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Mechanics Work Station / Service Merchandiser

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alemite

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Feb 2, 2014
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CA
Alemite_Shell_clean.png

For many years I have been collecting history, catalogs, and images regarding these fine Workbenches.
Alemite, Graco, Kent-Moore, Lincoln, Shure, and Sioux were some of the largest producers in the 1940's - 50's.

There have been some wonderful threads on here about these workbenches:
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=38602

With my slight obsession, I began talking with the companies listed above and owners, in an effort to put together a history of these service merchandisers.
Ultimately a website was needed to keep all of this information in one place. If you are interested in these Mechanic Work Stations or just want to have a look, the site is:

www.servicemerchandisers.com

Do you have stories or images to share?
I truly welcome all comments, questions and corrections

-Damon
 
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alemite

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Feb 2, 2014
Messages
28
Location
CA
RWorth: As for where to find one of these workbenches; PM me with your State. I keep a ongoing list of available merchandisers for sale and parts.

bpj71: The Shell work station above was sold at auction a few years ago. I do not have information on its current location.


Shure_Site_Olds.jpg

Oldsmobile Dealership
 
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428PI

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Jul 14, 2018
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Peabody, KS
It's back when the mechanic made a large percentage of shop rate, and had to buy very few tools and lived a solid middle class.
 
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alemite

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Feb 2, 2014
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The website has really been growing and evolving over the last year and half. A large thank you goes out to the many members on here that have reached out to contribute photos and information.

1549166303005


Recently an Alemite bench was featured on "American Pickers". Now we wait to see if prices climb or if more of these pieces of automotive artwork begin to resurface.
 
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ZRX61

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Aug 15, 2006
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Solar Blight Valley, SoCal
Yanno.. one of these would make a great bar in a mancave..



or even look good in the kitchen. Have the coffee machine, toaster etc on the bench part.
Maybe some small shelves across the back part as a spice rack
 
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firebirdparts

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Jun 8, 2016
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10,666
Location
Kingsport, TN
It seems like there are some other threads, but I decided to bump this one since alemite started it. I saw an alemite on FBM and contacted the guy immediately. Paid $875 for it, so quite high price, but it was local and it's already pretty nice. Just needs a coat of Rustoleum on the bottom half. I very much want a bigger one with high background and side cabinets, so I will keep looking.

This appears to be model 421, and it's missing the standard equipment parts washer. There is no sink on these things, so I don't know how this parts washer worked. The "universal tool rack" is pristine. I'm not used to it, of course, but I'll probably use it just to make it look interesting. Missing the drawer, and I'll need to fake something in there. I will have to recreate the electric system. Getting to the space under it is not easy with the one-door layout.
 
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alemite

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Messages
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Location
CA
Wonderful find! These smaller 1940 units do not surface very often.

This model would have had the option for these short side cabinets.
 

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