VCCA Home Forums TECHNICAL - 1945 AND NEWER 1949-1954 Restoration of original 49-54 bumper jack

Hello guys,

I would like to restore my original 53 jack and was thinking the best way would be to sandblast the base, shaft & ratchet, and lug wrench. Then paint the lot with undercoat, then Gloss Black for the lug wrench, base and jack ratchet. I'm not sure what colour the shaft supposed to be ? It looks like it had some sort of silver paint on it. Also noticed the ratchet does not pull off the shaft at either end as it seems to have been pressed on during assembly.
Any ideas on how to paint it ? I assume you need to paint the shaft with the ratchet all the way down, then once it's dry move the ratchet up to paint the other end. Anyone out there restored one of these before with some tips ? Thanks Tony

Tony,

What you describe is basically how I did mine (54) around 25 years ago.

Just a thought, I used a 'satin' type Black. Not quite as glossy.

For the shaft, I used the same gray I use on later year "Rally Wheels." Like on Corvettes. I don't know the brand. But the color is called "dull aluminum."

I think my jack looks good. And I've never been dinged for points in judging.

Hope all goes well....

Bill.

I believe the shaft was originally zinc plated. Dull aluminum paint is a good replacement.

I polished and waxed the shaft on mine.Looks good and no paint chips as it funtions up and down

Thanks guys, yesterday I bought a can of satin black and a can of zinc paint (aluminium colour), and polishing/waxing the shaft is a good idea.