Were all the jacks the same in all VWs

ie. superbug beetle/type3??

No, definitely not. There were screw-type jacks later on which are a little bit safer to use than the original 'widowmakers'.

'widowmakers' Are they that bad??

Well, it's often very difficult to let the car down gradually, as you will probably know if you have ever used one. They tend to let the car drop straight to the floor with one big bang, especially if they haven't been greased. They're reasonably safe to use on the way up, but only on a hard surface as they have a small foot which needs to drag along the floor as they go up and down. If you use them on a dirt road you should have a large wooden plank underneath. I definitely wouldn't get underneath a car that was held up by one though. If nothing else, the jacking points sometimes rust or crack.

The screw-type ones wind up and down slowly and smoothly like a scissor jack, and of course the same rules apply in terms of hard surfaces and not getting under the car, as with any jack.

Yeah, you're definitely right about those jacking points Lee. I actually added it to my previous post as an edit just before you posted. My uncle has had that problem really quickly with a replacement pan half that he got from Brazil I believe, the new jacking points aren't attached properly like the old ones and they crack off very easily. He carries a small trolley jack in the car, which is probably the safest solution. I agree that the jack won't collapse or come down under load, but they're certainly a bit scary sometimes when you drop them down! The 'widowmaker' bit was perhaps a tad colourful as a turn of phrase, but I think it gets the point across that you have to use them with respect.

Yes,
I agree,
the jack supports need to be in NEW condition...
the ground needs to be flat and solid..

and You need to know that the jack cannot come down 50mm at a time...
but all the way...

I think My type 3 jack [back in the 70s] came down a bit at a time..???

but the ones I have now don't... ??

could be rust or paint stopping them come down in one go...

but when oiled or clean...

they usually down Down with a THUD....

so, the jack isn't usually the problem but the jacking supports.

I know VW jacks are not used where salt is used on the icy roads.. because of the supports rusting away..

LEE

PS:
I used to put the spare under the car while jacking it up to change a flat tyre...
then put the flat tyre [wheel] under it while I changed the wheel... but they never ever came down...
not even in rain.... lol Lee

My VW jack is one of my favourite bits of kit. With a few pipes of various lengths, it becomes a mini 'porto-power', with many uses.

Warning! Don't do this at home, kiddies.

Cheers, Greg

I have one of the Bilstein ones in my Beetle with the two slots for the handle. Same as the one Lee has posted a picture of above.

But it doesn't come down in one go.
One slot is used to "walk" the jack up the shaft and the other is used to "walk" the jack back down the shaft. I've never had it drop suddenly to the ground.



Smiley

Quote:

Originally posted by Smiley I have one of the Bilstein ones in my Beetle with the two slots for the handle. Same as the one Lee has posted a picture of above. But it doesn't come down in one go. One slot is used to "walk" the jack up the shaft and the other is used to "walk" the jack back down the shaft. I've never had it drop suddenly to the ground. Smiley

Quote:

Originally posted by waveman1500 No, definitely not. There were screw-type jacks later on which are a little bit safer to use than the original 'widowmakers'.

Quote:

Originally posted by cam070 Quote: Originally posted by waveman1500 No, definitely not. There were screw-type jacks later on which are a little bit safer to use than the original 'widowmakers'. Quite timely this thread. I have been trying to figure out what jack should have come with my 76 beetle. I am thinking it is the one in the bottom photo that should store in the spot with the battery with the spring clip. Does anyone know?

Thanks Lee, something else I need to add to my list.

Anyone got a wind up-type jack they want to sell me?

I like your idea HappyDaze in using different pipe lengths. With the 30" tyres on 15" rims I have on the baja the VW jack is a little short on reach. If I use a longer pipe I will again have a usable jack but can very easily get a high lift jack. Would be better though with the later model with twin holes so it is a controlled let down.