Floor Jacks Collectability (Walker vs Lincoln vs..)

[garagesapien]

Hi All,
I plan to find a heavy duty vintage Jack such as Walker, Lincoln, Blackhawk etc. and fully restore it. When it comes to Vintage floor/service jacks, is is there a brand considered more sought after than others. I am new to vintage Jacks hence joining this cool forum.
My research (through this forum posts) indicates that Walker and Lincoln brands are the same entity. The Walker was the original company that was bough by Lincoln in the 80s. Given the Walker was the original company and had been making jacks since 20's - Is Walker Floor Jacks considered to be more valuable for collectors than Lincoln.
Thanks all in advance
Garage Sapien

 

[paulsomlo]

I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but there is no "collectors" market for floor jacks. Buy one, get it in working order, and use it.

 

[ajchien]

I think the old Blackhawk jacks such as the S4 are pretty cool. They jack lamp and the key for the release valve lock are pretty unique.

That said, the older Walker “roll a car” jacks such as the 78x series were also very good looking,

Dont forget about the orginal Hein Werner’s too.

Although I agree with paulsomlo, there’s not really a “valuable collectors market” for hydraulic jacks. Do it if you want a reliable jack was made well and looks good. Don’t do it if you’re trying to make money.

 

[autobon7]

Collectable is very subjective in my opinion. Do you plan to use it or display it? I know of a few folks who display at car shows etc. My experience is that Weaver is the easiest to work on.....some may disagree. I do like Blackhawk and Walker. Weaver is my go to jack.

 

[garagesapien]

Thanks all for the replies, I appreciate it.

 

[whateg01]

... My experience is that Weaver is the easiest to work on.....some may disagree. I do like Blackhawk and Walker. Weaver is my go to jack.

I thought that too until I got a 10T that I can't get to Jack past about halfway. The weaver lacks the visual appeal that the walker and Blackhawk do, imo. I do own one of each.

 

[Lookin4'67Galaxieconv]

The old Hein Warner's are pretty cool too. I picked up a 1.5 ton in nice condition from the original owner a couple years ago for $50

 

[Firebrick43]

I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but there is no "collectors" market for floor jacks. Buy one, get it in working order, and use it.

Dont you know, everything that is old and has patina is collectable.

 

[paulsomlo]

Dont you know, everything that is old and has patina is collectable.

And "vintage"

I own a Hein-Werner, a Blackhawk, and a Lincoln. If I was going to choose only one, it would be the Lincoln - the rebuild kit is more expensive, but the tank nut is easier to deal with.

 

[autobon7]

I thought that too until I got a 10T that I can't get to Jack past about halfway. The weaver lacks the visual appeal that the walker and Blackhawk do, imo. I do own one of each.

Have not worked on a 10 ton but the 2 and 4 ton units are much easier to work on than other jacks I have worked on (Blackhawk, Walker, HW, etc.

 

[whateg01]

Have not worked on a 10 ton but the 2 and 4 ton units are much easier to work on than other jacks I have worked on (Blackhawk, Walker, HW, etc.

I guess I shouldn't say it isn't easy to work on. I just can't figure out why it acts like it does.

 

[Hiball]

I guess I shouldn't say it isn't easy to work on. I just can't figure out why it acts like it does.

What is it doing?

 

[whateg01]

What is it doing?

Gets about halfway up then acts like it's sucking air, iirc. Been a while since I messed with it. It's at my folks' place up near KC. One day when I have some free time I intend to go get it and need with it again. The check balls and weights all seem to do what they are supposed to. Even if I remove the plug on the tank it doesn't act like it's pulling fluid in.

 

[Hiball]

Gets about halfway up then acts like it's sucking air, iirc. Been a while since I messed with it. It's at my folks' place up near KC. One day when I have some free time I intend to go get it and need with it again. The check balls and weights all seem to do what they are supposed to. Even if I remove the plug on the tank it doesn't act like it's pulling fluid in.

I’d start with the easy stuff first.

1. Make sure it’s got enough oil in the reservoir and simply not running out of oil and sucking air.

2. Make sure the Vent hole isn’t plugged.

3. If that doesn’t address the issue, I’d check the pump piston seal to make sure the nut isnt over tightened and deforming the face of the seal.

4. Last step.. pull the magnet/filter screen and check for crud and then flush the transfer line. Some of them use a copper line and newer series have it built into the lower part of the unit.

 

[Kds56210]

I have a vintage Walker hydraulic “roll-a-car” jack, No:884 ; series C; range 4-24; 4 tons; very cool looking and complete! Been in the family for decades, there’s my problem! I loaned her to a friend and he lifted his jeep and the ole walker sprung a leak, I’m trying to service her then find which o-ring needs replaced but I can’t seem to get her to take fluid? Any ideas?

 

[Kds56210]

I guess I shouldn't say it isn't easy to work on. I just can't figure out why it acts like it does.

