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Above 1200 Sq/FT Restored 1930's Auto Shop

Wokspaces above 1200 squarefeet.
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BB767

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I wanted to get something on here before I leave early (0500 :eek:) tomorrow on a road trip to get my Walker 4 ton floor jacks. HiBall has them both rebuilt and working like new. Understand they function like new, but look crummy, well at least one does. Now it's my job to clean them up and restore what finish may remain and powder coat the other one which is need of cosmetic refurbishment. It'll take my son and I about 12 hours driving round trip, but worth it! :thumbup: I prefer them in my care rather than ship them. Really irreplaceable IMO. I'll post pictures once they're safe and sound back in the shop.

Now for this post You'll get your first look into the lean to building. This is the structure that was attached to the end of the tool shed. The tool shed in turn was attached to the end of the 2 car garage. :rolleyes2 Yup, three buildings in one. Remember things were done a little "different" out there.

LeanToSm1.jpg

Here is a look standing near the doorway. It's a small space, about 8' X 24' or so. Several tons of scrape steel on the right.The yellow objects are two very old McCulloch chain saws. From the 1950's. Back right corner is a pie crust drag racing slick on a magnesium alloy "mag" wheel. Back on the left is a 2 piece (40's?) Ford front grill.

WaterCanSm1.jpg

Brookins raised script, water can normally used to fill radiators. Fill it up and lower the movable spout into the radiator.

WaterCanSm2.jpg


To let water out just push the plunger with your thumb. No dents or rust thorough on this one. It'll come back to the shop and should refinish nicely.


OilChangeCanSm1.jpg

Brookins was a major supplier of service station equipment.

OilChangeCanSm2.jpg

Here is a Brookins oil drain can from the 1950's that's in my shop. All original finish.

WareCansSm3.jpg

These are oil service cans. Same principle as the water can. Fill with oil and place the spout in the oil fill tube and release the oil by pushing the plunger.

GasPumpNozzelSm2-1.jpg

A gas pump nozzle. I haven't looked it over yet but I believe from just looking it's made of brass. Bet someone call tell much more about it. I haven't looked for any markings on it.

I'm sorry to just offer up these few pictures. I had planed on more but I really need to get to bed. Put in a 12 hour day before I started this and I'm up at O' Dark Thirty tomorrow! Hope everyone understands. I'll get back to this. :) In the meantime perhaps someone can fill us in more on Brookins and the gas nozzle.

Thomas
 
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BB767

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Re: Unflipping believable

Thomas,

I cannot finish this 46 pages (up to now I guess) and not say something... Not only is this a WOW but truly inspiring level of detail and work. :bowdown:

If I read this correctly it seems it took about 4.5 years to get it to where it is today or was it shorter (or longer). The amazing part to me is all of the equipment and parts, the building is a find and I have to imagine the parts are a treasure.

I showed a few pictures to my wife and I think she is now nervous of additional future projects.

Thanks for sharing :thumbup:

Hey Chris and welcome! I started in November of 2005. Interior was largely done in a year and the outside is a work in progress but yup, about 4.5 to where we are at present. No rest for the wicked!!
Thanks for sticking all the way through 46 pages of, umm, material! :thumbup: There is more in the works if you're a glutton for punishment. Thank you for your kind words. This thread has been very rewarding for me. When I started this I just had no idea there were so many like, kind people out there who " GET IT" ! :bounce:

Thomas
 

jjsworkshop

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I usually just lurk on forums but had to post on this topic. Thomas, IMHO this is one of the best threads I've ever seen on the Web and I work in the industry. I echo all of the sentiments and praise on here, thank you for your attention to detail.

Now, about that gas pump nozzle... do you know of any gas pumps on the property in its lifetime? Perhaps they sold roadside gas in the '30s at the earliest stages of the original building? I say that because your photos on Page 9, Post 163 seem to show a lighted sign in the 1930s photo which may appear again in the 1962 photo. That sure looks like a Red Crown gasoline sign in the second photo. That brand of gas was big at that time and the pump nozzle you have is correct for the 1930s although I'm no expert on Petroliana. It appears there is a curved driveway around the light standard in the early aerial photo indicating folks pulling in for service and possibly a fill up. Not sure what the tall item with the shadow is to the right of the photo, most likely not a gas pump. Do you recall a concrete pad for the sign or find any other gas station leftovers during the restoration?

