Jack challenge

[Heuer]

There are at least half a dozen versions of the original E-Type jack (Shelley, Metallifacture fixed/removable handle, 2+2, S2 scissor, S3 scissor) and the prices range from ?75 to ?1,200 depending on style. All bar the Shelley can be used to lift the car but all can cause problems:


There are cheaper and more versatile alternatives - you just need to find a compact one with a total opened height of 14". This 1.5 tonne one from Halfords is a two stage with a third screw stage:


The ultimate is probably this one from Abco:

http://www.abcohydraulics.com/productsD ... ?Ident=228

[Dave K]

I have the same one as the Halfords branded one. Nice small jacks.

Dave

[Heuer]

I was looking to include the price (about ?12.50 IIRC) but they are no longer listed at Halfords. They only show the 2 tonne version, a reflection of the growing girth of modern cars I guess. The 2 tonne version is 7" high when closed so not sure it will fit under the car. That means the only one that will fit is the MGT-2MI or MGT-2 (different saddles) from Abco which measure 5 3/4" closed and, importantly 14" extended. Superb jacks but they do cost about ?90.

[malcolm]

Here's a low profile one, 2 ton, for ?20
Bottle jack, just under 6inches retracted height. Going to measure up my car and see if it fits.

ABCO do a standard MG2 version, bit higher at 6.5 inches closed, but for ?40
http://www.abcohydraulics.com/productsD ... ?Ident=282

[Gfhug]

Here's another couple to consider:

http://www.sgs-engineering.com/bj2d-2-t ... ottle-jack

http://www.sgs-engineering.com/bj2s-2-t ... -with-case
Under ?16 and it includes a case

I guess it depends on which jacking point you choose as to which would fit

[Dave K]

You can buy my Shelley jack on ebay, works well and you get a bit more exercise yanking the handle round :D

Dave

[malcolm]

Gfhug, I just ordered the jack you listed, this one:
http://www.sgs-engineering.com/bj2d-2-t ... ottle-jack
Ordered it over the phone - they actually answered the phone quickly, and were really helpful. 2 year warranty, and it was ?12.47 inc. V.A.T! (plus a fiver delivery)
I measured up, and the jack will fit easily under the front of the car to access the front subframe channel (which I put a block of wood in for jacking)
Still not sure where to jack at the rear, (ideas with pictures anyone?) but the jack will slide under OK

[Heuer]

If you are going to use the trailing arm bush or the front wishbone mount to jack the car you only have 6" of room. Looks like the SGS one will work but only 11" lift height. The only one that will fit and have the height (14") is the Abco MGT-2/MGT-2MI although if you intend to use the standard jacking point you have 7". With a flat tyre the amount of space is going to be considerably less so worth doing some measurements/tests before you have to use it in anger!

[Gfhug]

Hi Malcolm, glad they seem to be a good company, and if you look at your Amazon suggestion the product is supplied by SGS. Let me know what you think of the jack when it arrives, please, as I've been thinking of getting this from them for work in the garage:

http://www.sgs-engineering.com/hydrauli ... xle-stands

Keeping the bottle jack in the car for wheel changing and leave the Metallifacture Jack at home. Lifting the back at the IRS seems to be the best advice, a block of wood between the exhausts. Many suggest NOT lifting the car by the side jack points if changing a wheel, so not sure where people would advise?

Geoff

[Heuer]

If your car has been restored then jacking at the side point should not be a problem. I have used a Metallifacture to do this many times.

[malcolm]

Thanks for the advice all. They'll be enough room at the front even with a flat tyre lowering things, but not sure about the back. At least it will be worth it at that price just for getting wheels off for cleaning in the garage if nothing else. I'll let you know what it's like when I get it Gfhug

[Heuer]

An alternative is to buy a non E-Type Metallifacture jack off eBay, restore and convert it. This Ford Cortina one cost me ?90 but they sell for anything from ?40 up:


I bought a S1 jack shoe, rivet and spring washer from Richard Smith for ?40 and a can of BS 633 RAF Blue Grey paint for ?11. The spring washer replaces the original which you may have to break to get off allowing you to dismantle the screw shaft and bearings. If you are handy with a welding torch you could easily convert the old shoe yourself and just buy the retaining clip if you need it:


Part way through the restoration:


Grit blasted (?5) and awaiting primer:


Finished:


I need this one for my FHC as I do not want to rely on the Shelley. There is an original E-Type jack on eBay at the moment, albeit with bag, for ?550. Mine will have cost ?125 an will be indistinguishable from an 'original'. 8) To be honest you can just clean, or grit blast if necessary, and paint directly without dismantling.

Note: there are several different styles of Metallifacture jack so look for one with the centre 'foot' and you won't go far wrong. Others will work mechanically but won't have multiplied in value x3 after conversion.

[malcolm]

I do have the original metalifacture jack with my car in it's bag - is it really worth all that?

[Heuer]

If you have the 2+2 version then probably not unless you convert it to the FHC/OTS square end. For some reason there appears to be more 2+2 jacks knocking about than either of the earlier Metallifacture versions. Odd really given there would have been one per car and over 50% of the cars are no longer extant. You can track auction prices here although they do not differentiate between the different S1 versions: http://www.mgaroadster.co.uk/metallifacture_jacks.htm

[PeterCrespin]

For some reason there appears to be more 2+2 jacks knocking about than either of the earlier Metallifacture versions. Odd really given there would have been one per car and over 50% of the cars are no longer extant.

Not really odd. The 2+2 nipple jacking points and jacks were used on the XJ models, which are very abundant.

Pete

[Durango2k]

I just Bought an xj6 One. Did cost 7 pounds....

Carsten

[Heuer]

Well done Carsten - the FHC/OTS shoe is going to cost more than the jack :D Scrap yards are certainly better than eBay for the XJ6 S1 version because the last ones bid to ?132: http://tinyurl.com/q2mnpx4 and ?118: http://tinyurl.com/m5mrqq6 The other alternative is to look for a late S2 scissor jack with the square shoe which seem unwanted on eBay. They used the same jack for the S3 but with a different shoe which you could replace. This design is more compact and easier to use than the earlier one.


Note: Just let the air out of a rear tyre to simulate a puncture and there is no way I can get a bottle jack under the car except at the standard jacking point and that is marginal. And if I jacked at that point the end would flatten the body mount. Looks like a Metallifacture jack of some sort is the only tool to use in the event of a puncture.

[Durango2k]

I have a 2+ 2, so I need a Jack with a hole instead of a Square. So I thought the XJ6 S1 would be an obvious choice- someone wrote it so I got one.

Carsten

[Heuer]

Then you are spot-on! Bargain - can you get more?

[Durango2k]

I can ask, my Chum earns a living by taking XJ and variants to pieces and sell them. Most sought-after item is the IRS he said.

Carsten