Corvette Central Jack Handle 53-61

[Craig W.]

I have an early 59.

Corvette Central sells a folding jack handle for 53-61 that they say is an "exact reproduction". Part number 611005, ($45).

The judging standards seem to be pretty specific with regards to lengths and dimensions for this handle.

Has anyone bought one from Corvette Central, and/or does anyone know if the dimensions of this jack handle are correct for judging standards?

[Richard M.]

Re: Corvette Central Jack Handle 53-61

Craig, I'm unsure of the way it would judge, but before you get too far, you may want to call and see if they have any in stock. I've been waiting over 2 months from my supplier on BO as the manufacturer has put a hold on shipments to them.

I think it may have something to do with licensing or NHTSB(safety), etc.

Rich
p.s. Good used ones show up online on occasion, or post a ad in the Classifieds WANTED section here. Just a bit pricier than the repros.

[Bill M.]

Re: Corvette Central Jack Handle 53-61

FYI: 6/24/14 Corvette Central Newsletter says jack handles back in stock.

[Kevin S.]

Re: Corvette Central Jack Handle 53-61

I had one on backorder for at least a year. It finally shipped this week and arrived yesterday. I can take a photo of it if you have a specific question(s).

Kevin

[Bill O.]

Re: Corvette Central Jack Handle 53-61

Not sure this will help, because the comparison I offer is for a '62 one year jack handle...and the reproduction I'm showing may have been improved in the last 2-3 years. With that said, there are subtle differences but the most obvious is, on the reproduction, the absense of the "A" stamping (Auto Specialties Company -AUSCO) and the severity of the bends in the handle.

IMG_0925.jpgIMG_0923.jpgIMG_0933.jpg

[Craig W.]

Re: Corvette Central Jack Handle 53-61

The questions I have all deal with the dimensions of the handle. The judging manual seems to be VERY specific with regards to how long EACH segment is. Every time I see an "original" on-line it looks like the dimensions don't necessarily match the ones listed in the manual. Did they change the dimensions THAT much between years? (Say, were all the 58-61 jack handles the same?). Do you know specifically what the judges are looking for?

[Richard T.]

Re: Corvette Central Jack Handle 53-61

Not sure this will help, because the comparison I offer is for a '62 one year jack handle...and the reproduction I'm showing may have been improved in the last 2-3 years. With that said, there are subtle differences but the most obvious is, on the reproduction, the absense of the "A" stamping (Auto Specialties Company -AUSCO) and the severity of the bends in the handle.

[ATTACH=CONFIG]53504[/ATTACH][ATTACH=CONFIG]53505[/ATTACH][ATTACH=CONFIG]53506[/ATTACH]

Bill,
Where on the handle is the "A" stamp located ? Rich

[Bill O.]

Re: Corvette Central Jack Handle 53-61

Rich;
This pic should help. The stamping is on the extension that fits into the jack.

62jackhandle.jpg

[Richard T.]

Re: Corvette Central Jack Handle 53-61

Thanks Bill

[Richard M.]

Re: Corvette Central Jack Handle 53-61

I got a call earlier from my supplier Zip Corvette, that their TR-89 jack handles finally arrived there and one is coming my way.

Rich

[Troy P.]

Re: Corvette Central Jack Handle 53-61

I don't think the dimensions are the key issue. I believe the rivet on the original differs from the repro and that is what judges look for.

[John T.]

Re: Corvette Central Jack Handle 53-61

Troy is correct. One of the key points in the repo is the rivet. It is too short and barely has enough material to peen. Original has enough material that the peened end is almost as large as the rivet head.

Hope this helps

[Bill M.]

Re: Corvette Central Jack Handle 53-61

I have the original jack handle for my '59: rivet head is 0.44, peened head is 0.32.

[Troy P.]

Re: Corvette Central Jack Handle 53-61

I bought a bag of rivets just to get one to convert my repo handle. They were cheap anyway.

[Richard T.]

Re: Corvette Central Jack Handle 53-61

Where did you buy the rivets and what is they're number or description?