I will want to replace the original tongue jack on my 59 Overlander with an electric. However the original seems to be attached with some kind of heavy rivet. Anyone know how to remove these before I get out the drill.
The jack as far as I know is bolted on. I've never seen one rivited. The hole that is left after removal will need to be reamed out to fit the larger diameter elec jack.
Do you have a picture of your jack?
Ken
__________________
1956 Flying Cloud
Founder :
Four Corners Unit
Albuquerque National Balloon Fiesta
Rally
Vintage Trailer Academy - Formerly the original
restoration rally
At first glance, the jack on my '67 is simply bolted in place with three bolts on the top of the coupler. I tried to remove the jack this past weekend in preparation of painting the tongue.
Removing the three bolts, I found the jack appeared to be welded to the lower plate (where the chains are)
That does appear to be riveted on.
As with Ken J, the tongue on my unit is bolted on.
ciao
53FC
Any chance of using a grinder? That's what I did, mine were bolts but so rusted that the wrench wasn't working. Took me about 15 minutes. Now went it went back on, I was asked if I wanted it welded on, however, I don't think that would be a good choice. You never know when you may need to remove the jack. Also, on the bottom of the tongue, there is a plate where the jack is stabilized. This could also be welded, though mine was not. Actually, this is where my jack and the plate had rusted through causing the jack failure.
I can't tell from your pictures how its riveted on - is there a bigger flange with bolts?
FWIW, I would have the whole coupler taken off and weld on a brand new 2 5/16 inch with a new jack and all. When you do get the jack off, you will need to file the hole bigger, beause the new jacks are larger in diameter.
Ken
__________________
1956 Flying Cloud
Founder :
Four Corners Unit
Albuquerque National Balloon Fiesta
Rally
Vintage Trailer Academy - Formerly the original
restoration rally
I will want to replace the original tongue jack on my 59 Overlander with an electric. However the original seems to be attached with some kind of heavy rivet. Anyone know how to remove these before I get out the drill.
As some others have suggested, a grinder is your best bet. I replaced the jack on my 1953 Cruiser and had to grind off the rivets.
Come on guys someone must have taken one of these off.
The easiest way is to use a cutting torch, heat the rivits up and they will melt and can be knocked out with a hammer and punch this will not hurt the surrounding metal at all if you are carefull.
The coupler is prone to not being secure. Prehaps I'll replace the whole thing when the cross member in the back and the black/grey tank supports are put in. Less to worry about down the road.
The front of that coupler looks like it is bent forward about 30 degrees and is that a rather large crack behind the tongue jack.I'd change that coupler now.
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