Hydraulic Bumper Jack Identity

Just bought this at a garage sale. Did any cars come equipped with a hydraulic bumper jack? Anyone know what this fit's and the age?

Plate reads: Hydro Jack

Associated Foundries & Manufacturers Inc.

New York 13 N.Y.

Drop Forged

Thanks, Howard Dennis

This looks like an aftermarket item sold by an auto parts supply store, or catalog. Neat Item, but I think it would be rather unstable with the ball joint in the center. Dandy Dave!

I had the same thoughts Dave. I thought if I ever needed to use it I'd be very careful to get the car just high enough to hopefully get the tire off but still have 3 wheels touching. It is neat and compact and still works fine.

Howard Dennis

Hey, Guys....consider the possibility that this might NOT be an automobile jack. That swivel base makes me think that. Could have been used in a horizontal position (to achieve a pushing movement) in auto body repair, building construction, house moving, or heavy wooden boat work. Just thinking out loud! Best, John

In checking patents on Google it appears a few manufacturers from the mid 1930's till late 1940's used this same type baseplate on their automobile jacks.

Howard Dennis

I bought this at a Garage Sale last week. It is the hydraulic portion of a Cider Press. You are correct Jolly John. Anyways, i took it apart, powder coated it and I am having a hard time figuring out how the top portion goes back together. Anyone have any idea how this jack works? Guy told me that the hydraulic fluid was leaking which was why I took it apart in the first place. Any help would be much appreciated.

Jaxon

In 1963 I bought my grandfathers 1938 Buick and that was the bumper jack that came with the car.  

Grandfather bought it new & I bought it from him.  Sad to say it got back burnered for to many years.  It is now totally restored and ready to show. Car has been in family since came off the lot. I actually came home from hospital in it in 1942. It is a cradle to the grave car. 

When you use it, it is butted up against the closest bumper guard for stability.  This one still works but I carry a small bottle jack. 

I take it that the hook for the bumper rides up and down on the tube and has a safety clamp.  BUT where is the piston?  I see the pump and the reservoir on top.  Is there a slot in the tube that connects the hook to the piston?  Is it a short stroke?  I'm not envisioning anything else but short.