Modify Jack?

jk0

I am trying to equip gf's Smart car with a spare wheel. I have a wheel, wheel brace, and just bought this jack:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Streetwize-Swsj1-Tonne-Handle-Scissor/dp/B001JOWJMI?ie=UTF8&ref_=pe_385721_125317781_TE_3p_dp_1#Ask



However, the slot on the top is too narrow for the piece on the car that is meant to fit there. The piece on the car is about 17mm wide whereas the slot on the jack is 10mm wide.

I'm thinking of widening it with a hacksaw. Other than voiding my jack guarantee, can anyone see a problem with that?

Strider590

I see no problem, but I doubt a hacksaw would do it, as it'll be hardened steal. I would use an angle grinder.

londonTiger

get a bottle jack. Nice and compact and hydraulic power.

bigjl

Did the Smart not come with a jack even as an option? Could a Smart specialist maybe have some from breakers?

Is it possible to pop down a local breakers yard and find a jack from a wrecker that has a slot big enough?

Is the section you want to jack up on actually meant to be used as a jacking point?

[Deleted User]

bigjl wrote: »

Did the Smart not come with a jack even as an option?

The smart was never offered with a spare, only tyre gunk.

There is no room for a spare, and the front and rear wheels/tyres are different sizes, so which size would you carry as a spare?

AdrianC

What could possibly go wrong? Well, it could weaken the top of the jack so it collapses...

Get a jack that fits and works, rather than one that doesn't but can be bodged.

Two-second google... http://www.smart-stuff.co.uk/car-jack---by-smart-4347-p.asp

Norman_Castle

It wont be hardened steel so you will be able to cut it with a hacksaw although the bottom of the cut will be difficult and may involve an angled cut and some filing.
Personally I would buy a genuine used jack from a breaker. Check the owners manual for jacking points.

jk0

ilikethesimpsons wrote: »

The smart was never offered with a spare, only tyre gunk.

There is no room for a spare, and the front and rear wheels/tyres are different sizes, so which size would you carry as a spare?

Thanks guys. I have a front tyre which is slightly smaller. This will also fit on the rear hub similar to a skinny spare if necessary.

AdrianC wrote: »

What could possibly go wrong? Well, it could weaken the top of the jack so it collapses...

Get a jack that fits and works, rather than one that doesn't but can be bodged.

Two-second google... http://www.smart-stuff.co.uk/car-jack---by-smart-4347-p.asp

Brilliant! Why didn't that come up when I searched?

EdGasket

Those dog-legged 'widow-makers' are awful and dangerous. imho I'd much rather use the type you bought with an extra 7mm cut out of the top!

AdrianC

!!!!!!, it's for a quick roadside wheelchange. If there's anything more being done, then a proper jack and axle stand should be used anyway, no matter what's in the boot for a roadside flat.

londonTiger

get OEM widowmaker, that scissor jack may take up your entire boot space.