Vintage Iron Thread

[chadsalt]

The story I heard was that there was a guy who made the 35s and he left the company or retired from the company. After his departure, they stopped making those plates. I also heard that the 35s were available, for a while, just not in sets. You have to buy them separate. I suppose I should go through my old catalogs and price lists to verify.

The partial '78 set I have has 25's.

[irongrandpa]

The partial '78 set I have has 25's.

That must be the case with my sets. I have way more 25's & 10's than 35's.

[twodog]

That must be the case with my sets. I have way more 25's & 10's than 35's.

As I said, I never remember 35's being sold by York after the mid 70's. The older script on them kinda of shows that they were an older style. Oly sets also weren't very common in the 70's to anyone but Oly lifters. Most people that lifted at home used weights with 1" holes. Even gyms back then had lots of fixed weight bars, offset by a couple of olympic bars for benching, squatting and deadlifting (rarely done for records, except by strongmen). The 70's brought around a new sport called Powerlifting, which explode in popularity by 1980, and that slowly changed the way that weights were being used in gyms, more oly sets were used, and available to the general public.

Early gyms, 50's, 60's, and early 70's were body culture gyms (bodybuilding) with strength movements as a novelty. Places like the YBBC was a hardcore, competetive, olympic lift gym. More men wanted to be like Steve Reeves, than like John Terpak, in actuality.

[irongrandpa]

As I said, I never remember 35's being sold by York after the mid 70's. The older script on them kinda of shows that they were an older style. Oly sets also weren't very common in the 70's to anyone but Oly lifters. Most people that lifted at home used weights with 1" holes. Even gyms back then had lots of fixed weight bars, offset by a couple of olympic bars for benching, squatting and deadlifting (rarely done for records, except by strongmen). The 70's brought around a new sport called Powerlifting, which explode in popularity by 1980, and that slowly changed the way that weights were being used in gyms, more oly sets were used, and available to the general public.

Early gyms, 50's, 60's, and early 70's were body culture gyms (bodybuilding) with strength movements as a novelty. Places like the YBBC was a hardcore, competetive, olympic lift gym. More men wanted to be like Steve Reeves, than like John Terpak, in actuality.

Even though i was around back then, I wasn't involved with lifting at all, so I'm really not that familiar with that time frame. I've learned a lot on these forums and there's a local old powerlifter that still has his gym going so I pick his brain for information. he's a wealth of knowledge about lifters as well as equipment, definately old school.

[twodog]

Even though i was around back then, I wasn't involved with lifting at all, so I'm really not that familiar with that time frame. I've learned a lot on these forums and there's a local old powerlifter that still has his gym going so I pick his brain for information. he's a wealth of knowledge about lifters as well as equipment, definately old school.

It's funny, a friend and I got into lifting as freshman (1973-74) and most kids thought that lifting was working out in gym class on the Universal machine. I lived in NJ, at the time, about a 30 minute ride from NYC, and we used to go over to all the bodybuilding contests held there, and there were alot held by Weider, and Dan Lurie, not much AAU. The contests had all of the named contestants, and it was never more than $10 to get in as they were held in old theaters such as the Beacon.

All of the contestants (Arnold, Columbo, Nubret, Oliva, Padilla,Mentzer, Corney, etc.) competed for almost no money, as it was still a "not accepted" sport. They would come into the lobby in posing trunks between posedowns, and try to sell supplements, tshirts, or courses to make side money. It was really cool at the time, and I didn't know how lucky I had it until around 1986 (?) when I went to a Mr.Olympia, at Madison square Garden's Felt Forum, to watch Lee Haney win another crown. By then bodybuilding had become upscale, and tickets were $40 for cheap seats if you could get them. It made me appreciate what I saw earlier.

All gyms (other than Jack LaLane fitness centers) were pretty much dark, stanky place full of testosterone up until then, girls that lifted were hardcore, if there were any. It was a different time.

[AttyGuy]

More men wanted to be like Steve Reeves, than like John Terpak, in actuality.

It's all about the "tone."

[kovic20]

Hey Guys!

So I came across this all for free on craigslist. The guys dad passed away and he use these weights back in the 50s. They were just going to junk yard them so I went and picked them up. Appears to be in decent shape, with a the bar tooBut I am not sure what I have here. I was just going to give them away or maybe scrap them for cash, but want to make sure I know what I have first!!

Thanks

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[kovic20]

here are the barsIMG_20180526_180107206.jpg

[AttyGuy]

Kovic, you have some great stuff there. I really don't think you're going to give them away or scrap them for cash...

[kovic20]

Kovic, you have some great stuff there. I really don't think you're going to give them away or scrap them for cash...

I honestly do not know what I have here, but with all the reading i am starting to learn!!. It was listed as some free weights and racks. My dad and Brother are both looking for some. When I got there the guy took me to the basement, showed me the racks and other bars, and then said, but wait there is more. Thats when he showed me the pile of old plates and bars. They were happy to let me load them up and take them, as his father passed and they were moving his mom out. I was really just thinking like scrap, give to my brother and dad, or see what play it again sports would give me.