1939shopPhotoSmall_Edited01sm.jpg


LiftRoomWall7sm.jpg


Thanks again,

JJ
 
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Tom, my father ,every spring would have Mr. Johnson build up our plow shears. You could get another year out of them. It was always neat to see all of his projects. And yes it was a mess, but he knew where ever thing was. He could make anything. I like the old truck with the tree growing up through it. Knowing how it looked before and seeing it now,I can't believe the Hours you have put into it, in such a short time. It is the the talk of the town.You are a very much ( by the numbers man. ) Good Job ! Randy
 
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BB767

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Safe and sound both floor jacks are now back in the shop.

JacksSm1.jpg


Here they are, ready to start a cosmetic renewal. In the fore ground is the original from the shop which you're already seen. Now it is 100% functional and good as new operationally with no leaks. In the back is it's new stable mate.

NewJackSm2.jpg


They are the same model, Walker # 784, 4 ton floor jacks. This one is a little older than the original shop jack.

NewJackSm4.jpg


Note the "nose piece" which is missing from the other one.

NewJackSm5.jpg


It still has quite a bit of it's original paint and finish details such as the white high lighting on the raised lettering and side details. Once I start to do the clean up on it I'll know if the original finish can be saved. I'm thinking it can! :thumbup: I'll do a more through write up on both of them shortly. Just wanted to get this out for tonight. Cheers.

Thomas
 
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BB767

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I usually just lurk on forums but had to post on this topic. Thomas, IMHO this is one of the best threads I've ever seen on the Web and I work in the industry. I echo all of the sentiments and praise on here, thank you for your attention to detail.

Now, about that gas pump nozzle... do you know of any gas pumps on the property in its lifetime? Perhaps they sold roadside gas in the '30s at the earliest stages of the original building? I say that because your photos on Page 9, Post 163 seem to show a lighted sign in the 1930s photo which may appear again in the 1962 photo. That sure looks like a Red Crown gasoline sign in the second photo. That brand of gas was big at that time and the pump nozzle you have is correct for the 1930s although I'm no expert on Petroliana. It appears there is a curved driveway around the light standard in the early aerial photo indicating folks pulling in for service and possibly a fill up. Not sure what the tall item with the shadow is to the right of the photo, most likely not a gas pump. Do you recall a concrete pad for the sign or find any other gas station leftovers during the restoration?

Thanks again,

JJ

Hello JJ and thank you for taking a break from your lurking. Ya know we had another fellow admit a while back he was a long timer lurker also. 'Course he was from Scotland so that explained much of that. Does this thread seem to attract you fellow lurkers or what? :dunno:

Anyway some interesting observations. I have some early pictures ( from the early 1940's) with various family members standing in front of the shop with no evidence of pumps or signage of any sort. Several of these persons are now deceased and I choose not to post them. The family has been extraordinarily generous in sharing family pictures and I'm trying my best to be respectful of them. With seemingly almost nothing ever being throw away there you'd think there would be some material of some sort. There was an above ground tank ( about 500 - 1000 gallons I'm guessing) back in the weeds which can be seen in several of the outside clean up pictures. But those were and are common on farms even today.
The sign partially seen in the second picture might have been having some welding work done on it. On a couple of occasions I remember a boom truck hoisting some equipment out front while repairs were performed on it. That picture is from 1962 and that's about the time I started to be a pest, er I mean a guest, out there with my buddy and I have no recollection of a sign. Back in the 30's, who knows?
I'm very familiar with Red Crown because that's what my Dad would normally use. I still have some miniature Red Crown tire air valve caps. Very clever marketing ploy.

My thanks again JJ, for you taking a few moments to contribute and being a part of the thread.

