Price Check; Rusty Parker 974

[Recoil Rob]

Have come across a Parker 974, complete with swivel lock handle. It has been stored outside in an unheated shed for several years and has developed a nice patina of rust over the entire vise. But everything still works properly, the handle will open the vise and the base will lock when the handle is turned. Nothing bent, jaws line up and look good. Looks as though all it needs and electrolysis bath and then paint and lube.

I really like this vise and can use it but do not want to overpay, being sold by the widow of a friend, what's a fair offer?

 

[spongerich]

For a while, Parker vises were selling for big money... lately it seems to be the Prentiss and Wiltons that are inflated and the Parkers are affordable again.

$50-$75 seems reasonable. They're nice vises. Sturdy and good looking.

 

[gatewaysysop]

I agree. The Parker 974 1/2A that my father picked up went for around $60 and was in sounds like it was in similar condition. By the way, they look pretty nice in red, if you're going to repaint it.

 

[Barry Tucker]

Previous post:

http://garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=138645
I sold the Parker for a$100.00 and the Hollands for $75.00, Payed $20.00 a piece.
Before:

Regards Barry

 

[Recoil Rob]

Picked it up today, friends widow, gave the $75 gladly. Will be setting up an electrolysis bath soon and then will decide on a color scheme.

Gatewaysysop, I looked at the picture your red 974, two questions.

1. How did you get the jaws to shine like that, are they relacements?
2. Are those 4 (Allen?) screws in the top of the jaws or are they pins? Are they all that hold the jaws on or are there screws in the jaw faces? I haven't had a chance to open mine up that far to see. Haven't even had a chance to see if I can find those small screws under the rust. Easier to remove the jaws before the electrolysis bath or after?

 

[spongerich]

You gotta love Garage Journal. Is there anywhere else you'd find a bunch of guys who would look at that rusty pile of steel and think "Hey... $75.00... not a bad deal" ?


The Parker jaws are pinned in place.

I definitely wouldn't bother doing anything until its had an electro-bath.
Just wire brush the loose rust off and let it cook for a couple of days. Then open it up, remove the dynamic jaw and give it another day or so in the tank. Then you should be able to get it all apart for a thorough cleaning.

Should look great when you're done. It seems to be in good shape under all that rust.

 

[Joe B.]

For some reason one that rusty just seems like more fun. I would rather have that than one of the poor restoration I see on Craigslist.

 

[HandyManny]

Picked it up today, friends widow, gave the $75 gladly. Will be setting up an electrolysis bath soon and then will decide on a color scheme.

Gatewaysysop, I looked at the picture your red 974, two questions.

1. How did you get the jaws to shine like that, are they relacements?
2. Are those 4 (Allen?) screws in the top of the jaws or are they pins? Are they all that hold the jaws on or are there screws in the jaw faces? I haven't had a chance to open mine up that far to see. Haven't even had a chance to see if I can find those small screws under the rust. Easier to remove the jaws before the electrolysis bath or after?

Damn!! What an excellent job you did there. That thing looks prettier than the day it was made I'm sure. Fantastic!!

 

[osborn.ozzy]

holy ****, Ill give you $100 for the red shiny one.

 

[gatewaysysop]

Picked it up today, friends widow, gave the $75 gladly. Will be setting up an electrolysis bath soon and then will decide on a color scheme.

Gatewaysysop, I looked at the picture your red 974, two questions.

1. How did you get the jaws to shine like that, are they relacements?
2. Are those 4 (Allen?) screws in the top of the jaws or are they pins? Are they all that hold the jaws on or are there screws in the jaw faces? I haven't had a chance to open mine up that far to see. Haven't even had a chance to see if I can find those small screws under the rust. Easier to remove the jaws before the electrolysis bath or after?

Hmm. Late to the party here, but let me hit your questions:

No, they are not replacements. My father restored that puppy, and it was basically wire wheel and a **** load of sanding, buffing and polishing.

And no, they are not screws, they are metal pins that are pound into (and out of) place. Best tool for the job is something like the punches you can buy (and cheap) at Sears, you can even get extra long ones that will work even better.

 

[gatewaysysop]

Damn!! What an excellent job you did there. That thing looks prettier than the day it was made I'm sure. Fantastic!!

The before picture, for reference, is here:

 

[srmofo]

hi

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