Hydraulic Jack Ram, Rechrome?

[ToolmanGary]

I have some old Hein Werner jacks , 2 model M’s which are long frame 2 tons and a model G which is a 4 ton long frame.
I’m going to have to rebuild these and the rams really should be replaced or re-chromed. It looks like nobody has new ones available so I’m wondering about having them re-chromed.
Does anybody know who would be able to do this?

Also I know we had a vintage jack thread here before but I’ve tried searching for it and didn’t have any luck.
Does that thread still exist?

One more thing I’m thinking about, does anybody know what the original paint is for the orange that was used on these jacks?

I’d like to sandblast and put some nice paint on these jacks, I’ve also got a WS that my dad bought new for me in 1976 and I really want these all restored and working perfect.
TIA!

 

[paulsomlo]

Other than the seal itself, the ram doesn't make contact with the cylinder walls - it only contacts the gland/tank nut seal. Since that area is on the low pressure side, it's pretty forgiving when it comes to surface finish on the ram. How bad is it? I've had success using JB Weld to fill in scratches and pock marks. As far as chrome, I don't believe that any of those jacks originally had it. And no, you're not going to find new ones, maybe used ones at a hydraulic place.

Not sure if there's a vintage jack thread - there's an import jack thread and lots of threads on vintage jacks scattered around the forum.

Do some searching, other people have tracked down a match for the color.

I've never bothered with paint, etc. on any of my rebuilds - the 1st drip of brake fluid would have me in tears. As long as they hold the vehicle until the stands are placed, I'm happy.

 

[ToolmanGary]

Thanks Paul
I had two of the jacks with a tool repair guy that does all my air tools and he said that it was best to replace them. I didn't think they were to bad, maybe polish them and remove any nicks and they should be ok.
I think I'm going to get some kits and give it a whirl.

 

[paulsomlo]

Do yourself a favor - tear them down 1st, inspect the innards, make sure all the hard parts are good. Most important are the main cylinder and the pump cylinder surfaces. You don't want any surprises after having sunk the money into kits.

Keep us updated.

 

[ToolmanGary]

Thanks Paul!
I had two of the jacks with tool repair guy and he thought both of these jacks should have the rams replaced.
He was saying sometimes they machine a new ram from chrome rod stock but that gets expensive. If I could find the right rod stock (McMaster-Carr has it but the chrome is only .0005 and he recommends .005) I could probably machine it my self, I have a lathe and Bridgeport.
I think I may take apart one of these jacks and see if I can polish the ram up replace all the rubber seals and cups.

 

[paulsomlo]

He was saying sometimes they machine a new ram from chrome rod stock but that gets expensive. If I could find the right rod stock (McMaster-Carr has it but the chrome is only .0005 and he recommends .005) I could probably machine it my self, I have a lathe and Bridgeport.

That's definitely not standard practice in the world of floor jacks. I think there's only one jack (Milwaukee) that has a chromed rod, but that jack uses rod seals, rather than piston seals. If you were going to replace the ram, 4140 would be good enough. But I very much doubt that it needs replacing. Extend the lift arm, get a picture of the rod and post it up here - I'm doubting that it needs replacing. There's little to no pressure on the backside of the ram seal, so scratches and pock marks in that area are of little consequence, unless we're talking divots 1/8" deep. And those could be filled with JB Weld. In all the rebuild threads that I've read here (and there are many), I don't think I've read about an instance where the rod is so bad that it needed replacing.

 

[Speed-Racer]

I think the Rustoleum Farm & Implement Spray Paint Allis Chalmers Orange 12 oz is a really good match to the original HW paint.
Home Depot offers 6 cans for $26.88 with free delivery. Much lower price than other stores and most only had one can in stock. Please share some pics in the thread.

Rust-Oleum 12 oz. Farm & Implement Allis Chalmers Orange Gloss Enamel Spray Paint (6-Pack) 280135 - The Home Depot

Add bright color to your humble little dwelling by applying this Rust-Oleum Farm Implement Allis Chalmers Orange Gloss Enamel Spray Paint.

www.homedepot.com

 

[ajchien]

I don't think I've read about an instance where the rod is so bad that it needed replacing.

yes, I would second this comment that a poorly finished rod would at worst be detrimental to the dust wiper seal on the tank nut more than anything else. it’s not holding any psi that holds the vehicle up. It does seem like degrading the dust wiper would increase contaminants in the hydraulic oil eventually. Most I’ve seen someone do is to fill in pits, put it in a lathe and polish.

Id say the piston seal/bearings/guide -to- inner cylinder surface is more important. The integrity of the ball check valves, overload valve and the release valve are also more important.

 

[Steve_P]

1050 Hydraulic cylinder rod stock has something like .0005" chrome plating on it. I cant remember for sure, but look on Ryerson for the spec.

 

[HYDRAULIC MAN]

I have some old Hein Werner jacks , 2 model M’s which are long frame 2 tons and a model G which is a 4 ton long frame.
I’m going to have to rebuild these and the rams really should be replaced or re-chromed. It looks like nobody has new ones available so I’m wondering about having them re-chromed.
Does anybody know who would be able to do this?

Also I know we had a vintage jack thread here before but I’ve tried searching for it and didn’t have any luck.
Does that thread still exist?

One more thing I’m thinking about, does anybody know what the original paint is for the orange that was used on these jacks?

I’d like to sandblast and put some nice paint on these jacks, I’ve also got a WS that my dad bought new for me in 1976 and I really want these all restored and working perfect.
TIA!

To re-Chrome, there is a $75.00 -$120. Ea.
A additional $75.00/Ea. to put centers on plungers. Or you can purchase C1045 polished & hard chromed rod stock fabricate them . In Southern California there’s A-Z, Barkens and Electric Chrome & Grinding.