'41 black hubcap and different jack?

[RobertH]

Love to learn all about this old machine. Can someone explain the reasoning and history behind the spare black hubcap? And what's a good alternative jack.  this stock one scare the heck out of me.  Can bumper jacks be used?

[Lawrence Helfand]

Black cap is for spare in trunk and a scissors jack and block of wood works very well and is what I carry. Original jack and axle prop is nice to have but never to use and will kill you if it can. The bumpers are not for lifting and will bend the mounts. 

[EmTee]

I saved the scissor jack from my '89 Chevy 1500 P/U.  It's a good size and I'd think those (or similar) would be available from most wrecking yards.  A small hydraulic trolley jack or bottle jack are other possibilities.  I would only use the original jack as a last resort...

[Kenneth Carr]

The black hubcap, I have been told, is to prevent any chance that luggage or other baggage might snag on the rough uncovered wheel and protruding stud.  I have my jack in the trunk although it really belongs in a trough underneath the back seat.

I purchased a hydraulic jack at Harbor Freight for about $35. It fits nicely under my frame and I think there is about 3/4” to spare  (not sure) if I want to spread the load with a board.

[EmTee]

4 minutes ago, Roadmaster71 said:

spread the load with a board.

Yes, 3 or 4 pieces of 4x4 about 8~12 inches long can come in handy to chock wheels or serve as a base for a bottle jack as shown above.  One of those small HF blue tarps is also handy to have in case you need to slide under the car - while NOT on the jack...