Re: Proper Safe Jacking & Lifting ?

Posted by Mike Flanagan on February 18, 1998 at 22:31:43

In Reply to: Re: Proper Safe Jacking & Lifting ?
posted by Tom Kane on February 18, 1998 at 11:01:17

My problem stemmed from the fact that the Model A is much lighter than any car I had previously been involved with. When on the jack stands it doesn't take much effort at all to roll the jacks sideways. Less than I would have ever imagined. The saving grace was I had not removed the floor jack from under the front axle but rather let it retract and then just left it under the car. Tripped over the handle a couple of times, started to move it... glad I didn't.
God Speed Under 50.
The Model A Fool.
:
: : Lifting and supporting the Model A for access to the working parts is not unlike sex. All advice should be taken advisedly. That is to say whatever advice you get make sure you understand and agree with the information before proceeding.
: : From an engineering standpoint there is, in my opinion, one wrong way. That is with the lifting pads under the radius rods. Not long ago I saw a one of a kind on a rack with all four lifting pads under the radius rods. Worse yet the concentrated loading was close to the center of each rod. The design of these arms are not for the intended purpose of upward forces. They are tension members only. I did the calculations and they concerned me greatly. Like Jack and Jill who went up the Hill the "A" could come tumbling downward.
: : If you are going to lift the car with jacks under the frame do so in equilibrium. That is to say with two jacks positioned on opposite sides at the same position on the frame. This eliminates the torque effect that loosens the rivets that weakens the frame that causes the movement that stretches the body that cracks the paint and....
: : Also with the Model A on jack stands it is an accident waiting to happen. I know of a Fool that was working on his "A" while the front end was so supported and, long story short, it fell on him! When asked if it hurt he replied, "that's the first thing it did!". Doesn't take much imagination to figure out the identity of the Fool of which I speak, he can still type but he did limp for a while....
: : God Speed Under 50 and be careful under there....
: : The Model A Fool.
: : : Should the A be jacked on the FRAME or AXLES ? I also have access to a real hydraulic automotive shop lift. If I raise the A the on the shop lift were should the lift arms be located ?FRAME or AXLE ?
: : : Thanks,
: : :Tim Wildey
: : :The New A Owner 055-B
: Mike-
: I put my 31 Victoria up on stands at four points on the axles near the spring perch location.These stands are somewhat rigid in that the do not have an active ratchet mechanism.
: First set the height and then set the ratchet and then lower the car onto the jack stand, ( two at a time, front then rear).I would not go "full height" (about 16 inches) on the first raising, but would do it in steps.The key is be very careful, (very careful) anytime the car is in the air, and check the jack stands on a regular basis.

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