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MG MGA - King Dick MGA Jack

There is what appears to be an original MGA King Dick 'Bow Tie' jack on UK Ebay at the moment, as opposed to the Moss reproduction. There is some interest with the current bid at £33. These don't come up that often so expect bidding to be between £60 to £150 depending on interest. Ebay item no. 201424176177

This jack was used by the bulk of our cars. See details here: http://www.mgaroadster.co.uk/King_Dick_Jacks.htm#King_Dick_Bow_Tie_B1077

No vested interest except for the eventual selling price for my database.

Steve
Steve Gyles

No handles otherwise might be interested.

Steve, are you able to identify the differences between the original and the reproduction ones for us?
Neil MG

Neil

I am still not 100% certain but if my sources are correct the attached picture shows the difference. The alignment of the vertical KING DICK in the reproduction on the left is very poor compared to the original on the right. The casting letters on the original are also sharper.

If someone has a Moss reproduction can they send me a picture so that I can study once and for all.

Some of the original jacks also have SF cast above the B1077.

Steve

Steve Gyles

There is also a Shelly jack on ebay now, item 131578108593, $155.

George
George G.

Land Rover Jack. Fairly common over here. Usually go for about $54 (£35) in the UK.

Steve
Steve Gyles

Hi Steve I sent you some a while ago I thought

cheers Gordon
G C Pugh

Hi Gordon. I thought that too but could not find them. Any chance of sending again?

Steve
Steve Gyles

Hi Steve, did you get the photos sent today?


cheers Gordon
G C Pugh

Yes thanks Gordon. Away this week. Will address next week.

Steve
Steve Gyles

Hello Group - Isn't the jack for 1600 and later MGA's an LJ225 going for over $500 USD? FOG
FOG Frank

Frank - Yes you are correct, the 1600 jack is a Shelley LJ225 and they are selling for over $500. Reason: It is the SAME jack used on all AH 3000's except the MGA uses a bent handle and the AH uses a Tommy bar. Does anyone have a picture of this jack and handle, I don't own one and at those prices can't afford one. Russ
RAH Russ

Russ

Not correct. Only the 1600 after chassis number 93548 used the LJ225 with the unreinforced yoke. All earlier 1600s used a King Disk jack. The Shelley was used on some Healey 3000s but not all. Many used the later version LJ225 with a reinforced yoke. The handle on the MGA version was most likely straight. See my database here: http://www.mgaroadster.co.uk/shelley_jacks_3.htm#Shelley_LJ225_MGA_AH

Current prices are between $400 to $500

Steve
Steve Gyles

There is a B1077 King Dick jack on ebay now, not in the best condition, item 252097930017.
George G.

I have just received more information that confirms in my mind that the Shelley LJ225 supplied with our later cars did have a straight handle and not the one with the cranked end as suggested by some people. The jack in question was completely original, including its zinc plated handle. It is the final photo in this entry in my database: http://www.mgaroadster.co.uk/shelley_jacks_3.htm#Shelley_LJ225_MGA_AH

Steve
Steve Gyles

Hello Steve, thanks for the update. I too have a bent end on my handle but I am also not the original owner, second. Based on your info, I guess I should now be looking for a straight handle ! FOG
FOG Frank

FOG

This issue causes me endless headaches. Barney mentions the bent handle; you also, yet all other evidence over the years points to an 18" galvanized straight bar. I am waiting for someone/anyone with a 'guaranteed' original MGA Shelley jack and handle to contact me with the definitive answer.

My jack archives are built up from entirely open source data and it takes a long time comparing data to come up with the most likely answers. The MGA Shelley LJ225 is but one jack amongst 465 in my databases. So far I have managed to pair up about 250 classic cars.

Steve
Steve Gyles

A photo on my web site shows a bent handle, but it is accompanied by a note saying, "I believe the picture is misleading, as LJ225 jacks for MGA always had a straight handle".

I agree, the MGA Shelly jack handle should be straight.
barneymg

Thanks Barney.
Steve Gyles

Thanks all. I'll keep my bent handle because it came with the kit, but I'll start my quest for a straight one. FOG
FOG Frank

Fog

I will let you know if I spot one, but probably easier to make new one. Give it a year or two and who would know?

Steve
Steve Gyles

Thanks Steve - I'm sure one will surface here in the 'land of the free' now that it's been on the chat room. I mean, now that it's been on this site it's Gospel, isn't that how it works. Yes, I've already thought about making one, they will probably sell for $50.00 USD cause everyone will want one. Hey a new cottage business, making reproduction tommy bars (grin). FOG
FOG Frank

This thread was discussed between 09/09/2015 and 10/10/2015

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