Thomas
 
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BB767

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Those jacks look familiar.....:thumbup:

........said the man who did a first rate hydraulic overhaul on them both! Thank you Steve for putting up with my odd ball requests ( now Steve, don't scratch the paint if you can, I'm trying to preserve it. Try to make sure your tools don't round the shoulders on any of the fasteners etc!!) :D

Through it all you were patient and very willing to work with me and they turned out beautifully. You've done your job, now it's my turn to do mine. I am in your debt sir! :bow:

Thomas
 
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BB767

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Tom, my father ,every spring would have Mr. Johnson build up our plow shears. You could get another year out of them. It was always neat to see all of his projects. And yes it was a mess, but he knew where ever thing was. He could make anything. I like the old truck with the tree growing up through it. Knowing how it looked before and seeing it now,I can't believe the Hours you have put into it, in such a short time. It is the the talk of the town.You are a very much ( by the numbers man. ) Good Job ! Randy

Hi Randy. It's really special to have you and others who used that shop and knew Mr Johnson post on this thread. I've had numerous farmers stop by the shop after I bought it to tell stories about work they had done there. More than one stated it was because of Mr Johnson's ability to repair a part rather than replace it with a new expensive replacement part that they able to make it through till harvest. Very true about it being a mess but he did know where everything was didn't he?! A very, very talented man.

Boy I didn't know that people in Thomasboro were talking about it too? :bounce: You are very kind.

Thomas
 

Fubar

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Hi Randy. It's really special to have you and others who used that shop and knew Mr Johnson post on this thread. I've had numerous farmers stop by the shop after I bought it to tell stories about work they had done there. More than one stated it was because of Mr Johnson's ability to repair a part rather than replace it with a new expensive replacement part that they able to make it through till harvest. Very true about it being a mess but he did know where everything was didn't he?! A very, very talented man.

Boy I didn't know that people in Thomasboro were talking about it too? :bounce: You are very kind.

Thomas

Very nice to know that the townspeople are talking about and appreciating your work on the property (other than the fact that you cleaned it up, I mean somebody could have just knocked everything flat).
 

Hiball

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........said the man who did a first rate hydraulic overhaul on them both! Thank you Steve for putting up with my odd ball requests ( now Steve, don't scratch the paint if you can, I'm trying to preserve it. Try to make sure your tools don't round the shoulders on any of the fasteners etc!!) :D

Through it all you were patient and very willing to work with me and they turned out beautifully. You've done your job, now it's my turn to do mine. I am in your debt sir! :bow:

Thomas

I Really enjoyed working those jacks over, Well every Part except using the White Bristle brush on the Units themselves. I could do without that for awhile... Lol. I look forward to seeing the finished product and Hope my Rebuild Prices didnt scare you too much as i did cut you a break because i respect what your doing with this Garage. I think i might have told you in a earlier thread but i would love to swing by your way sometime later this summer with the wifey and check the place out firsthand. Anyways.. Keep up the Good Work.:thumbup:

And AMAZING! I love the extra details they used to have. The lines make it look really cool.

The Visual details are just the begining, For someone who has never seen the difference between your run of the mill import and a Quality American jack such as these, you are truly missing out. You can still purchase today a New HW 93657 which shares the bones with these 2 784's. It wont have the Exterior details that these companies used to pride themselves with but basically it uses the same Hydraulic system. I love technology advances but it is extremely hard to beat these old school jacks, The 2 pictures below will represent the difference between the Newer Jacks and the Older ones. The First picture represents the quad ring ( similar to a oring with 2 sealing surfaces) and the Packing that is used in the older models.

DSC01247.jpg


The reason i like the Packing type is because its a renewable seal, If seapage ever occurs you just tighten down the compression nut. The reason that companies went to a Quad ring versus the packing is because over time the Seal technology improved providing a cleaner sealing surfaces. In the picture below you will see on the left a Poly cup that is pretty much the norm in todays Quality jacks versus a Leather cup that was used in Quality jacks well into the 80's. You will notice that the Poly has a much cleaner seal and its a constant seal whereis on a leather cup the best seal is accomplished when under load and the hydraulic fluid is uniformally pressing all around the seal.

DSC01248.jpg
 
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BB767

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Continuing with items in the lean to or tool shed.

