that I don't want to find out the hard way... Last edited by SDJason; 03-02-2013 at 02:00 AM. Reason: added link to photo

03-02-2013, 08:38 AM	#9
Kurt in NJ Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: on the Littlefield Posts: 6,159	Re: What sort of tire jack do you take on tour? I use the original jack ---thats what it is for, works good(screw type),--B2, or C1 version In 40 years perhaps 3 times for a flat (same tire), maybe 8 lifts for brake adjustment, I am not worried about wearing it out. If you don't worry about needing the original tools NOW looking at yard sales can be a good place to get a original tool kit ,it can be done for less than 20$, make a copy of the pages from the judging standards, or look online for pictures-- http://www.mafca.com/tqa_jacks.html -- Last edited by Kurt in NJ; 03-02-2013 at 08:47 AM.

03-02-2013, 08:42 AM	#10
newshirt Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Colorado Springs Posts: 868	Re: What sort of tire jack do you take on tour? When I first got my Model A, I was no naive I thought it came with the original jack and all the tools. I searched under the seats but came up empty. Hummm, where is it? I pictured myself alongside the road every thousand miles patching tubes with rubber cement like one does bicycle tubes. So I bought a cheap bottle jack and rubber cement, which I've never used. __________________ Ray White

03-02-2013, 08:46 AM	#11
Chuck Kuntz Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Posts: 13,690	Re: What sort of tire jack do you take on tour? The Model A screw type jacks are fine and I would use one if I had it. My early 30 coupe doesn't require the screw type and I have had some bad experiences with the original early jacks.

03-02-2013, 08:57 AM	#12
P.S. Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: California Posts: 1,696	Re: What sort of tire jack do you take on tour? I use the non-hydraulic bottle type jack out of a 1998 Ford Ranger pickup. It's small and fits under the back seat with ease, including the handle. It telescopes up in 2 sections and goes tall enough to jack up the car by the axles with plenty more lift to spare. It's also rated for more weight than the entire car.

03-02-2013, 11:33 AM	#13
Randy in Illinois Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Illinois Posts: 193	Re: What sort of tire jack do you take on tour? I use a Model T jack. no fun fixing your car on the side of the raod if you don't do it like they use too.

03-02-2013, 11:59 AM	#15
MikeK Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Windy City Posts: 2,919	Re: What sort of tire jack do you take on tour? A little off-topic, but did Ford ever specify in print where the jack points were for tire changing? I have a 12V electric scissors jack (genuine chinese!) that someone gave me. Tried it once. Way too slow.

03-02-2013, 12:29 PM	#17
Purdy Swoft Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Alabama Posts: 8,099	Re: What sort of tire jack do you take on tour? We keep the original jack under the seat in our model A's. The original jack works well but so far I haven't needed it. I added a feeler gauge and some fine sandpaper to the original tool pouch and that is about all that has ever been needed while on the road.

03-02-2013, 12:43 PM	#18
Bill B Member Join Date: May 2011 Location: Rancho Palos Verdes, CA Posts: 48	Re: What sort of tire jack do you take on tour? I take the one that came with the car in 1930. Worked then and works now.

03-02-2013, 01:45 PM	#19
Dick M Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Ukiah, CA Posts: 477	Re: What sort of tire jack do you take on tour? I use a small bottle jack. I welded a small piece of channel iron to the top of the jack. The channel is wide enough to cup the botom of the front axle and it is also wide enough to cup the rear alxe housing. I also carry a piece of thin sheet steel to place under the jack for stability on soft or loose ground. Works great for me and takes up very little room.

03-02-2013, 01:59 PM	#20
CarlG Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Anchorage, Alaska Posts: 9,115	Re: What sort of tire jack do you take on tour? I use a scissor jack like the one in post #2. It's one of several I have, all say "Honda" on them. __________________ Alaskan A's Antique Auto Mushers of Alaska Model A Ford Club of America Model A Restorers Club Antique Automobile Club of America Mullins Owner's Club

03-02-2013, 02:23 PM	#21
59mgaguy Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2013 Posts: 114	Re: What sort of tire jack do you take on tour? 2X with Purdy. I have two original jacks. One I take with me plus a bottle jack just in case. I don't trust the bottle jack. As for jacking the A up I've been very lucky with only needing to at home with my floor jack. Seeing the tires are Lester's and I bought them mid 70's I figure I would have had a flat or blow out by now. Knock on wood those son of a guns are still holding up to date. Too bad Lester sold out. A good friend bought a set from Lester the same time as I did for his 15 Baby Grand. And those are still going strong too.

03-02-2013, 02:46 PM	#23
JBill Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Posts: 702	Re: What sort of tire jack do you take on tour? I use a scissor jack. The part that the axles actually rest on is a little larger/longer on mine than what's on the jack pictured.

03-02-2013, 04:57 PM	#25
Purdy Swoft Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Alabama Posts: 8,099	Re: What sort of tire jack do you take on tour? [QUOTE=Tom F OHIO;603170]Luckly, knock on wood I have never had to jack my car up on the road, but just at home to work on it. BUT, there are a lot of threads on this site where somebodys car was running like a champ and then all of a sudden on a trip the car wants to quit or something. You just never know.[/QUOT Thats when its good to have a feeler gauge and sandpaper , in case the points close up and need to be dressed and re set. I use to keep a feeler gauge in my pocket. The rubbing blocks on the points seem to last longer on the points now available.

03-02-2013, 06:00 PM	#27
Clem Clement Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Fairfax, VA Posts: 3,393	Re: What sort of tire jack do you take on tour? Bottle and a chock and a flat borad to place the jack on.

03-02-2013, 06:36 PM	#29
Keith True Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Epping N.H. Posts: 2,987	Re: What sort of tire jack do you take on tour? In the 80's Nissan used some crank up jacks in the pickups that look surprisingly like one of the A jacks.Very well made and goes up a lot further than I would fell safe doing.With the price of scrap now though Nissans are hard to come by.