I am looking for a source for a replacement bottle jack for a cobra
trailer ramp (yes, I know I should switch to the mechanical jack and
all problems will go away, but I don't want to go down that route
yet). The Torin 2-ton jack that Walmart and Autozone sell is extremely
poorly built, in addition to the dimensions not being quite right.
Somebody must have gone through this before and found a decent source?

On Dec 1, 3:36*pm, wrote:
> I am looking for a source for a replacement bottle jack for a cobra
> trailer ramp (yes, I know I should switch to the mechanical jack and
> all problems will go away, but I don't want to go down that route
> yet). The Torin 2-ton jack that Walmart and Autozone sell is extremely
> poorly built, in addition to the dimensions not being quite right.
> Somebody must have gone through this before and found a decent source?

Williams Soaring usually have the standard Cobra crappy hydraulic pump
in stock. It was around $80 or so when I replaced mine a year ago.
They don't list it on their website currently but give them a call.

Folklore says to drain and replace the hydraulic fluid after a few
months in an attempt to flush out some of the metal shavings/filing
etc. you'll find in the oil. Unfortunately the crappy hydraulic jack
that Spindelberger use lets down their otherwise great (and well
deserved IMHO) reputation.

Darryl

On Dec 1, 3:36*pm, wrote:
> I am looking for a source for a replacement bottle jack for a cobra
> trailer ramp (yes, I know I should switch to the mechanical jack and
> all problems will go away, but I don't want to go down that route
> yet). The Torin 2-ton jack that Walmart and Autozone sell is extremely
> poorly built, in addition to the dimensions not being quite right.
> Somebody must have gone through this before and found a decent source?

Instead of the bottle or the scissor of course there's the much
simpler Wynoff lever deal. A small female in his club (their beta
tester) had no problem cycling the ship up and down with this clever
device...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YP2AD8rtdpA (may not work well for
self rigging without adding height adjustment...)

-Paul

> http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YP2AD8rtdpA (may not work well for
> self rigging without adding height adjustment...)

Nor on soft ground (easy design change). Neat idea.

Tony V.

On Dec 1, 7:54*pm, sisu1a > wrote:
> On Dec 1, 3:36*pm, wrote:
>
> > I am looking for a source for a replacement bottle jack for a cobra
> > trailer ramp (yes, I know I should switch to the mechanical jack and
> > all problems will go away, but I don't want to go down that route
> > yet). The Torin 2-ton jack that Walmart and Autozone sell is extremely
> > poorly built, in addition to the dimensions not being quite right.
> > Somebody must have gone through this before and found a decent source?
>
> Instead of the bottle or the scissor of course there's the much
> simpler Wynoff lever deal. A small female in his club (their beta
> tester) had no problem cycling the ship up and down with this clever
> device...http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YP2AD8rtdpA*(may not work well for
> self rigging without adding height adjustment...)
>
> -Paul

Thanks for posting the video. I am sketching up the same mod for my
Komet trailer.

I'm thinking of adding a couple of helper air springs so a much
shorter lever could be used. I happen to have a pair of 100 pounds
force units with about a 6" throw left over from another project. I
think the lever could then be short enough to go under the wing
leading edge. (Slipping and letting the lever whack the wing leading
edge sorta worries me.)

My one-man rig lets me get the wing tips within about 1/8" of perfect
using lasers so no fiddling with the ramp jack is ever needed to
insert the main pin.

Bill

I replaced mine just 2 weeks ago.
First emailed Spindelberger directly for info an quote.
Replacement bottle was available for 60 Euro plus shipping.
Then I called Noelle at Williams Soaring Center.
She had it in stock. I paid US$85.65 plus a few $ shipping plus CA sales tax.
This was the exact replacement including lever and valve handle.
Replacement was a 15 minute job, including the cleaning of the oil spill from the old leaking jack.
Hans Van Weersch
I am looking for a source for a replacement bottle jack for a cobra
trailer ramp (yes, I know I should switch to the mechanical jack and
all problems will go away, but I don't want to go down that route
yet). The Torin 2-ton jack that Walmart and Autozone sell is extremely
poorly built, in addition to the dimensions not being quite right.
Somebody must have gone through this before and found a decent source?

I ordered a spare hydraulic jack for my '05 Cobra, probably in '07. Cobra
changed the design, so the new jack won't fit without modification. Be sure
the jack you are ordering is correct.

