Blackhawk S-4 transformation

[Tarnished]

Some of you may remember my CL find from a few months back,


That thread is Here
Thought some might like to see how it looks now.





I have to admit, I did not do this restoration. I didn't feel comfortable replacing the packing on the pump, so I found a shop that said they could rebuild the pump. They also said they could replace the missing parts and get the light working again as well as new paint. What your seeing is what I got back.
I couldn't be happier!!!! One of the great old jacks restored and ready for the next 50 years.
Can't say enough about the business that did the restoration!
Mats Equipment Co.
Small family owned company, been in business for about 50 years doing equipment and power tool service. Very knowledgeable ***** of guys who appreciate my old jack as much as I did. Went WAY beyond just making it work again. They were able to make a whole new lens for my missing one, and came up with a innovative working solution for my missing light buttons. Had a new key made for the handle lock and got that working also. Striped of crud, cleaned and new red paint with pinstripe.
WhoooHoooo!!
If your near the Dayton Oh. area, look them up. I think you'll be pleased.

 

[930dreamer]

That looks great.

 

[thesilverone]

beautiful!

 

[Smokeshow69]

Wow! What a nice jack. They did a really good job. I am looking for one of those for my own and am envious of your jack

 

[Outlawmws]

Than came out VERY nice! Good save!

 

[d.mcfarland]

Very nice!

 

[AndrewH]

That's a great looking jack, I hope you don't mind me asking but how much did you pay for that restoration? I've passed up a few old jacks due to the amount of work needed so I'm very curious.

 

[Tarnished]

Thanks All, I'm pretty happy with it, can you tell. There is some piece of mind about having a jack that has been rebuilt and CERTIFIED , know what I mean? Part of anyone's strength, should be knowing when your out of your league & time to let the pro's handle it. I am glad I did. Done and no worries!
As for cost, it wasn't exactly cheap but it would cost about twice what I have in it, to buy a new one.
And it wouldn't be nearly as ****!
Cost would also depend a lot on location I'm sure. I just consider myself very luck just to be able to find some place that can still work on them.

 

[Bull]

Looks fantastic. Any idea where they got the hard parts from? If you ever get a chance, can you take a pic of the linkage?

 

[Xtrom]

Awesome! I need to get after mine one of these days.

 

[arnwoodwheels]

Thats so much better than a new jack.
Looks great!!

 

[Hiball]

Very nice... I don't see any scratches on that white saddle pad yet..

 

[beatcad]

holy sheep ****!
that looks great!

 

[930dreamer]

I'm going to call MATS tomorrow and inquire about the light parts.

 

[Tarnished]

Looks fantastic. Any idea where they got the hard parts from? If you ever get a chance, can you take a pic of the linkage?

Thanks Bull, On mine, the missing parts were the lens, the wiring harness, and the push button, all for the light. Everything else was there and working. I know that for the lens, he turned a piece of plastic (can't think of the name) for the screw threads, and then polished the dome shaped head piece. They are actually 2 pieces glued together to form the lens. They added an O-ring for good measure. Works out very well.

For the push-button, he found a small switch somewhere and added it to the screw in handle. The original would have been a push & hold to turn on, but on this one, you pull out on the little black button and light stays on till you push it off. Not bad replacement for the unobtainable original. I will ask where he found the switch.


As for the "linkage" pic's, I just happen to have one completely apart right now. What exactly would you like to see?



These are some I had taken already, and while not the best to see the linkage, I could take a few more while it is on the bench. Just let me know.

And Hiball, Just wait, it will get used plenty as soon as the snow is off the ground, and I start to do some tractor repair...

 

[ShadowRuleZ]

That's awesome.

 

[Tarnished]

The Shadow Knows!!! Thanks Shadow.

 

[CRTDI]

Congrats...nice looking restoration...

I think this is the first S-4 I've seen with an actual functioning light system.

 

[Brad54]

That shop must have really enjoyed restoring that old jack--there's no way they went to that length if it was just another job.

I won't say "Money is no object," but the price of something is long-forgotten when you're enjoying using something.

-Brad

 

[Tarnished]

That shop must have really enjoyed restoring that old jack--there's no way they went to that length if it was just another job.

I won't say "Money is no object," but the price of something is long-forgotten when you're enjoying using something.

-Brad

Bard, you are correct. I was fortunate to work with the son of the owner of the company, and he was into the old arn as well. Has plenty of the old machines around to keep him company, and busy. Very knowledgeable. He stated that he couldn't make any money on doing one, but he loved to do what he could for someone who also appreciate the old jacks. Turns out he and his crew went to great lengths to get the jack back to near original working condition. Sure they got paid, but they cared as much as I did, and I appreciated it. Don't mind paying for something when it is done right. Too easy for most places to blow ya off with "No we can't do those anymore, no parts". These guys knew what was needed, and went out of there way to make the parts they couldn't find. Fine group of guys!
Always said the only thing in life that was cheap, was ME! BUT, I ain't EASY!!!!!

 

[Tarnished]

Congrats...nice looking restoration...

I think this is the first S-4 I've seen with an actual functioning light system.

Thanks CRTDI, It is also the only functioning one I have seen up close. Hopefully, the one I posted above that I am working on now, should make it to working also. ALL the light parts were there when I brought it home.


Including the often missing lens, although it is pretty yellowed.

Not sure if yellowness can be polished out. Anyone have any thoughts on this?
Didn't think about it, but I should have stuck in a couple batteries and seen if it worked. All in parts now, and hydraulics unit being rebuilt by same shop. Will do the clean up on the rest of the frame myself this time. Intended to start a new post on restoring this one, just haven't gotten that far yet. -8* in the shop right now kinda slows me down!

 

[B17E1943]

SA-WEEET!!