Friday, May 4th, 2012
A born entrepreneur, Robert G. Zillig sold farm fresh eggs door-to-door, bottled and sold bleach and was a real estate salesman in his early years. In 1963 Robert, better known as Bob to his friends and family, was a fairly successful supplier salesman to the automotive OEMs (Original Equipment Manufacturers), however there was a problem; on a regular basis he was unable to fulfill orders for specialized fluid transfer fittings. That’s when he decided to strike out on his own and start a company called Jiffy-tite.
Using the cellar of his 150-year-old farmhouse as his research and development lab, and beginning with only one employee, his wife, Shirley, Bob designed and created the first Jiffy-tite® Quick-Connect Fluid Fitting. The result was a compact, snap-on, leak proof fluid connector that exceeded every OE customer’s requirement. Bob’s connector set the benchmark for innovation and quality in the fluid transfer fitting industry, and is still setting the benchmark for OEM customers including General Motors, Mercedes Benz and Chrysler.
What is a Quick-Connect?
Quick-Connect style fittings can be connected in seconds with no tools. Quick-connects are made from various aluminums, steels or plastics and are designed to join tubes or hoses to different serviceable devices. Designs used for OEM applications require the use of a disconnect tool for added safety. Just press the tube into the fitting. An audible “click”, a visual engagement line and an optional assurance cap help ensure that a leak-proof connection has been made.
The Motorsports Connection
In 1999, drag racer Duane LaFleur, approached the CEO of Jiffy-tite, Steve Zillig, Bob’s son, about the potential to market a new Quick-connect/Quick Disconnect version of these fittings for use in the race industry. Because these fittings connect to many types of lines including fuel, water, engine and transmission oil, and are safer than traditional threaded fittings, LaFleur felt confident that there would be a ready market of racers that would want to use this cutting edge technology to save time, on and off the track, especially with the added safety component of a Quick-Connect.
With traditional threaded fittings there is always a risk that fluids can leak. Jiffy-tite’s unique, high-flow valve technology in the plug and socket assembly automatically interrupts the flow of fluid when disconnected to protect against hazardous gas leaks or potential hot oil spills. Tested and proven to have a 100% leak proof seal up to 200 psi, Jiffy-tite fittings provide unsurpassed performance under extreme racing applications, thus making it a natural solution for the drag race market.
What is a Motorsports Quick-Connect?
Made of lightweight, 6061-T6 aluminum, brass valves, and stainless steel ball bearings, the Jiffy-tite Motorsports Quick-Connect Fluid Fitting is designed for an extra long life. These Quick-Connects can be connected in seconds with no tools. Just slide back the socket collar on the female end and push the male and female ends together to attach. Pull the socket collar back to disconnect.
Supplying the World
Now, some 49 years later, Jiffy-tite, Inc. has grown into one of the largest fluid transfer fitting companies in the world, supplying more than 140,000 fittings every day on six continents to OEMs and automotive enthusiasts alike.
Headquartered in a 70,000 sq. ft. facility in Lancaster, New York, Jiffy-tite Quick-Connect Fluid Fittings have become the industry standard in oil cooler fittings for radiator and transmission applications. Jiffy-tite fluid fittings have been discovered and are used by racers of many different drag classes including Pro-Stock Champion, Warren Johnson. It is the only fitting on the market today approved for use in all categories of NHRA and IHRA.
Jiffy-tite Connects With Racers
In 2008, Jiffy-tite announced that the company would step up support of NHRA racers with a product contingency program for the 2008 season. To date, Jiffy-tite has posted thousands of dollars in contingency funds for all categories at both the NHRA Lucas Oil events and Full Throttle Drag Racing Series.
Contingency requirements include use of $200 worth of Jiffy-tite product and a proof of purchase, decals displayed on both sides of car, and the signing of a release to promote wins in Jiffy-tite promotional material and/or public relations.
For more information about Jiffy-tite’s contingency program, contact motorsports@jiffy-tite.com. For more information about this dynamic company that is staying on the cutting edge of fitting technology with new products including their safety lanyard fitting, go to www.jiffy-tite.com.
Side Column:
Text by John DiBartolomeo
Duane LaFleur, Super Gas/Super Comp Racer
Duane LaFleur, Jiffy-tite’s Sales Manager, participates in drag racing in the Super Gas/ Super Comp category. Duane started his race career in the early 90’s in a ’67 Pontiac Firebird purchased for $100.
Debuting in the Super Gas class with Duane behind the wheel, the family chose to run in the ultra-competitive 9.90-indexed category in both NHRA and IHRA trim. Duane scored the Can-Am Super Gas Series Championship in 2002, along with several other late round finishes.
In 2006, the year started out rather innocently. Earlier in the year, they had scored a runner-up finish at an IHRA Pro-Am event and a semi-final finish at the NHRA national event in Columbus, OH and were looking for more success. It was in June, at the K&N Filters NHRA Supernationals in Englishtown, New Jersey where the number three cylinder connecting rod decided to exit, oiling the tires and flipping the car 9 times. After the smoke had cleared, the Firebird was a total wreck.