These are some of the dealer display signs or racks.


DisplaySm2.jpg


There were still several NOS radiator hoses with this display.

DisplaySm3.jpg


DisplaySm5.jpg


DisplaySm6.jpg



There were also several new brake lines which hung from this display.

DisplaySm1.jpg


DisplaySm7.jpg


DisplaySm8.jpg


DisplaySm4.jpg


FramFilterSm1.jpg


And to go with the Fram oil line display are several new Fram Filters, the old cartridge type. You guys well versed in 1950's cars can tell us about the gas jars. Windshield washer reservoirs or manifold vacuum reservoirs perhaps?:dunno:

ItemsSm.jpg


Another " Where's Waldo" pictures. A little bit of everything. As I start to clean out these buildings I'll get better pictures of some of the more interesting items.

ToolSm1.jpg


Here are a few more tools found.

ToolSm2.jpg


These are sockets in a wood case.

ToolSm3.jpg


More hand tools including blacksmith tools.

ToolSm4.jpg


More blacksmith specialty tools.

ToolSm5.jpg



Bucket 'O heavy duty chain with home made hooks. The hooks were cut out of about 1" thick metal using a torch.

Thomas
 
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BB767

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Talking about it? They named the damn town after you... ;)

You are if nothing else a quick wit. I've lived near that town my whole life and I never associated it with my name........until now. Good one Rick!!!!!!!!!!!!:bounce:
We won't even go into the school named after me! :)

Thomas
 
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BB767

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And AMAZING! I love the extra details they used to have. The lines make it look really cool.

These jacks are from around the late 1930's and still have a very, "art deco" look about them. Can't wait to clean them up!

Thomas
 
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BB767

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I Really enjoyed working those jacks over, Well every Part except using the White Bristle brush on the Units themselves. I could do without that for awhile... Lol. I look forward to seeing the finished product and Hope my Rebuild Prices didnt scare you too much as i did cut you a break because i respect what your doing with this Garage. I think i might have told you in a earlier thread but i would love to swing by your way sometime later this summer with the wifey and check the place out firsthand. Anyways.. Keep up the Good Work.:thumbup:



The Visual details are just the begining, For someone who has never seen the difference between your run of the mill import and a Quality American jack such as these, you are truly missing out. You can still purchase today a New HW 93657 which shares the bones with these 2 784's. It wont have the Exterior details that these companies used to pride themselves with but basically it uses the same Hydraulic system. I love technology advances but it is extremely hard to beat these old school jacks, The 2 pictures below will represent the difference between the Newer Jacks and the Older ones. The First picture represents the quad ring ( similar to a oring with 2 sealing surfaces) and the Packing that is used in the older models.

DSC01247.jpg


The reason i like the Packing type is because its a renewable seal, If seapage ever occurs you just tighten down the compression nut. The reason that companies went to a Quad ring versus the packing is because over time the Seal technology improved providing a cleaner sealing surfaces. In the picture below you will see on the left a Poly cup that is pretty much the norm in todays Quality jacks versus a Leather cup that was used in Quality jacks well into the 80's. You will notice that the Poly has a much cleaner seal and its a constant seal whereis on a leather cup the best seal is accomplished when under load and the hydraulic fluid is uniformally pressing all around the seal.

DSC01248.jpg

Nice tutorial about some of the inner workings, with pictures! As heavy duty as the frames are on these jacks I fully expect them to outlive me and my son, no problem. Hope 50 years from now they're still as revered as they are today. Hard to believe they're about 70 years old now!
Steve you and your bride are always most welcome here. Just drop me a PM and we'll make it happen my friend. :)

Thomas
 

Kevin54

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Looking at all of the items that you still have to sort and such, you have a virtual museum. I sure hope you display the majority of it somehow. A lot of those items displayed in one area of your garage would be a walk back through history. And if you have a Historical Society close, I bet they could display some of the items that you decide not to keep. Great pictures :thumbup:
 
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BB767

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Looking at all of the items that you still have to sort and such, you have a virtual museum. I sure hope you display the majority of it somehow. A lot of those items displayed in one area of your garage would be a walk back through history. And if you have a Historical Society close, I bet they could display some of the items that you decide not to keep. Great pictures :thumbup:

Kevin, you have no idea of how much more there is to sort through. This is just scratching the surface. I've been just been getting pictures of whats laying around visible.There are layers to this. Good and bad. Good I've got the material and it was left, bad it takes time to do the restoration correctly and with the weather changing I'm starting to do outside work and the racing season will be upon us shortly!
The plan is to keep any and all tools or equipment that can be used or are significant to the property. The rest I will do my best to find proper homes for. Glad you like the pictures 'cause there's more coming................

