Jack restoration

[Alexander D.]

I want to restore this rusty original jack from my '67 coupe:

C2 jack.jpg

I have access to a sandblasting cabinet. I though I'd remove all the old paint and rust, then recoat.

Some questions before I screw this thing up:

1. How do I protect the jackscrew so it doesn't get jammed with sand? Can I use masking tape to tape the threaded rod?
2. What paint finish should I use to recoat it once well cleaned? Is it supposed to be gloss black?
3. Anything else to do? What sort of lube should I use once it's all painted and pretty?

Thanks.

[Terry M.]

Re: Jack restoration

Alex,

Your jackscrew looks pretty nice and rust free. I would not sandblast it but, rather, would clean it with lacquer thinner and wire brush it. You can use a wire brush on a bench grinder for most of it but you may need to use a wire brush with a handle and do it manually. You can get small toothbrush size stainless steel brushes that work great for smaller projects like this. Definitely tape off the threads before blasting. Also, before blasting, you should tape off the bushing/bearing located between the operating nut and jack body to protect it. You can clean it up with a small wire brush and possibly some rust remover. Do this before blasting so you don't contaminate the freshly blasted jack surface. You can blast the jack in a sandblasting cabinet. You should plan to do the blasting with the jack in at least a couple positions so that all surfaces are cleaned. You may need to rotate the pins on the bottom to get them cleaned. For the jack handle, remove the rubber collar and blast the surface.

With regard to paint, you should consult the judging manual for 1967 as far as finish (gloss) or wait for someone else to post info. As far as paint goes, I think you can use a quality rattle can such as Rustoleum. If it was me, I would prime first. Once again, you may need to set the jack in a couple positions just to get good coverage on all surfaces.

With regard to lube on the threads, I would offer a couple ideas. If it is unlikely that you'll use the jack, I would coat the threads with RPM Protectant and leave it alone. If you are likely to use it, you could brush on a light grease, run the jack up and down a couple times and then wipe off any excess.

In a nutshell, that's how I would do my own.

[Don H.]

Re: Jack restoration

Alexander
before you put much time and effort into that jack, double check it. It is not a 1967 Corvette jack. If you search through older threads you will find photos of what the 67 jack looked like.

I searched for you and found an ad in our Classifieds Forum by Reg Rep Harry Ledgerwood for real deal 1967 Type III jacks. He has some good photos in his ad here. ---- > https://www.ncrs.org/classified/index.php?a=2&b=4944

[Leif A.]

Re: Jack restoration

Alexander,
Don is correct in stating that the jack in your picture is not a '67 Corvette item. Pictures of my '67 jack for reference.

[Stephen L.]

Re: Jack restoration

Alexander
before you put much time and effort into that jack, double check it. It is not a 1967 Corvette jack. If you search through older threads you will find photos of what the 67 jack looked like.

I searched for you and found an ad in our Classifieds Forum by Reg Rep Harry Ledgerwood for real deal 1967 Type III jacks. He has some good photos in his ad here. ---- > https://www.ncrs.org/classified/index.php?a=2&b=4944

There appears to be a label/sticker on the restored jack photos from the classified ad. Is this typical on 67 jacks? Does anyone know what it says or have a photo of the label?

[Harry L.]

Re: Jack restoration

Stephen,

That is my ad, and the sticker only tells me the date on the Jack so I don't have to look hard to find the correct one. Thanks for your interest, and let me know if I can help you get a correct Original Jack.

Harry

[Harry L.]

Re: Jack restoration

Mr. Downie,

Before you spend a bunch of time on that jack, you might consider locating a correct Jack for your '67 and possibly offering that jack up for sale to someone who might need it for their later C3 car. The wrench you have looks to be correct, so you only need a Jack.
The correct Jack for your car is lots easier to restore as you can remove the screw shaft and bearings, and then have easier access to blasting and painting all areas of the jack.
In regard to the correct paint to restore the jack, I have found that Rustoleum has a Satin Black (Canyon) paint that gets the parts back close to what they were originally.
Let me know if I can assist in your search to get the proper Jack for your car.

Thanks

[Stephen L.]

Re: Jack restoration

Harry, Thanks for the feedback. I already have an original jack and thought it might be missing the tag........

[John D.]

Re: Jack restoration

If I remember correctly date codes on the jacks didn't start until January 67. My early 67 has no date.

[David L.]

Re: Jack restoration

Here is a photo pf my 1966 jack, same as 1967. As John mentioned the date codes on Corvette jacks as well as GM bumper jacks started in Jan January 1967.
Dave

[Alexander D.]

Re: Jack restoration

Thanks Terry, Harry, and others who chimed in with tips on restoring my jack.

Too bad I don't have the original jack - at least the handle is correct for '67.

Stamped on my jack is "A 9". Does this mean this jack was made in January 1969?





Cheers,

[Harry L.]

Re: Jack restoration

Alexander,

Yes, I believe that would be correct.