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Blackhawk Jack info request

T

Tarnished

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Feb 8, 2012
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Location
SW Ohio
Picked up this sweet Blackhawk jack recently from a CL add. I believe it is a S-4 model, but I am trying to determine that for sure. Age unknown. How does one determine age on these?
I've wanted one of these since I spotted them on this site. Got lucky with this catch as it seems to be in decent original condition. Lots of crud, but other than the missing headlight and battery components, it seems to be complete.
Thought I would start a post on this one, as I know I will have a LOT of questions on how to return this aging beauty back to its former prominence. Looks like it has most of its original paint, and I would like to preserve what I can of that finish. (only original once right :)
Wanted to start off with asking "where do I start?" I think first thing would be a good pressure wash to see what I have. Next try to find a good parts breakdown of some kind. Don't want to dismantle things till I know what to be wary of.
I know I have read numerous posts here (which put it on my wish list to beguine with) so I will go off and re-read all posts I can find for now. I have about a trillion other things that need attention right now so it may be a while before I get to start on this, but that will give me a good chance to do a little learning. Hope you all will jump on in with any information you may have.
Thanks for looking.
 

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B

beatcad

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yeah that things cool and a beast!
my dad has had one as long as i can remember. and i used it plenty when i was a young man.
 
OP
T

Tarnished

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Joined
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Messages
721
Location
SW Ohio
thanks Guys,
Anyone know how to date these things? Due to the styling I would have guessed before the 50's, but I really have no idea. Have seen some pics of Blackhawk catalogs, but nothing to specifically date the S-4 with headlight.
Been reading up on existing posts, and trying to figure out best way to go about restoration. I did manage to pressure wash it and remove a lot of the old grease and crud, but that is about as far as I have gone. If I remove the 6 screws on the headlight cover,
headlight cover.JPG
I will be directly into the oil reservoir, is that correct? If it is as gunked up as I suspect, how do I clean it up? Wash out with kerosine, or something similar, and then just refill with hydraulic oil? What type/weight oil should I put back?
Thanks
 
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OP
T

Tarnished

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Joined
Feb 8, 2012
Messages
721
Location
SW Ohio
CRTDI, Thanks for time line link. I'm going to go with the early to mid 50's. From everything I can find, that is about as close as I'm going to get and good enough for my use.
I have read thru your earlier link to MBeaty's restoration a few times and have found a lot of useful info there. Especially hydro & handle disassemble. Seems MBeaty's S-4 is in about the same condition as mine with the same symptoms of neglect. Will be my guide for tearing into this one.
Haven't taken the headlight plate off yet, but his post made me think my hydraulic oil would look much the same, so I know I am going to need to wash out the chamber with something. Just don't want to screw up the seals. (great info in original jack operation regarding what oil not to use and why)
Mine appears to be pretty much same condition as your S-4, except I am missing the headlight lens, (most seem to be broken or MIA) and I am also missing the internal parts for the battery switch. Of course the wiring is also gone. I thought I read about someone finding a lens that would fit these but can't seem to find the thread. Would be COOL to have working light, but I am satisfied with just a working jack.
I did notice on your jack that under the 2 front headlight cover screws there are 2 tabs to hold the cast "Blackhawk" cover down. Appears to be the only thing holding this cover in place. Correct?
Appreciate the info, keep em coming. :beer:
 
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T

Tarnished

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CRTDI, Cool... Thanks for the link. Was this a repair kit of some kind? Can you share where you found the parts? Nice job on your restore, both the S-4 and the SJ-18. Beautiful work there.
 
C

CRTDI

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Jan 11, 2010
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1,533
The light parts are pretty much unobtainable as are most of the hard parts for these jacks. Unfortunately, I don't know of any place to source the light sys parts.

The wire harness was fabricated using the original contact pieces from an old jack I parted out. The other light sys components are mostly NOS parts that I was lucky enough to purchase a while back as part of a lot.

Thanks for the compliments.
 
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