Date:         Thu, 10 Dec 1998 10:53:05 -0600
Reply-To:     Blue Eyes <lvlearn@MCI2000.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@vanagon.com>
From:         Blue Eyes <lvlearn@MCI2000.COM>
Organization: Vexation Computer
Subject:      Re: Jack for the vanagon
Comments: To: vanagon@VANAGON.COM
Content-type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii

I've had quite a few jacks through the years.  But my all time favorite is a
little guy I bought from Montgomery Ward about 25 years ago.  It's a four
wheel floor jack, short, very rigid laterally when  elevated, good working
spring loaded return, narrow base, non tipping lift cup.  But the trick part
is that the  hex socket bottom handle attaches/detaches with with a big hand
wing head bolt that enters a groove in the handle so it can't pull out, yet
leaves it free to spin to control the integrated rotary handle hydraulic
valve.  Wait, it gets better.  This instantly removable handle telescopes.  It
has a spring loaded locking pin so it can be short or long in use as you need,
but always short in storage.  Click, snap, it's done.  Very positive, fast and
reliable.  It's small enough that it has fit behind seats of a series of small
pickups without being turned on edge.  Never leaks, never gives trouble, and
always ready.  The wheels roll well enough that I once jumped out and picked
up the rear end of a jerk's car  who had parked in my business parking space
with his full sized Buick.  I was scheduled to work 12 hours without relief
and delivery trucks were already waiting for me to open the front doors at
noon.  No time to screw around with this guy who had ignored the huge sign
warning of instant tow away.  That jack lifted his rear end, pulled it out on
the jack wheels and his front tires, and dropped it for the police.  Nice
jack.  If you see one like it, pounce.  Someone was thinking when they made
it, just like the amazingly efficient space allocation of the Westy interior.
John