Hi! Can you check my post below about my vintage 4 ton Walker (No.884; 4-24)? Complete, could use a paint job but she had sprung a leak according to a friend that used her in trying to service her and find the leak, although I don’t know how hard it’s going to be to take the ram assembly out? Anyway, if you want more pics I’ll get them but any help would be greatly appreciated! Thanks!

 

[ajchien]

I have a vintage Walker hydraulic “roll-a-car” jack, No:884 ; series C; range 4-24; 4 tons; very cool looking and complete! Been in the family for decades, there’s my problem! I loaned her to a friend and he lifted his jeep and the ole walker sprung a leak, I’m trying to service her then find which o-ring needs replaced but I can’t seem to get her to take fluid? Any ideas?

That jack is a classic.

Depends on where you think the leak may be coming from? Mostly leather cups, chevron vees, and packing to seal the pistons rather than o rings. You will find gland nuts around the pistons (Main ram, and the dual pump pistons). The gland nuts when turned clockwise will compress the packing and make it seal around their individual pistons better. Maybe 1/8-1/4 of a turn is all it needs. If you compress too much around one of the dual pumps, you will feel that it has a lot of friction while pumping. If you need to turn it in a lot and it still does not seal up, then you might need the rebuild.

Another note, the tank reservoir is vented. Therefore, if for some reason the jack was turned sideways or upside down, the oil will leak out of the reservoir vent. If the reservoir was overfilled or vehicle was rapidly lowered, the vent may also spit out some oil.

 

[Kds56210]

Excellent! I’m cleaning out the vent hole in the reservoir plug as it seemed clogged but now I’m gonna tighten the jamnuts, the actuator (lifting) ram I s where it had a little leak even while not under any load, then there’s another leak around the release/relief valve? When you turn it out to let down the jack it leaks a little right out of the housing, I hope that over the years it hasn’t been over-tightened so much that inside, if it’s a needle/seat design, it’s maybe mashed and doesn’t seal? Also, any suggestions for servicing the reservoir? Lol, I made a ridiculously small funnel but it just doesn’t seem to take it? What configuration should the jack be in, valve tight - handle (pumps) up or down, etc? Thanks!

 

[ajchien]

The main lifting ram is set up with the packing/gland nut, but I’m not sure if your release valve has the same set up or not? If it has the same style (but smaller) gland nut on the outside, then it should be the same setup - there is packing inside that can be made tighter by turning the gland nut. However, if it does not have the gland nut, then there would be an o ring inside that seal it up. Regarding the needle release valve concern ... is your jack lowering under load also in addition to leaking? If it is lowering under load, then you’re probably looking at doing a full rebuild because either the leather cup on the main lifting ram, the overload valve/overextension mechanisms arent sealing right, or your needle release arent sealing. As for filling the reservoir - it should fill fine from the hole that the vent is in. Don’t try to fill from any of the valves, that would take forever. Frankly, if it hasn’t been serviced in a while, maybe draining the old oil out might be a good idea. I have a 781 model, which is a smaller 2 ton version of your 884. I drained the oil after 10 ish years, and it was completely black in color.

 

[Kds56210]

Thanks! I cleaned the vent in the reservoir plug, took a brass drift punch to all the gland-nuts, slowly, and I mean slowly (lol) serviced the reservoir using a 50cc syringe with some 3/16” tube and ATF, ****! It’s working beautifully! I cleaned all the extended rams(pumps/lifting ram) with WD40 and a scotch-brite pad, ram it through a few times continuously wiping any grime. Now, I’m really wanting to paint her, she’s complete and in good shape other than a little denting on the nose cover but I can church that up , I’m just needing a color name/code for the blue? Anybody? Thanks again brutha! I didn’t think that it has leather rings and it certainly could do better with t-ring/Teflon back-ups but they aren’t conducive to over tightening lol, so the leather is definitely better for that until there’s no threading left! Anyway, for how old she is it’s a wonderful jack and I’m the 3rd generation family member that’s been using it like crazy! Now, the dad and mine hot rod, which is now going to get finished by me as a tribute to my dad, I need money, unfortunately, so how much would you recommend I ask for her? I can send pics? I’m completely willing to clean her up and paint but I’m thinking the original patina might be better? Thoughts?

 

[ajchien]

I think you would fetch a better price if you left the original paint but cleaned of all grime and freshly greased/oiled it.

That said, I still agree with others above. I don’t see a second hand market for vintage floor jacks. I think there is a bigger market for a vintage broken jack than a vintage working jack. I look at my local second hand market, the vintage floor jacks that are listing for something in the $50-75 range disappear in a week. Putting a $50 rebuild kit in it and someone has a working, reliable, classic jack for less than an new imported jack. The working vintage jacks that people list in the $300 range seem to sit around for a long time, so they’re probably selling for less than that.

 

[vwpieces]

Vintage floor jacks is what brought me to this site. I like the old deco styling and the Blackhawk SJ18 is favorite because of the styling. While I do appreciate the Old floor jacks I still use my newer Aluminum one the most in the shop.
I have an older blackhawk I rebuilt and refinished, forget the model # but its about the size of the common Daytona but at least 2X as heavy. Wheels actually leave lines in the concrete just rolling it around. This one was left behind in the shop when I bought the place.



