MGB Register Forum

Hello everybody...I am on the scrounge for a bit of advice....

My roadside jack has had it, I have to replace it. The question is, with what?

The jacking points on the MGB are very, very low to the ground, and would be even lower with a flat tyre.

Whereas a scissor jack may be OK with all four tyres pumped up, but what about with one deflated?

Could I get the jack under the car in such a situation?

So, do I trawl eBay for a second hand BMC jack? They do not fill me with much confidence or enthusiasm.

Does anybody have any suggestions as to what type of jack to go for?

My old one was a screw bottle jack, which could shrink to about 4 inches in height. It had a tab at the top to locate into the jacking point nicely.

Any advice gratefully received.....

I never trust the built in jacking points as the car has to be raised very high to get the wheel off the ground. Far better to buy a small trolley jack that goes under the suspension then the wheel is raised without the body going up. I've got a small trolley jack that will go under the front suspension or rear axle and is much more stable than the original side lift version.
. Vic Butler

Hi Vic
I just carry a screew type scissor jack for the odd occasion I might need to change a wheel, or I don't bother with a spare wheel and just carry a couple or aerosols of tyre sealant

Evening Pete.
There is enough room in the spare wheel compartment of my 1977 BGT for a small trolley jack. I have LE wheels on the car and have fitted the spare with the dish upwards so I can store things in it.
. Vic Butler

Machine Mart supply an aluminium trolley jack which is ideal as it is light and low enough to go under a B. Part number is CTJ1250AB, cost is £101.99 plus £4.99 carriage. I removed the two carrying handles from mine which leaves plenty of room next to the spare wheel.

I bought a scissor jack from a breakers yard, it is aluminium & was out of a Jaguar. Cost me £12. Seems sturdy enough to change a wheel, not had to use it since I bought it a few years ago... Puncture next time I go out in the B then. :-(

I have a scissor jack..

After blocking the front and rear wheels on the opposite side, or in gear and firm handbrake, to lift the front wheel place the jack under the spring bottom plate using a piece of 2" x 4" timber as a pad which protects the underside and spreads the load,then raise the car and change the wheel.

To lift the rear wheel, place the jack under the reinforced area just ahead of the front of the spring shackle, again using a piece of 2" x 4" timber as a pad. Then raise the car and change the wheel.

As with any jacking, this needs to be done carefully and slowly to be sure all is stable. This is for emergencies only!! Do not work underneath!⚠-- the B can also be raised behind/inner of the jacking point but MUST use a suitable pad to spread the load or cave in damage to the underside will occur!⚠ So how do I know this?