Vintage Floor Jacks

[dgmpam]

Got this old Manley floor jack recently. It was given to me, actually. I am trying to get some information on it. I am thinking it is a model J2, but am also wondering if it could be a J4. It still works and doesn't show any leaks, but the release mechanism is hard to work and needs some attention. Any and all help is appreciated. Thanks.

Dave Marshall

 

[tcianci]

Here is mine, came out of Bob Singer Ford in Columbus, OH when they shut down in the mid-70s. It is a Weaver WA-72 2 ton. Rebuilt it when I got it 2 years ago with parts from a forum member here and Ohio Hydraulic out of Columbus.

Bill

Ii have that jack except with a round saddle. I think it still works but it does weep. IIRC I have a kit. I was a rescue my dad rebuilt about 45 yeas ago and it was old back then!

 

[CRTDI]

Got this old Manley floor jack recently. It was given to me, actually. I am trying to get some information on it. I am thinking it is a model J2, but am also wondering if it could be a J4. It still works and doesn't show any leaks, but the release mechanism is hard to work and needs some attention. Any and all help is appreciated. Thanks.

I've never seen a J-2 OR -4 series jack in person and have been wanting to at least see some detailed pics for quite some time. Thank you...I think it's a pretty cool unit.....

The jack looks to be kinda beefy, making me think that it might be a J-4.

If you can't find a data plate or any corresponding part numbers, In the pic for FIG. #2 take a look at item number 9983 for the bell crank pin dimensions, this should be a good way to determine if this is a model J-2 or J-4.

J-4 dimensions are: 1 3/8" dia. x 7 3/4" long. J-2 dimensions (not shown but on my reference sheet) are 15/16" dia. x 6 5/8" long.


Please let us know which model you think you have.

Hopefully you can get your release mechanism working as well...

 

[dgmpam]

After measuring the bell crank pins, my jack is the J2 model. Hopefully, it is very similar to the J4 so I can reference things closely on the J4 information.

 

[CRTDI]

Well...since you got a J-2 model. Hopefully, this info is helpful to you and others.

 

[Speed4Life]

I picked up this beast about a year ago or so. It's a Walker. Can't remember the model at present. It needs a complete obvehaul. I just haven't had any time to work on it yet.

 

[BADSIX]

there nice to look at but I wouldn't have one around any nice cars. as a kid I worked in a large gas station and we had one of those. I don't recall the name but every time someone would just barely bump the handle it would release and fall. if a car or something was in the way it had a good dent in it. I hated that thing .
Jay D.

 

[123Go]

there nice to look at but I wouldn't have one around any nice cars. as a kid I worked in a large gas station and we had one of those. I don't recall the name but every time someone would just barely bump the handle it would release and fall. if a car or something was in the way it had a good dent in it. I hated that thing .
Jay D.

Actually there are many different jack designs, large/small frame & so many different jack makers too came & went so like we all know some are simply better than others no doubt.
Implying this members jack is not good enough to be around nice cars especially without you even knowing the name/model that you used years ago is very unfair here.

In fact' I have an old Hein Werner M series long frame from the 60's I'd put up against any short frame jack ever made for smoothness, it's never released just by bumping it like you said happens and even being decades old mine still allows 1/4, 1/2 inch lowering adjustments and up/down it's as smooth as silk still to this day. It's handle even has a pin lock designed into it to keep it up so it won't fall and damage stuff near it.

Not all jacks are the same just because they look similar, not by a long shot! There has always been lower/higher grade jacks made especially after all the foreign companies came here and it sounds like the one you used BADSIX was just worn badly or even broken to boot, surely it was not originally made like that to start with .

 

[BADSIX]

wow, I didn't imply anything about the OPs jack or any other jack! just the one I was around when I was a kid working in a gas station. I didn't buy it or own it, it belonged to my boss he said use it so I used it, didn't like it but I used it .and it did cause more problems than it was worth. we finally made a rubber strap out of an old inner tube to hold the knob down on top of the handle. I was 16 then and didn't give a **** about the name or model, it was just a jack. I would have give 20 bucks back in the 60s if I could have had a nice aluminum jack.
Jay D.

 

[123Go]

Oh sorry there ' but in some minds by someone stating "there nice to look at but I wouldn't have one around any nice cars." it simply makes one think you implied his jack being unfit unless working on some pos, guess it's just me who read it wrong?

 

[JMB652804777]

Great reading about some of the floor jacks and makes we wish I'd kept a 5 ton Blackhawk that went in my Dad's estate 11 years back.

Hoping to get some help on a recent find, it appears to be either a Walker 784 or a 884. Somewhere in it's history the nameplate went missing and the previous owner got it with a 1963 Chev 25 years ago, so couldn't help with an ID.

It has suffered some "repairs" as well as missing parts over the years, The handle is now welded together as well as the handle to the index component that allows the handle to go upright.