I've posted before about the poor machining that Darryl mentioned. I
overhauled my jack within a year and a probably no more than 30 cycles of
new. Fluid was gray with metallic particles. Until Cobra sees the light on
this, I suggest draining the oil after the first season to try and avoid
jack failure.

bumper

"weersch" > wrote in message
...
>
> I replaced mine just 2 weeks ago.
> First emailed Spindelberger directly for info an quote.
> Replacement bottle was available for 60 Euro plus shipping.
> Then I called Noelle at Williams Soaring Center.
> She had it in stock. I paid US$85.65 plus a few $ shipping plus CA
> sales tax.
> This was the exact replacement including lever and valve handle.
> Replacement was a 15 minute job, including the cleaning of the oil
> spill from the old leaking jack.
> Hans Van Weersch
> ;672740 Wrote:
>> I am looking for a source for a replacement bottle jack for a cobra
>> trailer ramp (yes, I know I should switch to the mechanical jack and
>> all problems will go away, but I don't want to go down that route
>> yet). The Torin 2-ton jack that Walmart and Autozone sell is extremely
>> poorly built, in addition to the dimensions not being quite right.
>> Somebody must have gone through this before and found a decent source?
>
>
>
>
> --
> weersch

Not long ago I finished building a Hydraulic Scissor Jack.
I used a 2 ton mini automotive jack (the one with 2 small casters and 2
fix wheels) worth about $24.00.
I removed the hydraulic unit for use with my set-up. Based on that I
would say the dimension are the same as the one on the Cobra unit. Right
now I have my trailer in storage and I can not
take measurements. I would buy a jack, try it out and if the dimension do
not work out for you take it back.
Udo

At 23:36 01 December 2008, wrote:
>I am looking for a source for a replacement bottle jack for a cobra
>trailer ramp (yes, I know I should switch to the mechanical jack and
>all problems will go away, but I don't want to go down that route
>yet). The Torin 2-ton jack that Walmart and Autozone sell is extremely
>poorly built, in addition to the dimensions not being quite right.
>Somebody must have gone through this before and found a decent source?
>

I did exactly that a few years ago. All dimensions were the same except the
bushing in the ram was a different size. I didn't have a lathe at the time,
so I took it back and bit the bullet for a new Cobra. Now I could do the job
in about 15 min including set-up. But still crappy quality.

Bumper said he could get the jack apart with a pipe wrench on the large hex
near the top of the reservoir. I tried with an extension on my pipe wrench
handle but nearly tore the vise off the bench, The nut didn't budge!

I'll just drain my new one, and refill.

Hartley Falbaum
"Udo Rumpf" > wrote in message
...
> Not long ago I finished building a Hydraulic Scissor Jack.
> I used a 2 ton mini automotive jack (the one with 2 small casters and 2
> fix wheels) worth about $24.00.
> I removed the hydraulic unit for use with my set-up. Based on that I
> would say the dimension are the same as the one on the Cobra unit. Right
> now I have my trailer in storage and I can not
> take measurements. I would buy a jack, try it out and if the dimension do
> not work out for you take it back.
> Udo
>
> At 23:36 01 December 2008, wrote:
>>I am looking for a source for a replacement bottle jack for a cobra
>>trailer ramp (yes, I know I should switch to the mechanical jack and
>>all problems will go away, but I don't want to go down that route
>>yet). The Torin 2-ton jack that Walmart and Autozone sell is extremely
>>poorly built, in addition to the dimensions not being quite right.
>>Somebody must have gone through this before and found a decent source?
>>

On Dec 2, 10:45*am, Udo Rumpf > wrote:
> ...I used a 2 ton mini automotive jack (the one with 2 small casters and 2
> fix wheels) worth about $24.00...

For reference, here in the US we call that a "floor jack," perhaps
since it only works on a smooth floor.

Thanks, Bob K.

"HL Falbaum" > wrote in message
...
> Bumper said he could get the jack apart with a pipe wrench on the large
> hex near the top of the reservoir. I tried with an extension on my pipe
> wrench handle but nearly tore the vise off the bench, The nut didn't
> budge!
>
> Hartley Falbaum


Hartley,

A shaped charge will get it apart real quick. When you think about it, there
are very few problems in life that can't be handled with good explosives.

And to think Oakland PD actually sent me to FBI bomb school . . .

bumper
zz
Minden

"HL Falbaum" > wrote in message
:

> I did exactly that a few years ago. All dimensions were the same except the
> bushing in the ram was a different size. I didn't have a lathe at the time,
> so I took it back and bit the bullet for a new Cobra. Now I could do the job
> in about 15 min including set-up. But still crappy quality.
>
> Bumper said he could get the jack apart with a pipe wrench on the large hex
> near the top of the reservoir. I tried with an extension on my pipe wrench
> handle but nearly tore the vise off the bench, The nut didn't budge!
>


You forgot the basics, Hartley!

