Went to see a friend today, and he showed me some old tools, dating back to his father and grandfather. I got close in my guess on this one; wanted to see if anyone else can figure it out. Keep in mind that this is not a woodworking tool. It's about 16" long.

John

Wow! Cool Haro!

Since we have a live what's it, can we ask questions, like does the cross member above the spring and lever slide up and down?

Seeing as how opening my car hood stumps me, I won't venture a guess.  

Looks like some sort of a jack or spreader.

saw one of those in Mikes front end shop...

I'll ask...

Looks like some type a gate with a spring latch.

Look like the center rod along with the left end with feet extend.  The spring loaded handle would automatically lock it in place until you depressed the handle.   But I don't know what it was used on.   Roly

Worked all day, so I haven't been on the computer, but I won't keep you in suspense any longer. Some good guesses here! John... there are actually two cross members. The center rod slides through a hole in the inner one, while the outer one (with the 'ears') is attached to the rod. Gene.... since you can't get the hood open, you would have no use for this item. Stick.... since Mike is a mechanic, he may well know! Dan.... a little small for a gate. Lew and Roly... RIGHT ON! The tool belonged to our local Studebaker dealership. When a procedure required the clutch, brake or gas pedal to be depressed, the rounded end was placed against the front of the seat, and the rod extended to keep the pedal down on the floor. When done, pushing the little lever released the contraption. It is a manufactured tool, not a one-off, but we don't know if it was a Studebaker exclusive or (more likely) a generic tool used on any vehicle.

Thank you all for playing!

John

Edited November 20, 20169 yr by HARO50

Most excellent!!!! Thanks Haro!

2 hours ago, HARO50 said:

When a procedure required the clutch, brake or gas pedal to be depressed, the rounded end was placed against the front of the seat, and the rod extended to keep the pedal down on the floor

that's where I saw it in use...

2 hours ago, HARO50 said:

a generic tool used on any vehicle.

correct...