Less than a year later, Duane returned with a state of the art 1968 Chevrolet Camaro roadster built by Russ Farmer of Race Tech Race Cars. Larry Sexton of White House, TN built the power plant starting with a Merlin block and filled it with a Lunati crankshaft that equaled up to 540-cubic inches. A set of Brodix cylinder heads seal up the cylinders, while a COMP Cams camshaft is driven by a CV Products belt drive that opens the valves by way of a set of T&D shaft rocker arms. An Edelbrock intake manifold tops off the assembly, while a Moroso oil pan and pump hold enough Valvoline oil to keep it all lubricated.
And of course, a DRE engine diaper seals off the bottom end. Behind the engine, a BTE torque converter sits in front of a Powerglide transmission. The 108-inch wheelbase chassis utilizes a four-link rear suspension that’s supported by a set of AFCO’s newest external canister coil-over shock absorbers. Jiffy-tite Quick-Connect fluid fittings were used throughout.
In 2007, the Jiffy-tite car was voted Best Engineered at LODRS Maple Grove, PA and at the Torco Race Fuels Nationals in Chicago, IL. Duane was the number one qualifier at the 2007 U.S. Mac Tools U.S. Nationals with a 9.900 E.T.
Client:Jiffy-tite, Jiffy-tite Motorsports, Press Releases
Friday, May 4th, 2012
Jiffy-tite has been the preferred manufacturer of fluid connectors for the industrial and original equipment manufacturer sector of the automotive industry since 1963. Their customer list includes names like Chrysler, General Motors, Ford, Caterpillar, Mercedes Benz, Harley Davidson and more. Jiffy-tite’s state-of-the-art technology provides far better seal integrity than any other product on the market, which is why they meet the OE’s stringent quality requirements. Unlike threaded fittings, which always present a risk for fluid leaks or hot spills, Jiffy-tite’s unique design provides a 100% leak proof seal. Even when disconnected, Jiffy-tite’s Motorsports fittings prevent fluid loss.
Available in 2000, 3000 and 5000 Series, Jiffy-tite’s Quick Connect fittings were designed by racers for racers and provide unsurpassed performance under extreme racing conditions. They can replace nearly any fitting in any location and are available in straight, 45º and 90º, either valved or non-valved. All sockets are available in Jiffy-tite gold, or Stealth Black finish, and both sockets and plugs can be special ordered in stainless steel. They come standard with Fluorocarbon seals. Buna N (Nitrile) and EPDM seals are also available, as are Caps, plugs, and C clips.
2000 Series are available in the following sizes:
- -3 AN to -6 AN 37º Male and Female
- 1/8” to ¼” Male and Female NPT
- -3 AN to -6 AN Hose Barb
- -4 AN to -6 AN Push to Lock Hose Barb
- -4 AN to -6 AN Reusable Nut Hose End
- -4 AN to -6AN Male O-ring Boss Seal
- -4 AN to -6AN Lanyard Reusable Nut
- Hose End and Lanyard 37º Male AN
3000 Series are available in the following sizes:
- -6 AN to -8 AN 37º Male and Female
- ¼” to 3/8” Male and Female NPT
- -6 AN to-8 AN Hose Barb
- -6AN to -8 AN Push to Lock Hose Barb
- -6 AN to -8 AN Reusable Nut Hose End
- -6 AN to -8 AN Male O-ring Boss Seal
- -6 AN to -8 AN Lanyard Reusable Nut
- Hose End and Lanyard 37º Male AN
5000 Series are available in the following sizes:
- -8 AN to -12 AN 37º Male and Female
- 3/8” to 3/4 “ Male and Female NPT
- -8 AN to -12 AN Hose Barb
- -8 AN to -12 AN Push to Lock Hose Barb
- -8 AN to -12 AN Reusable Nut Hose End
- -8 AN to -12 AN Male O-ring Boss Seal
Jiffy-tite Motorsports makes a full line of Quick-Connect Fluid Fittings available for virtually any fuel, water, engine or transmission oil system on the market today. They are the fastest, most secure fittings in the industry and are NHRA and IHRA approved and SCCA accepted.
For more information about the easy to use Jiffy-tite Quick-Connect Fluid Fittings, or Transmission and Carburetor Kits, please call Duane LaFleur at Jiffy-tite Motorsports: 1-888-605-7788, or visit www.jiffy-tite.com.
Client:Jiffy-tite Motorsports, Press Releases
Tuesday, February 21st, 2012
Jiffy-tite has been the preferred manufacturer of fluid connectors for the industrial and original equipment manufacturer sector of the automotive industry since 1963. Their customer list includes names like Chrysler, General Motors, Ford, Caterpillar, Mercedes Benz, Harley Davidson and more. Jiffy-tite’s state-of-the-art technology provides far better seal integrity than any other product on the market, which is why they meet the OE’s stringent quality requirements. Unlike threaded fittings, which always present a risk for fluid leaks or hot spills, Jiffy-tite’s unique design also provides a leak proof seal. Even when disconnected, Jiffy-tite’s Motorsports fittings prevent fluid loss.