"Righty-tighty, lefty-loosey"


:-)


zero one

"bumper" > wrote in message
...
>
> "HL Falbaum" > wrote in message
> ...
>> Bumper said he could get the jack apart with a pipe wrench on the large
>> hex near the top of the reservoir. I tried with an extension on my pipe
>> wrench handle but nearly tore the vise off the bench, The nut didn't
>> budge!
>>
>> Hartley Falbaum
>
>
> Hartley,
>
> A shaped charge will get it apart real quick. When you think about it,
> there are very few problems in life that can't be handled with good
> explosives.
>
> And to think Oakland PD actually sent me to FBI bomb school . . .
>
> bumper
> zz
> Minden
>

Thanks Bumper--that helps.

I was thinking of using my plasma cutter and wearing a Kevlar/Nomex suit.

Could work!

Hartley

I'm ignorant on these matters - any specific kind of hydraulic fluid
needed for these POS jacks? Mine doesn't leak yet (one season old)
but better safe than sorry....

Kirk
66

"Larry Goddard" > wrote in message ...
"HL Falbaum" > wrote in message :

> I did exactly that a few years ago. All dimensions were the same except the
> bushing in the ram was a different size. I didn't have a lathe at the time,
> so I took it back and bit the bullet for a new Cobra. Now I could do the job
> in about 15 min including set-up. But still crappy quality.
>
> Bumper said he could get the jack apart with a pipe wrench on the large hex
> near the top of the reservoir. I tried with an extension on my pipe wrench
> handle but nearly tore the vise off the bench, The nut didn't budge!
>


You forgot the basics, Hartley!

"Righty-tighty, lefty-loosey"


:-)


zero one

Ah--Yesssss!

I'll try that next time!

Hartley KF

Tractor supply places sell hydraulic oil by the 5 gallon pail. There are
also petroleum distribution outlets in many cities that carry pretty much
all a major brands stuff (Chevron, Shell etc). Most all auto parts stores
(Kragen, NAPA etc) will have hydraulic "jack" oil by the quart.

bumper

"kirk.stant" > wrote in message
...
> I'm ignorant on these matters - any specific kind of hydraulic fluid
> needed for these POS jacks? Mine doesn't leak yet (one season old)
> but better safe than sorry....
>
> Kirk
> 66

On Monday, December 1, 2008 at 3:36:00 PM UTC-8, wrote:
> I am looking for a source for a replacement bottle jack for a cobra
> trailer ramp (yes, I know I should switch to the mechanical jack and
> all problems will go away, but I don't want to go down that route
> yet). The Torin 2-ton jack that Walmart and Autozone sell is extremely
> poorly built, in addition to the dimensions not being quite right.
> Somebody must have gone through this before and found a decent source?

Yes, another old thread brought back from the not-so dead.

Wings And Wheels are currently out of stock of hydraulic jacks (August 2017).

Tractor Supply and Pep Boys both have the pseudo- replacement for the standard single-seat Cobra jack. The same Torin Big Red 2-ton Hydraulic Floor Jack, SKU 0116479 or 1024519. They have been on sale for $20, but not visible on the Tractor Supply website right now.
CAUTION: Because it's typical Chinese rubbish, there will be slight differences in construction due to which children would work the cheapest when the order came in.
I found the Tractor Supply part 0116479 had the pivot point for the actuator arm slightly higher than the one that was in the trailer, so needed to drill and add a steel rivet and washer to provide the upper stop for the foot pedal. Also drilled a shallow hole in the end cap of the cylinder for the end of the return spring to sit in.
The bleed valve to lower the Tractor Supply jack had different threads to the part removed from the trailer, so no easy swap there.
Jim

On Monday, December 1, 2008 at 11:36:00 PM UTC, wrote:
> I am looking for a source for a replacement bottle jack for a cobra
> trailer ramp (yes, I know I should switch to the mechanical jack and
> all problems will go away, but I don't want to go down that route
> yet). The Torin 2-ton jack that Walmart and Autozone sell is extremely
> poorly built, in addition to the dimensions not being quite right.
> Somebody must have gone through this before and found a decent source?

price is up to the buyer!