One U-joint has been replaced with a standard 3/8 drive universal and the front decorative piece as well as one return spring is missing.

The pump functions at least to a degree but rebuild kits seem plentiful.

Parts may be the challenge. Have bought parts from Lazzars(HRC) for my current rebuild project a Walker 767.

Any feedback on parts mentioned would be appreciated. Being in Canada it seems we have way less of these great items available so again help, direction or resources are appreciated.

 

[930dreamer]

Another BlackHawk S4 jack.

 

[Broncoman75]

is this blackhawk s7 worth saving?
My buddy was going to have me haul it to the recyclers with a bunch of scrap I am getting rid of,
but figured I would hask here first.
The handle on is is not the correct one and im sure there are other issues too...

 

[ShadowRuleZ]

Picked up a Blackhawk S6 back in the early spring...One of these days I'll get around to restoring it...

I think that's an SJ18, I've got one. Haven't heard of an S6.

 

[930dreamer]

Don't scrap it, someone will buy it.

 

[Broncoman75]

Don't scrap it, someone will buy it.

Heck, I would give it away. I don't need another project but I hate to scrap a vintage piece of metal like that...

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[C_F]

Heck, I would give it away. I don't need another project but I hate to scrap a vintage piece of metal like that...

Where are you located?

 

[Broncoman75]

Clear field, Utah

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[GovtMule66]

I am new to the forum and I am glad I found it and thanks to all that contribute. My Dad has a Walker 882 floor jack that he has had since the early 70's and recently we have a issue with it. The jack will pump up and hold fine but the issue starts when we go to let the jack back down. The jack will not go down on it's own and has to be stood on to be closed or flattened. This is a problem when the jack is in use and under a vehicle....

If anyone has any suggestions, comments or tips I would greatly appreciate them.

Thanks

 

[Bchptrl851]

I have a Blackhawk model S 18. I need the rear packing nut. Can anyone tell me if they have or know where I can get this part.

 

[Danc59]

Call me the Breeze;

In your 1rst pic on #14, you have an Orange jack/White handle in the backround...I have one exactly like it, but the tag is worn off...Can you please tell me what the brand name is?
I need to fix it but don't remember the brand...

Thanks,
Dan

 

[hemifalcon]

Here’s my Blackhawk S13 and Walker 782.. I’ve got about $100 into the pair.. Both of them work great—I prefer the Blackhawk—it just weeps some oil from the main ram seal..












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[123Go]

Here’s my Blackhawk S13 and Walker 782.. I’ve got about $100 into the pair.. Both of them work great—I prefer the Blackhawk—it just weeps some oil from the main ram seal..












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My old blackhawk I got last year like this lost a bit of oil too while setting & under a load both until I pulled the cover off the reservoir to refill it. There I saw it had a bit too much oil in it.
Inside one can see their are (2) tiny holes down inside and the oil level needs to be just below both holes. Once I cleaned and added new oil to that level it never has lost oil again and works perfectly. At least that is what mine needed anyway?
Nice jacks to have around home/shop either one!!

 

[c_duke]

Greetings,
Reposting this here, since there seem to be many folks here interested in old floor jacks.

My dad had a Manley JS-2 in his garage for years that didn't work. He never took the time to troubleshoot it. I was cleaning up there a couple weeks ago and brought the jack home to look at.
It had no oil in it, so I filled it, and it does work, but it leaks.
So I started disassembly.

I am stuck on removing a shouldered pin. I've given it a few pretty solid raps with the ball peen, but it seems really solid in there and I don't want to take a chance on cracking the cast iron. I've pointed out the pin in the next couple photos. Any ideas on removing it?

<img src="https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/picture.php?albumid=6008&pictureid=76268"</img><img src="https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/picture.php?albumid=6008&pictureid=76269"</img>



Thanks in advance for any ideas.

 

[HCRCnow]

Greetings,
Reposting this here, since there seem to be many folks here interested in old floor jacks.

My dad had a Manley JS-2 in his garage for years that didn't work. He never took the time to troubleshoot it. I was cleaning up there a couple weeks ago and brought the jack home to look at.
It had no oil in it, so I filled it, and it does work, but it leaks.
So I started disassembly.

I am stuck on removing a shouldered pin. I've given it a few pretty solid raps with the ball peen, but it seems really solid in there and I don't want to take a chance on cracking the cast iron. I've pointed out the pin in the next couple photos. Any ideas on removing it?

<img src="https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/picture.php?albumid=6008&pictureid=76268"</img><img src="https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/picture.php?albumid=6008&pictureid=76269"</img>



Thanks in advance for any ideas.

That pin does not need to be removed to take out the hydraulic unit.
If that is what you are trying to do.

 

[123Go]

I can't begin to tell you if it needs to be removed or not but the best off the shelf product I found to help me loosen stuck or rusted bolts/pins etc.. is "CRC Knock'er Loose". It absolutely melts rust in seconds. Much better than WD,PB, Liq Wrench etc...

