Vintage Iron Thread

[AttyGuy]

I want to believe that poster, but I'm very skeptical. From what I can tell, York Fitness (York Canada) wasn't founded nearly that early. I doubt before the 1970s. The photo seems contemporary. I also think that's the modern script. Can we get a better look, and more details?

York Barbell Company was selling weights in Canada well before Canadians bought out the company. The design was from Jackson Barbell and the poster shows the history of grip plates leading to the Revolver design. Vinko knows more.

[morebarbell]

Something I am working on restoring...

Good work on the restoration! The gold color is a nice touch!

[PriorMike]

Something I am working on restoring...

I saw the rest of the photos on the "other" site, that set looks very nice.

What did you use on the copper collars to make them look so good? I have an old brass firefighting fog nozzle I'm looking to polish, so I'm looking for ideas.

[dexter000]

Good work on the restoration! The gold color is a nice touch!

I saw the rest of the photos on the "other" site, that set looks very nice.

What did you use on the copper collars to make them look so good? I have an old brass firefighting fog nozzle I'm looking to polish, so I'm looking for ideas.

Thanks. The squeeze collars are brass. This is just the result of polishing. I did not do this myself. I had the people who re-nickel-plated my bar polish the collars. They only charged $20. Here's how they looked before the polish.

[CliveWarren]

I'm conflicted. The before looked great too.

[urbanlifter]

Well, it's been a good week for old Iron! Now I have enough plates to cover my main lifts, and if things go right next week I may add either some more unbranded Ivanko or Canadian International plates for some flavor. So, what is the difference between York's with the '45', and the ones without? (older, more rare, less rare?)

[g8rlaw]

Well, it's been a good week for old Iron! Now I have enough plates to cover my main lifts, and if things go right next week I may add either some more unbranded Ivanko or Canadian International plates for some flavor. So, what is the difference between York's with the '45', and the ones without? (older, more rare, less rare?)

Very nice! Looks like you're picking up a nice variety of deep dish 45s.

[dexter000]

I could use an intern to letter these Good plates for me!



Here's a rack (Rogue squat stands) I set up to display my Good barbell and other standard sets. Looking for Jowett and Saxon plates to complete my sets.

[urbanlifter]

Very nice! Looks like you're picking up a nice variety of deep dish 45s.

Thanks! I feel pretty good about this trade, essentially I traded $250 worth of Urethane's for the York DD. They appear to be in good condition, its hard to tell whether its original casting issues or normal wear in some places. But I do not see any major cracks or issues that would prevent me from using them for bench/squats (and they will be used daily!). Although, I'll probably avoid using them for deadlifts until I reach 'AttyGuy' status with my collection. I don't think I will ever reach Dexter, Northern, or Dumb.Bell status. They seem to have the majority of the vintage York left in the United States. LOL

[Northernmoris]

Thanks! I feel pretty good about this trade, essentially I traded $250 worth of Urethane's for the York DD. They appear to be in good condition, its hard to tell whether its original casting issues or normal wear in some places. But I do not see any major cracks or issues that would prevent me from using them for bench/squats (and
they will be used daily!). Although, I'll probably avoid using them for deadlifts until I reach 'AttyGuy' status with my collection. I don't think I will ever reach Dexter, Northern, or Dumb.Bell status. They seem to have the majority of the vintage York left in the United States. LOL

Hey, nice plates. They look good. What your thinking is issues is just typical Deep Dish casting. They are notoriously crappy in quality. Ive had 9 pairs and have seen lots of imperfections. Enjoy them.
There is so much York items to be found. Be patient, i just happen to be in the tip of the tristate rwgion ( Nj,NY,CT&PA). Its handy.

[urbanlifter]

Thanks! I must admit they are really impressive and I'm excited to put them to use (gently of course), I'm starting to understand the obsession

[ffrink]

Hey, nice plates. They look good. What your thinking is issues is just typical Deep Dish casting. They are notoriously crappy in quality. Ive had 9 pairs and have seen lots of imperfections. Enjoy them.
There is so much York items to be found. Be patient, i just happen to be in the tip of the tristate rwgion ( Nj,NY,CT&PA). Its handy.

TRIstate?

[morebarbell]

...

Here's a rack (Rogue squat stands) I set up to display my Good barbell and other standard sets. Looking for Jowett and Saxon plates to complete my sets.

Nice display! I've only collected olympic plates but I have a few small standard plates that are decoration. Here are two of my more interesting standard plates.

Nice!

[dumb.bell]

I don't think I will ever reach Dexter, Northern, or Dumb.Bell status. They seem to have the majority of the vintage York left in the United States. LOL

I don't belong in that group. I have a rather modest York collection.

[dexter000]

Nice display! I've only collected olympic plates but I have a few small standard plates that are decoration. Here are two of my more interesting standard plates.

Very nice. Those plates are definitely hard to find.

[urbanlifter]

I don't belong in that group. I have a rather modest York collection.

