Restoring my Dad's Wilton Bullet nose

[mschmitz]

I recently got my basement workshop fixed-up and decided to get a new vice because my el-cheapo Menards Vice had a cracked pivot hold down ring in the base. I started admiring some of the old vices on this forum and the old Wilton's immediately looked familiar to me. It turns out my dad had one on his workbench in the house where I grew up.
I stopped by to visit my Mom and I unbolted from the bench tonight and brought it home (my dad passed in '86). He brush painted it with some rustoleum, but it works smoothly and there is no damage.
The jaws are 4.5" wide. Looks like a #4 made in Chicago. I intend to bead blast it and repaint it the wonderful green I've seen here on this site. Here's a few pictures:



http://s646.photobucket.com/albums/uu188/mschmitz57/Tools/

Mark

 

[ZRX61]

Plastic bead does a much better job of removing paint than glassbead

 

[autopts]

That vise was probably made in the 40's and its in excellent condition. Wilton. at that time used cap nuts on alot of their early vises. Thru my eyes, I wouldn't have changed a thing. Thats a great momento from your dad.

 

[geologist]

That vise was probably made in the 40's and its in excellent condition. Wilton. at that time used cap nuts on alot of their early vises. Thru my eyes, I wouldn't have changed a thing. Thats a great momento from your dad.

I probably wouldn't touch it either, just clean it and grease it.

 

[mschmitz]

Well, I decided to do a full restore on this vice.
First I stripped the paint using chemical stripper, then I spent a couple
hours cleaning all the parts with a wire wheel. Gave it a good coating of WD40
for now until I can spend more time cleaning the interior. Not too much old
grease inside. Everything looks in perfect condition. Soaking the jaw screws with Kroil. Got 3 out of 4 loose. The jaw won't budge though so I'm soaking it with kroil. Will try to get it painted this weekend.

Mark
http://s646.photobucket.com/albums/uu188/mschmitz57/Tools/

 

[lineman88]

That will look awesome when you finish it. Your dad would be proud.

 

[mschmitz]

My vice has '46 stamped on the bottom of the slide. I've read that this date
is the warranty cut-off date. So does this mean it was manufactured in '41?

Found a tiny patch of original paint behind the thrust washer.
Sort of a light blue-ish green.

Picked-up a can of Rustoleum yesterday on my way home.
I'm going with the Hammered light blue. I had a can of Verde in my hand
but my eyes were drawn to the blue like a magnet.

Should have it finished by Monday.
Will post pics.

Mark

 

[mschmitz]

I got the screws out of the jaw inserts but they're still holding fast.
I suspect this is because of the center pin on the inserts. I gave it a few raps with a plastic
mallet but it won't budge. I've left it soaking in Kroil and will try again tonight.
Is there a correct method of getting these inserts loose without damaging them?

I was going to try tapping on the raised lip of the insert with a drift but I don't want
to chip the insert. Maybe a hardwood or aluminum scrap might be better.

Mark

 

[Davefr]

I was going to try tapping on the raised lip of the insert with a drift but I don't want
to chip the insert. Maybe a hardwood or aluminum scrap might be better.

Mark

Yes, use scrap piece of hardwood like an oak 1X2. Lay it almost horizontal and catch the edge. Give it a couple light raps and then you should see some separation.

Keep working it and they'll come off

 

[alex71]

a piece of brass stock or a brass drift will work.

 

[autopts]

My vice has '46 stamped on the bottom of the slide. I've read that this date
is the warranty cut-off date. So does this mean it was manufactured in '41?
Mark

Mark, that vise was made in 1946. GUAR EXP dates didn't come until almost 10 years later

 

[mschmitz]

Finished the vice today. Painted, re-lubed, and reassembled.
Will let the paint cure for a few weeks before I begin using it.
Very happy with the results.

Mark



http://s646.photobucket.com/albums/uu188/mschmitz57/Tools/

 

[autopts]

Excellent restore. Don't beat the old girl up to bad. She's a senior!