Thomas
 
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BB767

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This is a follow up to an earlier post plus a new piece of equipment that was left.

EngineStandSm1.jpg

This is a better view of the portable engine stand for old hit 'n miss engines I discussed not too long ago.

EngineStandSm2.jpg

The wheels are different sizes and widths front to back.

EngineStandSm3.jpg

Many times engine manufactures put their names or markings on these stands. There appears to be little to no paint left but once it's freed I hope I'll get a better idea who made it.

HackSawSm3.jpg

For all you old power equipment buffs we can see a Keller power hack saw here amongst all the other "treasure". :wtf:

HackSawSm1.jpg

And for those who couldn't see it, here it is. The diamond plate cover on the left is a drive belt protective cover.

HackSawSm2.jpg

Hack saw blade still installed and at the ready. The name plate doubles as a weight to assist the blade pushing down on the cut as it's powered back and forth.

HackSawSm5.jpg


Side view, drive belt to the right. On the left you can see some of the dozens of fan belts that were left hanging in the lift room.

HackSawSm6.jpg

HackSawSm4.jpg

The other side view. The small vise is what the work was clamped in while it was being cut. Once the cut is done the arm would trip an off switch to stop the saw. The original set and forget tool! It operates very slowly so if you were cutting heavy, thick material you wouldn't have to stand around and wait. Also moving the blade slowly prevented heat build up which prolonged the life of the blade. Unless you've tried to move one of these saws yourself, you have NO idea how heavy that little ****** is!! :eek: Without a doubt it is "Heavy Metal".

Thomas
 
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mtm_motors

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Another longtime lurker!
I couldn't resist commenting on the engine cart!
I'm restoring an old Stover 1 1/2 horse that looks to be just the size for that thing :D
 

CRTDI

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Safe and sound both floor jacks are now back in the shop.

JacksSm1.jpg


Here they are, ready to start a cosmetic renewal. In the fore ground is the original from the shop which you're already seen. Now it is 100% functional and good as new operationally with no leaks. In the back is it's new stable mate.

NewJackSm2.jpg


They are the same model, Walker # 784, 4 ton floor jacks. This one is a little older than the original shop jack.

NewJackSm4.jpg


Note the "nose piece" which is missing from the other one.

NewJackSm5.jpg


It still has quite a bit of it's original paint and finish details such as the white high lighting on the raised lettering and side details. Once I start to do the clean up on it I'll know if the original finish can be saved. I'm thinking it can! :thumbup: I'll do a more through write up on both of them shortly. Just wanted to get this out for tonight. Cheers.

Thomas


The "nose piece" is actually quite interesting to me. Until now I didn't know that this part is missing on every similar model Walker jack that I've seen.
That piece definitely "completes" the look of the jack. I wonder why it's common to be missing?

I'm looking forward to your updates on these two beauties. :drool:
 

oberst

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. . . wouldn't surprise me at all if a fan sends you a nose for the Walker. Also wouldn't surprise me if you found the missing part in one of the treasure caves you keep showing us.

I hope so, anyway!
 

Hiball

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The "nose piece" is actually quite interesting to me. Until now I didn't know that this part is missing on every similar model Walker jack that I've seen.
That piece definitely "completes" the look of the jack. I wonder why it's common to be missing?