Couple years later I acquired this Walker 782... It was a mess, but it was cheap enough @$40 because it has the cast iron cover plate. When I got it. Darker blue indicates it was refurbed by Walker.

Jacks of this quality and lift are crazy expensive so I took the time to give it new life. Really wasn't any Patina (paint) to save.
My twist to the original paint scheme... I'm not afraid use it when it is needed.

Value? I doubt anyone would ever pay for the time and materials. But they are more valuable to me as a tool to use than resale.

 

[vwpieces]

Anyway I appreciate you wanting a vintage jack... Make sure it is complete. For example that Walker logo cover plate is impossible to find. Missing or broken lights on the Blackhawks too. Also make sure the ram is not rusted or plunger... Plunger on my blackhawk is pitted and leaks... It still works, but leaks a bit. The Walker also has a slight ram packing leak, hard to explain why on that one but I believe it has the wrong packing nut installed.

 

[Phil Dart70]

I have just recently found a old hydraulic floor jack for sale pretty cheap. It looks like it has the name green castle printed on it any information is appreciated

 

[garagesapien]

A few months later I posted this thread, I bought a old Walker 782 floor jack. Although the jack was mostly intact, unfortunately, the hydraulic bottle was leaking. Following instructions and a YouTube tutorial, I diligently dismantled the entire jack. It was a satisfying process to remove rust and thoroughly clean all the metal components. However, despite my efforts, I couldn't manage to open the hydraulic bottle. I invested in a new hydraulic seals kit and even a specialized tool (to remove bottle cap) based on recommendations from the forum, but it proved impractical. In the end, realizing I wouldn't have the time to complete the project, I decided to donate all the parts to a local guy.

here is the link : https://www.garagejournal.com/forum...r-783-series-d-floor-jack-for-sale-40.516883/

 

[vwpieces]

A few months later I posted this thread, I bought a old Walker 782 floor jack. Although the jack was mostly intact, unfortunately, the hydraulic bottle was leaking. Following instructions and a YouTube tutorial, I diligently dismantled the entire jack. It was a satisfying process to remove rust and thoroughly clean all the metal components. However, despite my efforts, I couldn't manage to open the hydraulic bottle. I invested in a new hydraulic seals kit and even a specialized tool (to remove bottle cap) based on recommendations from the forum, but it proved impractical. In the end, realizing I wouldn't have the time to complete the project, I decided to donate all the parts to a local guy.

Well that's disappointing.
Here is a pic of the red Blackhawk disassembly. Had to make due with what I had since I was still moving into the shop and not many tools on hand. It takes some Heat and leverage sometimes... In the reflection you can see 2 Mapp torches, pipe wrench and pipe extensions for the pipe wrench. Worked but it fought back.

 

[dchawk81]

I had posters of vintage Ferraris, a Countach, a ******* Playmate, and a Hein Warner on my bedroom wall as a kid.

Some day, my friends. Some day...

 

[vwpieces]

I had posters of vintage Ferraris, a Countach, a ******* Playmate, and a Hein Warner on my bedroom wall as a kid.

Some day, my friends. Some day...

I wanted and waited a long time And Then... there was too many.
My last pile acquired about a year ago.
Furthest one is neat, air hydraulic... No Hands! Can't even remember the model No. but Walker
Another 782 Walker
Hein Werner O-Boy and green Ajax (hein werner)
All 4 were $75 and all work. 782 is thirsty though.

 

[paulsomlo]

A few months later I posted this thread, I bought a old Walker 782 floor jack. Although the jack was mostly intact, unfortunately, the hydraulic bottle was leaking. Following instructions and a YouTube tutorial, I diligently dismantled the entire jack. It was a satisfying process to remove rust and thoroughly clean all the metal components. However, despite my efforts, I couldn't manage to open the hydraulic bottle. I invested in a new hydraulic seals kit and even a specialized tool (to remove bottle cap) based on recommendations from the forum, but it proved impractical. In the end, realizing I wouldn't have the time to complete the project, I decided to donate all the parts to a local guy.

here is the link : https://www.garagejournal.com/forum...r-783-series-d-floor-jack-for-sale-40.516883/

Very generous of you - hopefully, the new owner will complete the rebuild and post here. Those tank nuts have halted many a rebuild effort - they can be on there at 600 ftlbs.. Fixturing the hydraulic body and having the right tool are essential.

 

[paulsomlo]

I had posters of vintage Ferraris, a Countach, a ******* Playmate, and a Hein Warner on my bedroom wall as a kid.

Some day, my friends. Some day...

Which one - the Playmate?

 

[garagesapien]

Very generous of you - hopefully, the new owner will complete the rebuild and post here. Those tank nuts have halted many a rebuild effort - they can be on there at 600 ftlbs.. Fixturing the hydraulic body and having the right tool are essential.

Thanks. I would still like know how to open it and all required tools . I know it is matter of time I will get another one try to restore it