Packard Forum Index » V-8 (1955-56)

I have a tri pod jack like that too.And it's BLUE! Bought it at wESTERN aUTO or someplace like that about 1973. But the 56 Packard bumper is really not strong enuf for any bumper jack. The problem is that the bumper bends and flexs enuf to get into the fenders. The bumper usualy springs back (mostly) but the fender paint does not repair itself. Bumpers as a general rule have a lot of spring steel in them.

I agree that using a bumper jcak on a 55 or 56 can be unnerving, but it is a big help when it comes to getting a rear wheel out from under the fender. A frame jack would probably work, but an axle jack won't.

My experience with the tri-pod jack is that it is only somewhat better than the standard bumper jack. The tripod is rather awkward to handle and store. It will also usualy lift at least one of the legs from the ground as the car is raised. The screw handle at the top tends to hit the bumper or trunk lid or other parts of the car as the car is raised.

Probably preaching to the choir here, but if you use a scissors jack, avoid a lot of cranking and wheezing be blocking it up til it's just under the jack point. Be sure to have a jackstand along, too, as you don't want to rely on just the jack if all somehow comes tumbling down. Remember what happened to Jill when Jack fell down the hill.