Jack for my 66

[Donald H.]

My car did not come with a jack so I need to buy one. Has anyone bought and used the reproduction jacks like Paragon and Corvette Central sell?

Their websites basically say that their reproduction jacks are built better than the originals, but the recommend that they be used only for show and not to jack up the car.

If they are better than originals and the originals where what were used to jack up the cars, then why shouldn't they be used now? Are they just making a liability disclaimer with their statements?

Thanks,

Don

[John H.]

Re: Jack for my 66

If they are better than originals and the originals where what were used to jack up the cars, then why shouldn't they be used now? Are they just making a liability disclaimer with their statements?

Thanks,

Don

Don -

Yes. The reproduction jacks are no less capable than the originals. Ever count the number of death, doom, and destruction stickers on a ladder?

[Harry S.]

Re: Jack for my 66

Show only!!!! Unless you carry a jack stand to support the car after you get it up, and that is still risky.

You probably need a Type III jack. Take a look at LIC's pictures.

[Don H.]

Re: Jack for my 66

It seems to me that if you own a driver, and you get a flat and have to make a tire change, and you do not have AAA roadside service, you are probably going to have to use the service jack that came with the car. And I'll bet if you are parked on a relatively flat road surface, and you are careful to block wheels to prevent car from rolling, that the service jack will lift the car just fine to allow for changing the wheel. Now I have not done it because no flat tires yet, but I don't see any great risk should I have to. The jack seems plenty sturdy to me for emergency use.

[Bob S.]

Re: Jack for my 66

Donald-

In good condition, the service jack is a fine, but not the easiest way to lift your car. As others have said, you always want additional support before going under the car though.

Back in the day, all I had was the service jack and a similar, but slightly larger FLAPs sissors jack for lifting my midyears. Used both many times for oil changes, replacing clutches, cams, etc.. The FLAPs jack finally wore out due to thread wear......so I'd recommend making sure the threads are lubed with clean chassis grease on any service jack that is used.

Haven't used a Corvette service jack for nearly 30 years. Been using floor jacks since, and now enjoy using my Rotary lift.....

Regards,
Bob

[Donald H.]

Re: Jack for my 66

Donald-

In good condition, the service jack is a fine, but not the easiest way to lift your car. As others have said, you always want additional support before going under the car though.

Back in the day, all I had was the service jack and a similar, but slightly larger FLAPs sissors jack for lifting my midyears. Used both many times for oil changes, replacing clutches, cams, etc.. The FLAPs jack finally wore out due to thread wear......so I'd recommend making sure the threads are lubed with clean chassis grease on any service jack that is used.

Haven't used a Corvette service jack for nearly 30 years. Been using floor jacks since, and now enjoy using my Rotary lift.....

Regards,
Bob

I'm only looking at a reproduction jack to carry in the car for emergency. I have floor jacks and jack stand to work under the car. Hopefully will be getting a lift in the near future.

[John C.]

Re: Jack for my 66

Don

If you only want the jack for emergency purposes I suggest you go with a 69 and up jack. They are built much more heavily then the mid year styles. You should be able to find a good used one for a lot less then the reproductions are going for.

John

[Joe R.]

Re: Jack for my 66

I have had several long discussions with John Smith (former owner of the company that builds reproduction jacks). The jacks are not only as safe but safer than the originals since they are constructed of better grade steel, rivets, bearings etc. The reason for the warning with the jacks is that they are selling them to idiots! These idiots think that they can use a jack on any surface, at any angle and the jack will not fold under the pressure.

Well they are wrong, hence the warning to protect the manufacturer from wrongful lawsuits from the lawyers that come out from under the rocks.

In a nutshell, get you a reproduction jack (Type III) and use it correctly and use your lift, floor jack and stands for oil changes and repairs.

Have a nice day,

JR

[Paul J.]

Re: Jack for my 66

Don,

There's nothing wrong with a Type III service jack for a roadside emergency. All that you need is for it to function well enough to get you back on the road, which is about all it does. The reproductions should work fine, just remember to be careful with it. It will also fit into the storage well. Chances are you'll never use it on a car that has very good tires and is driven infrequently.

I have used mine many times, although it was a long time ago. Between my boys and thier friends, we now have 24 hour roadside assistance (free). One of the benefits of living out in the country.

Paul

[Dan H.]

Re: Jack for my 66

Guys, just to prove how good those original jacks were, I was watching Route 66 last night and Todd had his 63 vert jacked up with the jack, had dismounted a tire and was using the bare wheel as a winch to pull some people up a cliff! Must not have had positraction? The jack was almost totally extended, can we say 'scary'?
Dan

[Donald H.]

Re: Jack for my 66

I have had several long discussions with John Smith (former owner of the company that builds reproduction jacks). The jacks are not only as safe but safer than the originals since they are constructed of better grade steel, rivets, bearings etc. The reason for the warning with the jacks is that they are selling them to idiots! These idiots think that they can use a jack on any surface, at any angle and the jack will not fold under the pressure.

Well they are wrong, hence the warning to protect the manufacturer from wrongful lawsuits from the lawyers that come out from under the rocks.

In a nutshell, get you a reproduction jack (Type III) and use it correctly and use your lift, floor jack and stands for oil changes and repairs.

Have a nice day,

JR

Thanks,

I assumed the reproduction were as good as the original jacks. Would sort of have to be given todays litiguous society. I don't plan to have a flat, so it will not get much use anyway.

Don

[Don H.]

Re: Jack for my 66

Hey Don
that's the thing about flats,,,,
no one plans to have them.
They just happen.
And at the most inopportune times, usually.
Buy the repro jack, put it in the well, and you are good to go.
If you want to be doubly good, get AAA roadside service.
Happy motoring!

[Jack P.]

Re: Jack for my 66

My car did not come with a jack so I need to buy one. Has anyone bought and used the reproduction jacks like Paragon and Corvette Central sell?

Their websites basically say that their reproduction jacks are built better than the originals, but the recommend that they be used only for show and not to jack up the car.

If they are better than originals and the originals where what were used to jack up the cars, then why shouldn't they be used now? Are they just making a liability disclaimer with their statements?

Thanks,

Don

Owned my car for 41 years (66) and threw out the original jack 40 year ago. I always had a small bottle hydraulic jack and a piece of wood to put it on. Lifted the car to change tire.

Traveled all 48 states last summer , without a spare tire or jack. Just carried a few cans of fix flat and had my AAA card.

If you are going to use a jack, get a hydraulic one, much safer.

Jack

[Bill W.]

Re: Jack for my 66

Owned my car for 41 years (66) and threw out the original jack 40 year ago. I always had a small bottle hydraulic jack and a piece of wood to put it on. Lifted the car to change tire.

Traveled all 48 states last summer , without a spare tire or jack. Just carried a few cans of fix flat and had my AAA card.

If you are going to use a jack, get a hydraulic one, much safer.

Jack

Guys,
My original jack gave up the ghost about the tenth time I used it. If you have one of these be careful when useing it. Bill