1966 Jack & Handle

[Mark S.]

Found this in 1966, was definitely in place for a long time. Looks exactly like an original..tag reads;
Walker Mfg Racine WI.

[Joe L.]

Re: 1966 Jack & Handle

Found this in 1966, was definitely in place for a long time. Looks exactly like an original..tag reads;
Walker Mfg Racine WI.

Mark------


It looks to me like it could very well be the original jack. While there are a few minor differences, it is configured pretty much as original C2 jacks were. I've never seen a Corvette jack with that label, though. It's also rather uncommon that any piece supplied by GM would have a label on it clearly showing the name of a non-GM manufacturer. It does occur but it's rare.

By the way, the "Walker Manufacturing" named on the label must be the same as the one that's much better known for exhaust components and is still a major force in exhaust systems to this day. They still use exactly the same logo as seen on this label. However, this was probably the Walker Manufacturing that existed prior to its "absorption" by Tenneco.

[Joe R.]

Re: 1966 Jack & Handle

Mark,

The handle looks correct but I don't think the jack is correct for the 66 or even a mid year Corvette. Jacks were manufactured by Ausco and have a large A on the top of the jack. Also the jack is made to fit the side rail of the frame. While anything is possible as Joe L. explains I don't think there has ever been a jack like this one reported as being an original by an original owner. Corvettes are judged by the NCRS as typical production and this jack would never pass as typical production.

JR

[Barry H.]

Re: 1966 Jack & Handle

Mark, The top plate is not what you would see on a mid-year jack. Last time I saw one of these I pulled it out of a Corvair, they can be "modified" to pass judging.
Look at some pics of correct jacks & you will see the diffrence in the top plate. Barry Holmes

[David L.]

Re: 1966 Jack & Handle

Mark,

The jack is from a Corvair based on the frame adapter (top part), possibly a 1968 or 1969 since it has fine threads. There were at least two different manufactures of Corvair jacks, and now 3. I have 4 or 5 Corvair jacks in my collection. Some are made by AUSCO (stamped with the letter "A") and some are made by Ryerson & Haynes (stamped "RH INC.").

The Walker Manufacturing Company of Racine, Wisc., made bumper jacks in the 1960's and 1970's. These jacks are usually found on west coast models. The 1970 Camaro models made in Van Nuys, CA, were issued bumper jacks from the Walker Manufacturing Company while the 1970 Camaro models made in Norwood, Ohio, were issued bumper jacks made by the Universal Tool Company (stamped "UN" or "U").
Walker also made and still makes exhaust systems.

I have never seen a scissor jack by the Walker Manufacturing Company until now. There are very minor differences between AUSCO and RH INC. scissor jacks besides the top part that adapts to the frame. I would assume that the Walker jack also has slight differences.

As far as I know the 63-67 Corvettes were only issued scissor jacks made by AUSCO, stamped "A".

Are there any stampings anywhere on your scissor jack?

Enclosed is my 1966 Corvette jack with the stamped "A".

Dave

[Terry M.]

Re: 1966 Jack & Handle

I believe this is the same Walker Mfg Co that made floor jacks back in the day. Those were some very fine equipment from back in the days when USA made products were the best one could have.

[Don H.]

Re: 1966 Jack & Handle

Terry is correct.
I just checked my Walker Mfg Co. 1 1/4 ton floor jack, model J-121 still serving me faithfully since the early 70s (with one piston rebuild). My jack wears the same label as that on the scissors jack above, with a blue painted main body, and yellow painted handle.

[Mark S.]

Re: 1966 Jack & Handle

Dave excellent detailed info. I understand that it could be "modified" to pass. The top plate has a flat area instead of a angle surface. It does have the A stamp. I posted up some additional photos for everyone. 66 009.jpg66 010.jpg

[David L.]

Re: 1966 Jack & Handle

Mark,

It appears that AUSCO might have made the scissor jacks for the Walker Manufacturing Co.
Your jack has a fine threads with a large square nut (possibly 1968 or 1969 vintage) while my 66 jack has coarse threads and a hex nut.

Enclosed are two more photos of my 1966 jack for comparison.

Dave