What are these jacks?

[Shaun @ Tru6]

2 jacks. 1 very heavy, 1 very light, has a VW logo on it.

Any idea on what's what? What parts are missing to make them operational?

Both need total restoration.

[Targa4now]

They both look like the jack I had in my 1972 VW bug....
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Targa4now
1981SC Targa

[911pcars]

After restoration, use only as a pry bar or paper weight. I would only use one in an extreme emergency, sorta like the internet pic of the guy working under a truck with a couple of 2x4s propping up one side.

There are lighter and more secure alternatives for a roadside repair, like a 944 aluminum scissors jack, but I still wouldn't stick any part of my body under a car without a jackstand (the spare tire could be an adequate substitute).

Sherwood

[Jeff Hail]

Originally posted by Shaun 84 Targa
2 jacks. 1 very heavy, 1 very light, has a VW logo on it.

Any idea on what's what? What parts are missing to make them operational?

Both need total restoration.

Those are "Levator-Hebezeug-Fabrik" friction jacks made by August Bilstein from the late 20's up to the late 60's for Volkswagon. They work better when the shaft is rough and dry. I would not get under a car being held up by those.

[defcon65]

Boat anchors. And probably useless for that, too.

[Jeff Hail]

Originally posted by defcon65
Boat anchors. And probably useless for that, too.

Pretty much. Good for minor bodywork too.

[porsche930dude]

the new ones are scary too

[widebody911]

What's interesting are the 'caps' on the end - hadn't seen that.

The left one looks like it's for a 356

They came with a simple rod with about a 35 degree bend in it 1 1/2" from the end, which was stored inside the main tube of the jack.

There was also a similar variant used as a dealership tool for taking the load up on the rear spring plate.

[Shaun @ Tru6]

Originally posted by widebody911
What's interesting are the 'caps' on the end - hadn't seen that.

The left one looks like it's for a 356

They came with a simple rod with about a 35 degree bend in it 1 1/2" from the end, which was stored inside the main tube of the jack.

There was also a similar variant used as a dealership tool for taking the load up on the rear spring plate.

Thanks Jeff and Tom. The caps at the top are rubber and in pretty good shape, still very soft and flexible. Clearly they are designed to protect the car against a nasty scrape when these things fall into the car upon use.

No, these are definitely not for use on the road, but could either brighten an early VW-Porsche trunk when restored, or just look cool in the corner of the den, YMMV. Love all the springs and hinged levers.

[kycarguy 935]

I found a jack like that in my 1968 911L and have seen the larger ones made for the 356. I bought a new top rubber piece for my jack at Pomona about 10 years ago.

I agree with the others and wouldn't use it.

[Aerkuld]

Originally posted by porsche930dude
the new ones are scary too

But I bet they're cheaper.