Is this the vise date code? Old Simplex restoration

Displaced Hokie · Feb 27, 2010

I posted this in the mega vise thread, but got no response...do you think the numbers on the bottom of this old Simplex vise can be interpreted to be a build date of November 1941 and maybe serial number 185?

Also, does anyone know what the proper color scheme for one of these is? All brown? If so, I might go more colorful...

Thanks!

Lookin4'67Galaxieconv · Feb 27, 2010

Sounds good to me!

blazemaster83 · Feb 27, 2010

I believe that is correct. I have a vise just like that, but model 43 s. I remember seeing those numbers on it when i restored mine. I think mine is made in '47. I emailed Desmond Stephan about it and they sent me this...

BanjoSavesTheDay · Feb 27, 2010

I wish I could help but I just don't know anything about Simplex vises. It appears to be well made. Actually the more I look at it, the more I like it. My best guess would be that yes it was made in 1941.

Popular Mechanics used to sell them: http://books.google.com/books?id=K9...=0CBoQ6AEwCQ#v=onepage&q=simplex vise&f=false

Displaced Hokie · Feb 28, 2010

Thanks Blaze! Thanks Banjo!

Blaze, what color did you paint yours when you redid it?

blazemaster83 · Feb 28, 2010

Here are some before and after shots of mine. I gave it an electro bath, and repainted/regreased everything.

I used a Rustoleum primer, and Rustoleum black sparkly paint. I also painted the letters with some white. I like the way it looks, it works like new now.

I meant to get some new handles machined, as well as some new jaw screws, but funds got in the way. maybe someday....

quneur · Feb 28, 2010

How did you get the white paint so straight? Mine turn out splotchy. Also, the black turnout real nice. I'm going to have to redo mine properly or just leave it as it doesn't have a base. Two of the screw mounts broke off.

blazemaster83 · Feb 28, 2010

I used some cheap white model paint, and a small paint brush from the local hobby store. I took my time, and 2 coats seemed to be enough

Oh by the way, if it means anything, mine had a fire engine red paint on it before i gave it a bath. I have no idea if thats original or not.

Hope you get that thing cleaned up, it looks to be in great shape!

MAD · Feb 28, 2010

blazemaster83 said:
Oh by the way, if it means anything, mine had a fire engine red paint on it before i gave it a bath. I have no idea if thats original or not.

+1 on the red paint. I am nearly certain that mine has the original paint.

BanjoSavesTheDay · Feb 28, 2010

That looks really good blazemaster. I wish I knew more about that steel slide business.

crabbytiger · Mar 10, 2014

Hello DH,

I just received a Simplex 43-S from UPS that I bought on Ebay. Boy, these vises are big, heavy and built stout! Here is a picture of mine...

Planeone. · Mar 7, 2025

I was just wondering how old my vise is, it's the same as the ones above but mine doesent have the swivel bottom. The markings are all the same but the number on mine is "48P". I use it nearly every day and I have owned it since 1969 when a man I was working for at a transport company that was closing down threw this vise in the scrap but let me take it when I asked. I must take it off the bench and see if there is a date stamp on the bottom. Just looking at my photos and the number could "43P".

Is this the vise date code? Old Simplex restoration

Displaced Hokie

Well-known member

Lookin4'67Galaxieconv

Well-known member

blazemaster83

Well-known member

Attachments

BanjoSavesTheDay

Well-known member

Displaced Hokie

Well-known member

blazemaster83

Well-known member

Attachments

quneur

Well-known member

blazemaster83

Well-known member

MAD

Well-known member

Attachments

BanjoSavesTheDay

Well-known member

crabbytiger

New member

Attachments

Planeone.

New member

Attachments