 

[peter2772000]

Funny, I was so relieved to toss my leaky +/- 20 yr old floor jack when I discovered a lightweight aluminum version with the same rating. I used to have to take a running start to it to move it. The new one feels like a paperweight and doesn't wreck the epoxy floor paint.

I realize the sentimental value of some of the really older classics, but I personally wouldn't change back for anything.

 

[c_duke]

Thanks HCRCnow! That is the goal. My plan was to disassemble, repair the hydraulics, paint, reassemble. With your info, I think my life just got a lot easier!

 

[123Go]

Not just senti value on here Pete.
Many people are awfully tired of pizzing their money away tossing new China **** out every couple years. After a bit of ciphering over the cash we lost replacing them over & over many went to restoring these old US made jacks with real seals because they last decades between rebuilds so we actually use them my friend.
I went through several China jacks in about 5-7 yrs before I went back to these old tried n trues and I personally have no problem scrapping any new China jack today before ever scrapping any old US model.

I made the same mistake as many have and I kept buying more expensive versions thinking they'd last longer. But' with a single O-ring inside their cylinder as a ram seal, inferior machining & metals too they all fail rather quickly these days so their planned obsolescence plan is working quite well no doubt.
I'm very happy to lug mine around again instead of tossing my money away!!

Hopefully you'll have much better luck with yours than so many of us had with ours and it is true they work well when they work but can't hold a candle to the durability of old brutes of yesteryear!!!
Besides, the fact our greatest generations in our world's history built these jacks, so why wouldn't they be anything else but special anyway?
Pride of craftsmanship is only skin deep these days, just no heart inside anymore and it always proves true on a teardown.

*

 

[peter2772000]

Not just senti value on here Pete.
Many people are awfully tired of pizzing their money away tossing new China **** out every couple years. After a bit of ciphering over the cash we lost replacing them over & over many went to restoring these old US made jacks with real seals because they last decades between rebuilds so we actually use them my friend................. *

I can't argue with you there. I'm sure if I was still wrenching a lot as I used to, I'd be singing a different tune.

I stand corrected!

 

[cirrusaero]

I just picked this Hein Werner 4 ton floor ******** my local craigslist. Doesn't leak fluid but the handle doesn't return very smooth. Anyone have a source for rebuild parts or diagrahms?

 

[930dreamer]

Found another S4 with a light on the way to Kansas City, but wife wont allow it in the Lincoln trunk.

 

[123Go]

Easy fix 930dreamer, just put her in the trunk.

 

[123Go]

cirrusaero'
I just put my handle where I want it and use my handle lock pin/trigger to keep it there. Pin was rusty on mine so didn't fit hole well but a bit of cleaning/lube they work like a glove.
Kits here, may need to contact them but they'll have them and I think its leather: https://www.hcrcnow.com/

I never had to rebuild mine, changed oil out then threw the paint to them, knock on wood still going strong and I really just love that design. Heavy to lift off the ground but so easy to maneuver around, easier than my 2 ton Walker/Lincoln is no doubt and really love the reach/height from these.
Also' if too much oil is in her reservoir they'll spit that extra fluid out from anywhere it can under a load but then will stop & never leak again so watch your oil level. Lesson learned here, I was guessing on amount?
===========

Peter277200' Back at you bud,

 

[don long]

I found this jack in Az. this weekend and I've never seen one like it.


IMG_2026 by don long, on Flickr


IMG_1977 by don long, on Flickr

IMG_2019 by don long, on Flickr

IMG_2021 by don long, on Flickr

IMG_2023 by don long, on Flickr

After doing a search I've come up with this
The jack is from the late 1920s early 30s Build by Vickers mfg co.
I also found some diagrams that will help in restoration.

US1728088-0 by don long, on Flickr

US1728088-1 by don long, on Flickr

US1728088-2 by don long, on Flickr

 

[johno]

Pretty interesting looking.

 

[123Go]

That is too cool...Does it lift as is?

 

[don long]

No. The wheels don't turn and the handle won't move either.
It will take some work to put it back in good shape

 

[DynoDave]

That's a wild looking old jack Don. I can imagine that was a "gotta have it" item as soon as you saw it.

 

[TheBadDog]

I just picked up a Weaver WA73 4 ton long frame floor jack. Looks to be in very good condition except for one of the caster wheels that has suffered some damage. It's not a must fix, but I was wondering if anyone has a source for these? They are 1/2" axle, 2.5" diameter, and 1.75 wide at the hub.

Edit: Just looking for info and ran across Castle Equipment. Looks like they have the OEM replacement wheel only (no bearing, just cast wheel) for $28. So not cheap for a bare wheel, but not completely outrageous (like parts for some of my machine tools). So I just need to pull that outrigger apart to figure out what made it load the inside of the wheel so heavily that it damaged it. It's somewhat coned at the moment on the side that is chipped out, so guessing the top bearing is shot letting it want to splay out under load.