I'm looking forward to your updates on these two beauties. :drool:

They changed the fastening method i believe, The one that is complete on Thomas's jack uses 4 bolts to hold it on. (Which reminds me Thomas, 1 is missing) and on the other one its a much thinner metal and used a different type of fastener. Its very uncommon for these jacks to maintain this piece and the unit cover as far as that goes during there lifespan. Again, your talking about at least 70 years of Life in these jacks. Maybe more on the complete one as ive never seen one with the thicker cast cover.
 
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BB767

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I need to thank a member who alerted me to this publication on eBay. It was a Rotary Lift brochure/catalog ( #107) from the early 1930's. I took a look back on this thread to try and find who that member was but I can't readily find the post. If you are still reading this thread from time to time, please identify yourself again and take a bow. Here's some information from that catalog and I owe you a debt of thanks for the heads up. :bow: Since I've been doing this thread, I really haven't had much time to look for anything on eBay!



RotaryLiftSm1.jpg

This is the cover but no date anywhere that I could fine. I understand that might be a 1934 Buick shown illustrated? The catalog shows several different types of lifts that Rotary made and different options but I'll only include the roll on type lift which is what mine is.


RotaryLiftSm2.jpg


It's a fairly comprehensive publication with lots of specifications which might very well come in handy at some point. Remember the post on the chocks? The top illustration depicts a lift with movable chocks on both ends for a drive on / drive off application. It seems this was the standard way the lift was outfitted.

Chocks7sm.jpg

FrontChocks2sm.jpg

These, I just found out from reading the catalog, see above, page three (lower right) are referred to as permanent chocks. They were a no cost option if you wanted them instead of the standard chocks. I never realized the the movable chocks would bolt right up to the same mounting holes as these. Because of this, there is no front or back to the runways, either in the manufacturing process nor when they are being installed.

RotaryLiftSm3.jpg

This is a slightly newer model "plunger" and head as they refer to it, than mine but it's very similar. This one is an air/hydraulic unit, while mine, older, is just hydraulic.

LiftRemoved-1Edited.jpg

And this is what the "plunger" and head looks like in the real world.

RotaryLiftSm4.jpg

What I wanted to bring to your attention here is on the top left, the " Non-Rotary Attachment ". As you can read the original design was just to prevent the rotary motion of the lift, and if you wanted to prevent it from turning, you would specify this option. It was a no cost option that would be sent with the lift if you requested it. This attachment evolved into the safety leg feature which I now have on my lift. When I removed the lift, it still had the original attachment shown in the catalog with no safety features.

SaftyLeg2sm.jpg

And this is how it looks installed.

SaftyLeg1sm.jpg

And these are the safety "dogs" that were designed into it at some point.

RotaryLiftSm5.jpg

Off the top of my head I don't know the diameter of my "plunger". I believe it to be the 10 1/2" one, model #1016, making the cost of that part of the lift $378.00, in 1928 money of course!

Chocks1sm.jpg


Chocks14sm.jpg

RotaryLiftSm6.jpg

Here's a wonderful illustration and description of the " Electric Power Unit".

LiftContrlMid1sm1.jpg

Compare this with the illustration above and the motor and pump are dead ringers. (here the electric controls are being updated- the original control that is shown in the illustration was still installed here when I did the update/ restoration.) The motor and pump have been serviced over the years, but are still going strong some 80 years later. Bet Rotary had no idea at the time they would last that long! If the Rotary Lift in my barn goes that long it'll be the year 2090 and folks might be looking at it just like you are looking at this one! :)

LiftCabinetSm1.jpg]

Looking at the illustration and the large Rotary Lift badge across the front I believe it to be a decal. I don't know when they started to install them on the cabinets but obviously I don't have one. They are, I assume, unobtainable. :dunno:
The catalog shows some patent dates after the July 3, 1928 one on mine. The next one is October 23 1928 so I would conclude from that my lift was made between those two dates. Even a little older than I thought.

Now I know that many of these pictures have been posted previously but I didn't have this catalog when I posted them. I thought it would be interesting to augment the catalog illustrations with photographs of the "real deal". I'm guessing that would OK with everyone?

Thomas
 
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alberto

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Very cool side by side comparison. If I were Rotary, I'd be calling you about now to use this as advertising.
 
