Chevy truck to 53-61 Corvette Jack Handle conversion

[David L.]

First of all, How do you correct spelling errors in the title?

Has anyone ever converted a Chevrolet truck jack handle to a 53-61 Corvette jack handle? The only difference as far as I know is the length. It seems to me that all you have to do is cut out a short section of each rod, butt weld the ends of the rods, ground off the excess weld as necessary, and then repaint the handle assembly.

I realize that reproductions are available for $36-$40 but I have no interest in reproduction parts.

Isn't there a shop drawing of a 3706351 jack handle available showing the dimensions?

I have a 63" long Chevy truck jack handle with a "spoon" type end. I believe the overall length of a 53-61 Corvette handle is about 44 1/2".

Dave

[Nicholas L.]

Re: Chevy truct to 53-61 Corvette Jack Handle conversion

I did that with my jack handle. I had a friend remove 4 inches then re-weld. I used a yellow crayon to mark the alignment of the spoon end when he re-welded. Got full credit at both National and Regional meets.

[David L.]

Re: Chevy truck to 53-61 Corvette Jack Handle conversion

How long are the 2 rods on an original 53-61 handle?
Straight rod:
"spoon" end to center of rivet = ??? (My guess is about 22 1/8")
"Z" rod":
direct measurement, handle end to center of rivet = ??? (My guess is about 23")

My truck handle rods measure as follows:
Straight rod:
"spoon" end to center of rivet = 31 1/4"
"Z" rod:
direct measurement, handle end to center of rivet =
32 1/8"

[Joe M.]

Re: Chevy truct to 53-61 Corvette Jack Handle conversion

What year(s) of Chevy truck used the same jack handle and scissor jack that were also included with C1s?

[David L.]

Re: Chevy truct to 53-61 Corvette Jack Handle conversion

Joe,

My 1963 Chevrolet Parts Catalog (Oct. 1962) lists GM # 592769 in Gr. 8.820 as the jack handle part number for the following:
40-59 Ser. 3
53-62 Corvette (1st Design)
60-63 Ser. 10 thru 30
61-63 Ser. 10(D-D)
The description is as follows: "HANDLE (folding type)(53 extended)".
This is obviously a service replacement for the 53-61 and "early" 62 Corvette.

GM # 3815940 is listed for the 62 Corvette (2nd Design) and is described as follows: "HANDLE (folding type)(43 1/2 extended)".

I assume that the 53-61 Corvette handle (GM # 3706351) measures 43 1/2" when extended.

Is it true that "early" 62 Corvettes were issued the 53-61 jack handle? It sounds logical.

Dave

[David K.]

Re: Chevy truct to 53-61 Corvette Jack Handle conversion

What ser. no. constitutes early on a '62 and the jack it should or could have?

[Nicholas L.]

Re: Chevy truct to 53-61 Corvette Jack Handle conversion

Here is what is written in the 1958-60 judging manual:

"1958-60 jack handles have the following approximate dimensions: Diameter of shaft=7/16". Hand hold shaft=4 3/4". Vertical shaft=8 1/2". Bend to pivot=16 3/4". Pivot to tang= 22 1/4" on one example (1958), and 23 7/8" on the other (1960). Total length folded is approximately 24" overall."

[David L.]

Re: Chevy truct to 53-61 Corvette Jack Handle conversion

Here is what is written in the 1958-60 judging manual:

"1958-60 jack handles have the following approximate dimensions: Diameter of shaft=7/16". Hand hold shaft=4 3/4". Vertical shaft=8 1/2". Bend to pivot=16 3/4". Pivot to tang= 22 1/4" on one example (1958), and 23 7/8" on the other (1960). Total length folded is approximately 24" overall."

Nicholas,

Thanks for the information.
My Chevy truck jack handle measures as follows:
Dia. of shaft = 0.432" or about 7/16"
Hand hold part = 4" (see photo)
Next section = 8 1/2" (see photo)
Bend to center rivet = 25"
Center rivet to end of tang = 31 1/4"
Total extended length measured in a straight line =
62 3/4"
Maximum length when folded = 34"

My calculated guess of 22 1/8" on March 17th was very close to your 22 1/4" pivot to tang distance.

It appears that I must remove a 9" section from the straight rod (31 1/4' - 22 1/4" = 9") and remove a 8 1/4" section from the "Z" rod (25" - 16 3/4" = 8 1/4").

I will draw a scaled drawing to make sure my number are correct. As the saying goes, "measure twice, cut once".

Dave

[Troy P.]

Re: Chevy truck to 53-61 Corvette Jack Handle conversion

I have several of these as well and have noticed over the years, as you have concluded, that both rods are too long. The other thing that I don't think you've picked up on yet is that the two bends in the handle end on the Corvette parts are 90 degrees. The truck part has two bends that are less than 90 degrees. This is easy to fix but must be done. Also when hitting the swap meets looking for the 90 degree bend is a great clue and easy to spot.

[David L.]

Re: Chevy truck to 53-61 Corvette Jack Handle conversion

Troy,

Thanks for the information.

Are the two internal angles 90 degrees for all 53-61 Corvette jack handles?

On my truck jack handle the internal angles measure roughly 100 degrees.

When you say "less than 90 degrees" I believe you mean external angles as best as I can remember from H.S. geometry.

Dave

[Gary C.]

Re: Chevy truck to 53-61 Corvette Jack Handle conversion

check this post for the drawing previously uploaded. The bends are 90 degree. Gary....

https://www.forums.ncrs.org/showthre...82909#poststop

[David L.]

Re: Chevy truck to 53-61 Corvette Jack Handle conversion

Gary,

Thanks for the drawing.
Do you have any idea what is meant by the last line in the notes in the drawing.
"NFR3. IDENTIFICATION MUST APPEAR ON THIS PART."

dAVE

[Gary C.]

Re: Chevy truck to 53-61 Corvette Jack Handle conversion

Dave, normal GM drawing remarks - engineering speak for "manufacturer logo or ID must be on the part". Gary....

[Troy P.]

Re: Chevy truck to 53-61 Corvette Jack Handle conversion

Troy,

Thanks for the information.

Are the two internal angles 90 degrees for all 53-61 Corvette jack handles?

On my truck jack handle the internal angles measure roughly 100 degrees.

When you say "less than 90 degrees" I believe you mean external angles as best as I can remember from H.S. geometry.

Dave

You are correct. I was looking at the angle of dangle.

[Howard H.]

Re: Chevy truck to 53-61 Corvette Jack Handle conversion

Howard Hiller (46797)
Are there any mfg. markings on the sleeve that locks the holds the rods straight when unfolded? I have a 1966
truck jack handle that has SMP stamping on the sleeve. Don't know if corvette handles have similar stamping.
Howard