Jack Identification

[Clark K.]

Two years ago when I bought my '65 Sting Ray from ProTeam, I got a jack that didn't really fit into the well behind the seats. It was a bit too long.
At the last Texas Regional, I was told that the jack was incorrect for a '65 model. I then bought a reproduction from Long Island Corvette Supply.

But, I have been wondering what type or what year of jack the incorrect one is, the one that was in my car. I have attached a photo of this jack. The label on the jack shows "GR.8.820 Jack" and "1 #3958710".

I am betting that there are jack experts in NCRS that can tell me what jack this is and perhaps why it was in my car. -Clark

[Joe L.]

Re: Jack Identification

Two years ago when I bought my '65 Sting Ray from ProTeam, I got a jack that didn't really fit into the well behind the seats. It was a bit too long.
At the last Texas Regional, I was told that the jack was incorrect for a '65 model. I then bought a reproduction from Long Island Corvette Supply.

But, I have been wondering what type or what year of jack the incorrect one is, the one that was in my car. I have attached a photo of this jack. The label on the jack shows "GR.8.820 Jack" and "1 #3958710".


I am betting that there are jack experts in NCRS that can tell me what jack this is and perhaps why it was in my car. -Clark

Clark------


With the label it's especially easy to identify. This particular jack is a SERVICE jack but the same jack was used in PRODUCTION from 1969 through about 1981. There should be a date code stamped on it that will identify exactly when it was manufactured. From 1969 to 1982, GM used this jack to SERVICE all 1953-68 Corvettes. So, if one had gone to a GM dealer during the 1969-82 period and asked for a jack to replace one's 1953-68 jack, this is the one that would have been supplied.

[Clark K.]

Re: Jack Identification

Joe, thanks for the quick response. After reading your post, I walked back out to the garage and looked at that jack. The only thing I could find that might be a date code is a stamping: "K4". Can you tell me what this means, if it is the date code? Also, would this jack have any value to another Corvette owner? -Clark

[Tom H.]

Re: Jack Identification

Clark:

You can get some idea of at least what somebody thinks this jack is worth. Keep an eye on this one and you can see if it sells or not. My guess is opening bid is a bit more than what it's worth.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/GM-NOS-68-69-70-71-72-73-74-82-Corvette-Spare-Tire-Jack-/280572503542

[Edward J.]

Re: Jack Identification

Joe, thanks for the quick response. After reading your post, I walked back out to the garage and looked at that jack. The only thing I could find that might be a date code is a stamping: "K4". Can you tell me what this means, if it is the date code? Also, would this jack have any value to another Corvette owner? -Clark

Kirby, That letter and number I think is nov. 74?

[Joe L.]

Re: Jack Identification

Clark:

You can get some idea of at least what somebody thinks this jack is worth. Keep an eye on this one and you can see if it sells or not. My guess is opening bid is a bit more than what it's worth.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/GM-NO...-/280572503542

Tom------


Yes, these jacks are not rare. A lot of 1969-81 Corvettes were built with them and a lot of those cars are "no longer with us". So, all have contributed a jack to the used parts "emporium".

[Joe L.]

Re: Jack Identification

Joe, thanks for the quick response. After reading your post, I walked back out to the garage and looked at that jack. The only thing I could find that might be a date code is a stamping: "K4". Can you tell me what this means, if it is the date code? Also, would this jack have any value to another Corvette owner? -Clark

Clark----


As Edward mentions, it's November, 1974 (might be December if an "I" was used, but I don't think it was). The "4" has to represent 1974 since this jack was not invented yet in 1964 and was out-of-production by 1984.

[Terry M.]

Re: Jack Identification

My January 1970 Jack is M9 = December 1969. So how does K = November? Of course There is a chance 1974 dating is different than 1969, although I don't know why that would be.

Another point: I once noticed that sometime in the later 1970s -- that is after 1972 -- the size of the date font got larger than it was from 1967 to 1972. How much larger? I haven't a clue. I didn't have my handy pocket ruler with me at the time.

[Joe L.]

Re: Jack Identification

My January 1970 Jack is M9 = December 1969. So how does K = November? Of course There is a chance 1974 dating is different than 1969, although I don't know why that would be.

Another point: I once noticed that sometime in the later 1970s -- that is after 1972 -- the size of the date font got larger than it was from 1967 to 1972. How much larger? I haven't a clue. I didn't have my handy pocket ruler with me at the time.

Terry------


In that case, the jacks must not have used the normal alpha numeric date coding system for stamped date codes. I thought they did use the standard system.

[Terry M.]

Re: Jack Identification

Maybe no I and no L??

I don't know either, but the picture of the jack in both the 1969 and 1970 TIM&JGs is the one from my car -- taken by John Amgwert many moons ago. John did a story about the jack dating system in The Corvette Restorer back about 1985 or 1986 and illustrated it with that photo as well. That photo has been in the TIM&JG since 1993.

Edit add: It won't let me post the picture again, but see post number 10 in this thread:

https://www.forums.ncrs.org/showthre...66745&uid=7450

Someone also talks about an L in this thread, so that idea is out the window.