C2 Jack Handle questions

[John R.]

I have 3 jack handles. All 3 have 2 holes in the side and one hole in the top. There are some slight variations in these handles such as diameter of hole, diameter or shape of handle (see middle handle in photo, it seems more substantial and rounded vs squared off like the other 2), tabs on end and rivet size. Which of these would be more correct for a 66 or 67 vette for judging purposes?

Any help would be much appreciated.

[Gary S.]

Re: C2 Jack Handle questions

The middle one with the big rivet....I have pictures of originals showing that big rivet on 66 #14XXX, 67 #37XX, 67 #15XXX and 67 #204XX. For what it is worth.

[David L.]

Re: C2 Jack Handle questions

My 1966 Corvette (Feb. 1966) jack handle has only one hole in the handle part with a rivet head (spiral marking) that measures 0.42". There is also a "O" (for Otterburn, the vendor) on the lug head. If you do more research on the forum you will find many other 1966 owners with "one hole" jack handles.

It seems that the only thing that has many holes is the judging manuals.

Dave

[Henry J.]

Re: C2 Jack Handle questions

David:

The jack handle from my April-built 66 is like yours.

[John R.]

Re: C2 Jack Handle questions

David, interesting you mention the O on the lug head. Only 1 of these handles has the "O" on the lug head, but they are very similar otherwise. Does that mean the 2 without are NOT corvette handles?

[David L.]

Re: C2 Jack Handle questions

John,

Over the past 30 years I have had all 3 versions of the jack handles (no hole, single hole, and 3-hole) but at the time I did not pay much attention to whether or not they had the forged "O" (for Otterburn). These same jack handles (GM # 3780737, 3858953, and 3898172) were also used in 1960-1964, 1965-1966, and 1967-1969 Corvairs. The 3-hole jack handles (GM # 3898172) were used on 1967-1982 Corvettes. It's obvious to me that there was more then one vender that made these jack handles.

Dave

[David L.]

Re: C2 Jack Handle questions

John,

I came across a 67-82 jack handle (3-hole type, GM # 3898172) in my collection that is similar to one of your jack handles (the one in the center of your photos). Enclosed are 4 photos. The rivet head measures about 0.63" in dia. with spiral markings. There is also what appears to be a "65" forged on the lug head shown in the 4th photo. I do not know the meaning of the "65" but I'm sure it's not for the year 1965.
Dave

[John R.]

Re: C2 Jack Handle questions

David, thank for the keeping the post alive...I looked at my handle in the middle and the rivet size with the spirals is the same. I also have not just "65" but "265" with an "F" below. On the opposite side of the lug head I see "USA" not landscape in orientation but portrait. The "S" in USA is backwards. See photos.

So not that it is a huge deduct or anything, but how would this jack judge on a 66 or 67? Or should I just use the one with the "O" on it with the smaller rivet?? Judges out there??DSC07854.JPGDSC07857.JPG

[John R.]

Re: C2 Jack Handle questions

Just read my Judging Guide and it does not mention the "O", so I assume judging would not be a problem with any of the 3 jacks as long as they have 3 holes and are U shaped..?

[David L.]

Re: C2 Jack Handle questions

John,

Looking again at my 3-hole jack handle it does appear that there is part of the number "2" before the "65" making it "265". The surface is quite rough and the "265" is really tough to see but it is there. I don't see anything on the opposite side but the surface is rough. Chevrolet always preferred getting parts from at least two vendors for two reasons - a constant supply and competition to keep the cost in check.

I have over 80 "hockey stick" type lug wrenches and several of them have "USA" forged on them.

Dave

[Tom D.]

Re: C2 Jack Handle questions

David - You have the "Corvette Bug" for sure.

[David L.]

Re: C2 Jack Handle questions

David - You have the "Corvette Bug" for sure.

I've had it since 1979.

[Timothy B.]

Re: C2 Jack Handle questions

The no hole lug wrench that came with my 63 coupe has what looks like the letter A stamped or cast on the straight near the socket but not on the socket.

[David L.]

Re: C2 Jack Handle questions

The no hole lug wrench that came with my 63 coupe has what looks like the letter A stamped or cast on the straight near the socket but not on the socket.

In your case the jack handle and jack were made by the same company - AUSCO or Auto Specialties Manufacturing Company.

[David L.]

Re: C2 Jack Handle questions

I recently picked up a couple more jack handles. Pictured below are all 4 of my jack handles.

top: GM # 3898172 3-hole handle, 0.63" dia. rivet head, "265" forged on lug head

2nd from top: GM # 3858953 1-hole handle, 0.49" dia. rivet head, "562" forged on lug head

3rd from top: GM # 3858953 1-hole handle, repainted by me back in the 1980's, 0.42" dia. rivet head, "O" forged on lug head (orig. handle from my 1966 Corvette (Feb. 66), "O" = Otterburn, the vendor

bottom: GM # 3780737 without hole in handle, with original paint, 0.42 dia. rivet head, "O" forged on lug head.

There were at least 2 vendors that made each of the three different jack handles.

Does anyone have a 3780737 jack handle without the forged "O" on the lug head?

Dave