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BB767

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Another longtime lurker!
I couldn't resist commenting on the engine cart!
I'm restoring an old Stover 1 1/2 horse that looks to be just the size for that thing :D

Boy you lurker guys are everywhere aren't you? I had no idea!! :D
Have I got a deal for you. Once you finish the restoration why don't you bring it to the shop and we'll set it on that stand. Then you can leave it in my care and know that I'll give it the very best of care and you can have visiting rights whenever you want. Now is that a great deal or what? :dunno: Think of the satisfaction you'll get from that act of generosity!
Seriously, I expect to restore and keep it but if that should change I'll get in touch with you. Good luck with your project and post some pictures for us.

Thomas
 
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BB767

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The "nose piece" is actually quite interesting to me. Until now I didn't know that this part is missing on every similar model Walker jack that I've seen.
That piece definitely "completes" the look of the jack. I wonder why it's common to be missing?

I'm looking forward to your updates on these two beauties. :drool:

Here's a little insight to this jack and how it came into my possession. I saw some pictures of it on an auction site (not eBay). First thing I noticed is that it was a # 784 just like mine and it appeared to have much of it's original paint, thought it was pretty dirty. Then I spotted the nose piece which I have never seen on a Walker jack before. I contacted the person responsible and got all my questions answered. They would not ship it nor would I want them to so I made the decision that it was rare enough and in good enough condition that I would be willing to drive the 18 hours round trip if I won the auction, to pick it up. I admit that's the kind of thing I'll do when I find something really unique and this certainly was! It is a beauty and I'm thrilled that I now own it. Hiball was my man to service it correctly and then the cosmetics were up to me. It will fit right in to the shop.
As to why you never see them I can't say for sure. A guess would be that they get damaged pretty easily out front so they get removed and never put back on. At some point as a cost savings, Walker just stopped manufacturing them that way. Once I post details on the two jacks I'll point out some of the fine points. To me it truly "makes" the jack. It's almost an art form when you look at it as a whole :thumbup:.

Thomas
 
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BB767

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Feel free to drop that anvil off at my place sometime if you're passing by...

AFTER you land, not from 30,000ft :)

Can you imagine me trying to get through security with that?? ....wadda you mean I can't take in on board :wtf:....... I'm the pilot!!!!! I'm dropping it off at Rick's.........:D

Thomas
 
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BB767

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. . . wouldn't surprise me at all if a fan sends you a nose for the Walker. Also wouldn't surprise me if you found the missing part in one of the treasure caves you keep showing us.

I hope so, anyway!

I hope you're right about a fan sending me an extra nose piece for the jack. That would entitle them to an engraved brass name plate on the jack I''m thinking! OK anyone with one just floating around, underfoot I can get you my mailing address sooooooo fast.............
As for it showing up amongst the "treasure"......well I'm not that hopeful. :sad:

Thomas
 
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BB767

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Very cool side by side comparison. If I were Rotary, I'd be calling you about know to use this as advertising.

That's a very good suggestion alberto. I need to get their people to contact my people and put this together. I bet there'd be a free tee shirt in the deal for me, :) wanna bet?

Thomas
 

reone98

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hey thomas, :)
i'm glad you got the Rotary Lift brochure/catalog from ebay. i have the words "rotary lift" bookmarked on ebay, that how i noticed it. i check out this thread everyday, thanks for starting it.

tom :thumbup:
 
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BB767

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hey thomas, :)
i'm glad you got the Rotary Lift brochure/catalog from ebay. i have the words "rotary lift" bookmarked on ebay, that how i noticed it. i check out this thread everyday, thanks for starting it.

tom :thumbup:

Hey Tom- yea you're the GUY!!! Many, many, many thanks my friend. What a treasure that catalog is! It has information and pictures and illustrations about "stuff" I've always had questions about. I've been over every square inch of that lift, top to bottom, and know all it's various shapes and parts by heart. Seeing them as new was quite a treat, thanks to you. Very useful and cherished publication. Next would be an ad showing the lift for sale from back in the 1920's-30's. Isn't the Garage Journal Forum an awesome site?? Just a bunch of terrific friends here! :thumbup:

Thomas
 
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