Rod, here are some pictures of the handle from my '57. Thought the pix might be helpful.

Instead of threading the folding handle through the tank straps, I secure it with a couple tension springs that I loop around it (available at any hardware store) like bungee cords. You can see from the pix how the hand crank of the handle tucks next to the jack. One spring wraps around the gas filler neck to snug the handle there. A second one secures it to the tank filler strap on the passenger side. Works great.

http://s844.photobucket.com/user/ma...2761_zps44759754.jpg.html?sort=3&o=2

Matt