You know, I'm probably thinking about your collection of unbranded plates.

So am I on the right track with what is considered VTG, HTF, RARE? I do not want to offend by what I post here

York DD's are considered 'vintage' (Skinny script as well), Jackson, Zuver, Berg, Roberts, Strongman, Dan Lurie, Marcy deep dish, Schisler, Eleiko (posted by the flipper), Hoffman?, first edition Ivanko grip (Atty brochure pg 114). Older, but not quite VTG, HTF, RARE: BFCO, Billard, International, Superior, unbranded Ivanko, Weider International, DP Industries, or anything that appears to be 'Made in China'?

[dumb.bell]

You know, I'm probably thinking about your collection of unbranded plates.

So am I on the right track with what is considered VTG, HTF, RARE? I do not want to offend by what I post here

York DD's are considered 'vintage' (Skinny script as well), Jackson, Zuver, Berg, Roberts, Strongman, Dan Lurie, Marcy deep dish, Schisler, Eleiko (posted by the flipper), Hoffman?, first edition Ivanko grip (Atty brochure pg 114). Older, but not quite VTG, HTF, RARE: BFCO, Billard, International, Superior, unbranded Ivanko, Weider International, DP Industries, or anything that appears to be 'Made in China'?

My definition of Vintage is a little more expansive. I would consider pretty much everything in both of your list Vintage. Anything from the 80s or earlier.

[ffrink]

Very nice. Those plates are definitely hard to find.

You can say that again!!!!

[dexter000]

Finally finished lettering the Good plates.

[AttyGuy]

Gorgeous. I have to swing by your place again soon to see all that iron beauty.

[Doctor Morbius]

Finally finished lettering the Good plates.

I love it. Excellent job on the lettering too. What process did you use for lettering?

[Domicron]

Finally finished lettering the Good plates.

looks so clean and tidy. it's getting nice out, and maybe next month i'll have some time to clean up my modest collection of iron. i'm taking notes from this thread.

I love it. Excellent job on the lettering too. What process did you use for lettering?

yeah i'm really curious as well.

[dexter000]

Gorgeous. I have to swing by your place again soon to see all that iron beauty.

Anytime, Atty.

I love it. Excellent job on the lettering too. What process did you use for lettering?

Doc and Dom, after some successes and failures, I think I have finally perfected a technique that works for me. Like many here, I use Sharpie oil based pens. For some reason, silver pens seem to work better than white pens. I place the plates on my desk so I am seated comfortably. I shine a lamp onto the plate so I can see the plate clearly. Playing on the computer is some sort of video to keep me entertained. I keep a bottle of nail polish remover and some Q tips and towels within reach for when I need them. What I have learned is when I have them I don't screw up. But when I don't, I screw up. Finally, and most importantly, I have a beverage to keep myself properly hydrated. For me, beers seem to work better than whiskies.

[dexter000]

This is the side of the gym that has turned into a display area.

[AttyGuy]

So much win in one picture.

Since we won't be doing any lettering work, I'll bring a single malt over.

[EricAtl]

This is the side of the gym that has turned into a display area.

Fantastic!

[Doctor Morbius]

Anytime, Atty.



Doc and Dom, after some successes and failures, I think I have finally perfected a technique that works for me. Like many here, I use Sharpie oil based pens. For some reason, silver pens seem to work better than white pens. I place the plates on my desk so I am seated comfortably. I shine a lamp onto the plate so I can see the plate clearly. Playing on the computer is some sort of video to keep me entertained. I keep a bottle of nail polish remover and some Q tips and towels within reach for when I need them. What I have learned is when I have them I don't screw up. But when I don't, I screw up. Finally, and most importantly, I have a beverage to keep myself properly hydrated. For me, beers seem to work better than whiskies.

Thank you. I'll give this a try.

[PriorMike]

This is the side of the gym that has turned into a display area.

Holy ****!

[61PWCC]

Anytime, Atty.



Doc and Dom, after some successes and failures, I think I have finally perfected a technique that works for me. Like many here, I use Sharpie oil based pens. For some reason, silver pens seem to work better than white pens. I place the plates on my desk so I am seated comfortably. I shine a lamp onto the plate so I can see the plate clearly. Playing on the computer is some sort of video to keep me entertained. I keep a bottle of nail polish remover and some Q tips and towels within reach for when I need them. What I have learned is when I have them I don't screw up. But when I don't, I screw up. Finally, and most importantly, I have a beverage to keep myself properly hydrated. For me, beers seem to work better than whiskies.

Yeah, you did a really NICE job with that GOOD set of weights!!

[big420atx]

Well, it's been a good week for old Iron! Now I have enough plates to cover my main lifts, and if things go right next week I may add either some more unbranded Ivanko or Canadian International plates for some flavor. So, what is the difference between York's with the '45', and the ones without? (older, more rare, less rare?)

nice score...I have a set soaking right now in a tub of vinegar right now.