(more…)
Client:Jiffy-tite Motorsports
Friday, January 15th, 2010
Jiffy-Tite Company of Lancaster NY wins the 2009 Popular Mechanics Editors Choice Award for their new TMAX Transmission Thermostat at the AAPEX Expo in Las Vegas.
The TMAX™ Transmission Thermostat Kit, Patent Pending, quickly warms the automatic transmission fluid and maintains it at the optimum level for up to 8% improvement in fuel economy. (more…)
Client:Jiffy-tite Motorsports
Tuesday, December 2nd, 2008
Looking for a fitting that can do it all? A fitting that you can use on fuel, water, oil and transmission lines? A fitting that can be connected and then disconnected in mere seconds? Look no further than Jiffy-tite Quick-Connect Fluid Fittings, which are more than just fittings. Made of lightweight, 6061-T6 aluminum, brass valves, and stainless steel ball bearings, Jiffy-tite Quick-Connect Fluid Fittings are designed for an extra long life. The Quick-Connect style fitting can be connected in seconds with no tools. To connect, pull back on the socket collar, insert the plug and release the collar. To disconnect, pull back on the socket collar. The spring-loaded valve will release the male plug. (more…)
Client:Jiffy-tite Motorsports
Monday, October 27th, 2008
Transmission failure at the track can be a killer, especially when your car has to be ready for its next run. With a Jiffy-tite Quick-Connect Transmission Kit you can set up your transmission for quicker swap-outs, without the time and safety issues related to draining the hot transmission fluid and refilling the new transmission. Unlike an old fashioned threaded fitting set-up, this innovative kit allows you to connect or disconnect the fluid line(s) in seconds without any tools. There’s absolutely no wrenching required for a high-flow, 100% leak proof seal. To connect, simply pull the socket collar back and insert the male plug on the fuel line. Then release the collar. Just listen for the click and you’re ready to go. Disconnect with a simple pull on the collar and the valve design keeps the hot transmission fluid safe inside the line and not running down your arm. (more…)
Client:Jiffy-tite Motorsports
Sunday, September 7th, 2008
Lancaster, NY (September 7, 2008)… Jiffy-tite has been the preferred manufacturer of fluid connectors for the industrial and original equipment manufacturer sector of the automotive industry since 1963. During that time period, Jiffy-tite has supplied their innovative products to companies such as General Motors, Chrysler and more, while their broad depth of aftermarket parts can be found among retail giants like AutoZone, NAPA, and CSK. Then in the 1990’s, a successful drag racer named Duane LaFleur ran across Jiffy-tite’s highly advanced technology and was convinced the world of motorsports would embrace the product. (more…)
Client:Jiffy-tite Motorsports
Wednesday, August 13th, 2008
Lancaster, NY (August 13, 2008)…Powersport enthusiasts now have the quicker, easier solution for fuel tank and carburetor swaps, turbo installations, fuel filter changes and coolant system checks. Jiffy-tite® Quick-Connect Fluid Fittings make working with the fuel and coolant supply lines on your ATV, snowmobile, motorcycle and many other powersport vehicles cleaner and safer. Traditional fittings require dealing with leaky, hot fuel lines, and then making sure the fittings are properly torqued. Jiffy-tite® Quick Connects provide a safe, leak-proof seal and increase performance for most powersport vehicles while allowing changes, swaps and checks to occur in seconds, not minutes. (more…)
Client:Jiffy-tite Motorsports
Monday, June 16th, 2008
Dripping fuel, scarred up fittings and time-consuming wrenching can make installing a carburetor a real pain. Why make installing and testing more work than it has to be? The Jiffy-tite Quick-Connect Carburetor Kit saves time and makes changeovers a breeze. Unlike an old fashioned threaded fitting set-up, this innovative kit allows you to connect or disconnect the fuel line(s) in seconds with no tools. There’s absolutely no wrenching required for a high flow, 100% leak proof seal. To connect, simply pull the socket collar back and insert the male plug on the fuel line. Then release the collar. Just listen for the click and the carb is ready to go. Disconnect with a simple pull on the collar and the valve design keeps the fuel safe inside the line, and without having to drain your fuel bowl. (more…)
Client:Jiffy-tite Motorsports
Monday, April 7th, 2008
In racing, it is absolutely mandatory that the fuel pressure regulator provides stable and proper fuel pressure to the carburetor, especially under extreme conditions. Until recently, changing out a regulator, or testing the fuel supply with traditional fittings required dealing with leaky dripping fuel lines, and then making sure the fittings are properly torqued. The quicker, easier solution is to use Jiffy-tite® Quick Connect Fluid Fittings. These Quick-Connects provide a safe leak-proof seal and unsurpassed performance even under the most extreme racing conditions; allowing changeovers or checks to the fuel to occur in seconds, not minutes. (more…)
Client:Jiffy-tite Motorsports
