Topic: Restoring 65 Mustang Ratcheting Jack Handle

[Danno1325]

Hello - I am trying to restore the original ratcheting jack handle for my fathers 65 Mustang convertible.  I have disassembled the handle and removed all the components for zinc plating, but the spring was rusted and broke when I removed it.  Does anyone know what type of spring this is and where I could find one??  I would like to get a new one if I can find it, but I would settle for a junkyard spring if it is in good shape.  Any help or advice is greatly appreciated.  Thanks.

[jwc66k]

It's made from (pardon the pun) - spring steel, and there are no sources for its replacement. I have a couple of handles with the same problem. You could try to make a replacement but it would not be safe to use or even functional.
Jim

[bryancobb]

Best answer...

Make you one from the picture on the other forum and some spring wire from McMaster-Carr.

[Danno1325]

Thanks for the help. I searched for the photo on another post but I couldn't find one. Could you post it or put a link to it? I appreciate the help.

[bryancobb]

[C5ZZKGT]

-Might give these folks a call:http://optimumspring.com/

[C5ZZKGT]

May be these:http://www.cookspring.com/products.html

[66RavenGTCoupe]

Hi all,
I have a late 65 build 66 GT from Metuchen with the original ratchet and jack (And  unused  spare tire and rim). Can anyone tell me the correct colour to paint the ratchet and jack please. Are there any tips to painting the jack given that it will have to be opened and then closed to get to all the areas?

[CharlesTurner]

Hi all,
I have a late 65 build 66 GT from Metuchen with the original ratchet and jack (And  unused  spare tire and rim). Can anyone tell me the correct colour to paint the ratchet and jack please. Are there any tips to painting the jack given that it will have to be opened and then closed to get to all the areas?

The ratchet jack handle was originally zinc plated, paint is not correct.

[66RavenGTCoupe]

Thanks Caspian65,

Does that go for the jack too?

[jwc66k]

The ratchet jack handle was originally zinc plated, paint is not correct.

Could you expand on this, clear or gold zinc?
Jim

[CharlesTurner]

Could you expand on this, clear or gold zinc?
Jim

Clear zinc, except for the little wire spring.

[jwc66k]

Clear zinc, except for the little wire spring.

I'm in the process of plating several jack handle and was prepared to get them done with clear zinc but when I removed the smaller top plate of two and took a closer look, I found the tell tail signs of gold zinc plating as you can see among the dirt, paint and grease. Taking the path of least resistance tells me to go with clear zinc, but I'm not so sure now.
Jim

[CharlesTurner]

Hard to tell from those pics.  Most common I have seen is clear zinc.

[jwc66k]

That's why I asked. It looks like gold zinc and that surprised me, but it's too late as I bead blasted them.
Jim