On Wednesday, August 16, 2017 at 2:15:19 PM UTC-7, JS wrote:
> On Monday, December 1, 2008 at 3:36:00 PM UTC-8, wrote:
> > I am looking for a source for a replacement bottle jack for a cobra
> > trailer ramp (yes, I know I should switch to the mechanical jack and
> > all problems will go away, but I don't want to go down that route
> > yet). The Torin 2-ton jack that Walmart and Autozone sell is extremely
> > poorly built, in addition to the dimensions not being quite right.
> > Somebody must have gone through this before and found a decent source?
>
> Yes, another old thread brought back from the not-so dead.
>
> Wings And Wheels are currently out of stock of hydraulic jacks (August 2017).
>
> Tractor Supply and Pep Boys both have the pseudo- replacement for the standard single-seat Cobra jack. The same Torin Big Red 2-ton Hydraulic Floor Jack, SKU 0116479 or 1024519. They have been on sale for $20, but not visible on the Tractor Supply website right now.
> CAUTION: Because it's typical Chinese rubbish, there will be slight differences in construction due to which children would work the cheapest when the order came in.
> I found the Tractor Supply part 0116479 had the pivot point for the actuator arm slightly higher than the one that was in the trailer, so needed to drill and add a steel rivet and washer to provide the upper stop for the foot pedal. Also drilled a shallow hole in the end cap of the cylinder for the end of the return spring to sit in.
> The bleed valve to lower the Tractor Supply jack had different threads to the part removed from the trailer, so no easy swap there.
> Jim

The cylinder for single seat gliders mentioned above measures about 7" / 18cm center to center when compressed.
Does anyone know of a replacement part for the cylinder used for heavier gliders, which is 8 1/4" / 21cm center to center when compressed?

QNIMC: Do you have a supplier of high-quality parts for the job?
Jim

On Wednesday, August 16, 2017 at 4:55:29 PM UTC-7, JS wrote:
> On Wednesday, August 16, 2017 at 2:15:19 PM UTC-7, JS wrote:
> > On Monday, December 1, 2008 at 3:36:00 PM UTC-8, wrote:
> > > I am looking for a source for a replacement bottle jack for a cobra
> > > trailer ramp (yes, I know I should switch to the mechanical jack and
> > > all problems will go away, but I don't want to go down that route
> > > yet). The Torin 2-ton jack that Walmart and Autozone sell is extremely
> > > poorly built, in addition to the dimensions not being quite right.
> > > Somebody must have gone through this before and found a decent source?
> >
> > Yes, another old thread brought back from the not-so dead.
> >
> > Wings And Wheels are currently out of stock of hydraulic jacks (August 2017).
> >
> > Tractor Supply and Pep Boys both have the pseudo- replacement for the standard single-seat Cobra jack. The same Torin Big Red 2-ton Hydraulic Floor Jack, SKU 0116479 or 1024519. They have been on sale for $20, but not visible on the Tractor Supply website right now.
> > CAUTION: Because it's typical Chinese rubbish, there will be slight differences in construction due to which children would work the cheapest when the order came in.
> > I found the Tractor Supply part 0116479 had the pivot point for the actuator arm slightly higher than the one that was in the trailer, so needed to drill and add a steel rivet and washer to provide the upper stop for the foot pedal. Also drilled a shallow hole in the end cap of the cylinder for the end of the return spring to sit in.
> > The bleed valve to lower the Tractor Supply jack had different threads to the part removed from the trailer, so no easy swap there.
> > Jim
>
> The cylinder for single seat gliders mentioned above measures about 7" / 18cm center to center when compressed.
> Does anyone know of a replacement part for the cylinder used for heavier gliders, which is 8 1/4" / 21cm center to center when compressed?
>
> QNIMC: Do you have a supplier of high-quality parts for the job?
> Jim

I don't know of anything specific.

US Jacks make a big thing about their jacks being US made.. except a few jacks like their small imported floor jacks... but still might be worth pinging them.

I really like my AC Hydraulic (made in Denmark) floor jack, I believe they use Weber Hydralik (made in Germany) cylinders at least for some of their stuff. If I can pull it out some time I'll measure it's cylinder. Weber brought out USA based Hyco International which makes heavy hydraulic gear in the USA. Might be worth contacting Hyco/Weber Hydralik USA and seeing what is available or Pelican Parts (where I got my AC Hydraulic floor jack) might be able to source parts or measure cylinders for you if you don't mind the sticker price of sacrificing a quality floor jack.

It's well beyond time that Spindleberger stopped risking expensive gliders by putting these awful jacks in their trailers. It's even worse when there is a leading manufacturer like Weber in Germany they could be working with/sourcing from.

Canadian tire floor jack $37. Hydraulic pump the same except for screw that releases pressure. end up with a lot of scrap metal though .