Jacking Hooks

[FatBoy]

What is the purpose of the angled top on the front jacking hooks on a 427 S/C?
On the face of it, they don't serve any purpose that I can see.

Thank you.
Paul

[mickmate]

Hey Paul the only reason I can see is the corner is braced a little better by welding together at a bend. I think this was done as the weld is so close to the bolt hole they didn't weld one side there. The fronts are slightly shorter than the rear so that also means a little less weld. What do you think?

[FatBoy]

It sounds feasible, but if adding a bend makes it stronger, why wouldn't you also do it for the rear, especially given the almost 50/50 weight distribution.

I suspect they had something else in mind, but I'm damned if I can think what it was.

Paul

[strictlypersonl]

My impression is that all the jackpads on the 289 were the same as the 427's rear, although originally the 289's were put on with the hook facing toward the body. When the nose of the 427 was changed, they modified the front's shape to fit better when the hook was turned toward the front.

[FatBoy]

Again, sounds feasible, but I can't see any clearence issues around the bend area.

Paul

[krausewich]

If they were facing hook inwards w/ the mounting holes facing out towards
the wheels, it could have allowed for a touch extra clearance between the
nose opening and the top edge of the jack hook... perhaps even for aesthetics.

MK.

[FatBoy]

I'm not even certain now which way round they are supposed to go. I've just looked through dozens of pictures and most Kirkhams have the hook plate towards the outside of the, but many CSX and "original" cars have them towards the centre, including CSX-3021, which is apparently totally original.

Anyone want to venture as to which is correct?

Maybe I need to go and swap mine over.

Paul

[Dominik]

There had been many discussions about it with plenty of historical evidence and clever thoughts.

Basically, my guess, while I agree on the stronger weld is: The 427 owners wanted to use the same quick jack as they used when they had a 289. This is how you get your spacing.

Facing forward or backwards is the result of the clearance of the jack at the oil cooler opening of the 427. Or you made a new jack to clear. Now you can also space them as you like.

To engage the jack seems to be easier when the long ends are close to the body - definitely facing down ;-)

As for fronts stronger than rears in spite of 50/50 weight distribution, I don't know. Also, you could probably lift up a medium size cruise liner with them.

I do know that the radiator frame gets bent quite a bit lifting the car which elongates the holes in the aluminium skin.

Nice debate, but a bit overrated? :-)