The more I read on this stuff the more I want to keep em! Would look good mounted on a wall.

Please educate me, but I think I have early 50s DD york 45s, and 35s, and milled 25s, 10s, 5s, and 2.5. And a York split sleeve bar.

I do not know much about the 1 inch bars and weight plates yet, but all York, shoot even 12.5 lb plates which ive never seen.

Thanks

[urbanlifter]

Once you find out how much that stuff is really worth, you will probably wan't to kick the person a nickle for letting you have those.

I'm sure your inbox has received a few messages about them ultra rare 35's....!!!!!!

[kovic20]

Once you find out how much that stuff is really worth, you will probably wan't to kick the person a nickle for letting you have those.

I'm sure your inbox has received a few messages about them ultra rare 35's....!!!!!!

Ha Well first of all, please know that I had no idea what I was getting, It appeared I did them a favor because they were trying to move, were very happy to see me load up all the weights! I never thought that these were somewhat collectible until i decided to do a little research!

Funny thing is, someone else was supposed to get them, but they never showed up, so these people got ahold of me and gave me dibs!!!

Still reading up on the history. No messages yet lol!

kov

[sm1ke]

Ha Well first of all, please know that I had no idea what I was getting, It appeared I did them a favor because they were trying to move, were very happy to see me load up all the weights! I never thought that these were somewhat collectible until i decided to do a little research!

Funny thing is, someone else was supposed to get them, but they never showed up, so these people got ahold of me and gave me dibs!!!

Still reading up on the history. No messages yet lol!

kov

Those plates are worth a pretty penny. Nice find!! If you don't use them, you'll be able to turn a nice profit from them (and then use some of the money to buy a weight set for your brother/dad).

[urbanlifter]

Well, I'm sure you know by now what you have, pretty much what every collector hopes to find hidden in someone's basement.

Enjoy them while you have them, I'm assuming that will be for a limited time

[kovic20]

Well, I'm sure you know by now what you have, pretty much what every collector hopes to find hidden in someone's basement.

Enjoy them while you have them, I'm assuming that will be for a limited time

Haha, Well the more im learning the cooler it is to have them!!!!

kov

[chadsalt]

Haha, Well the more im learning the cooler it is to have them!!!!

kov

Good man

[Sboarder1964]

Please educate me, but I think I have early 50s DD york 45s, and 35s, and milled 25s, 10s, 5s, and 2.5. And a York split sleeve bar.

Even rarer yet, you have the DD era 25s, 10s, 5s, and 2.5s, which do not have the printed numbers. The milled ones (1970s-90s) will have the the number, and well, the mill marks on back.

It would definitely help the guy console his loss if you tossed a buck his way to show thanks, and that his father was the owner of some ultra cool high dollar items.

[EricAtl]

Hey Guys!

So I came across this all for free on craigslist. The guys dad passed away and he use these weights back in the 50s. They were just going to junk yard them so I went and picked them up. Appears to be in decent shape, with a the bar tooBut I am not sure what I have here. I was just going to give them away or maybe scrap them for cash, but want to make sure I know what I have first!!

Thanks

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Here’s the pic of the 35s. Wow.

[1651Naismith]

Haha, Well the more im learning the cooler it is to have them!!!!

kov

Good to hear. The money will come in go, but owning a rare piece of history is priceless. Take your time to research, learn, and perform any restoration with the patience and respect the equipment deserves. If all you do is care for them and pass them along to respecting future generations years from now, you will feel fulfilled due to your contribution to preserving history.

Flipping them now for a quick $ will leave you filled with regret and hate years from now when you come to realize what you were gifted and can't recall what you used the $ for.

Choose wisely.

[BulkMore]

Here’s the pic of the 35s. Wow.

I had these 35's and sold them for $700. I bought my pair for $35! Not quite as good as free. I thought about ebaying to get a higher price but was worried about potentially being scammed. Who knows how high it could have went...maybe double what I got??

They are pretty but I was never going to use them. Too worried about cracking them considering what they're worth. Figured someone else can enjoy them more than me.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/York-Deep-D...QAAOSw-W9bBjer You can purchase one...rough shape though.

[urbanlifter]

I had these 35's and sold them for $700. I bought my pair for $35! Not quite as good as free. I thought about ebaying to get a higher price but was worried about potentially being scammed. Who knows how high it could have went...maybe double what I got?.

Double and then some, I would listed for 3-4 times what you sold them for. The plates are cool no doubt, but a brand new rogue set up for free would be even better. A decision that will not be regretted, collect GAINZ when you're young and DECOR when you're old!

[kovic20]

Double and then some, I would listed for 3-4 times what you sold them for. The plates are cool no doubt, but a brand new rogue set up for free would be even better. A decision that will not be regretted, collect GAINZ when you're young and DECOR when you're old!

Seriously! Are these 35s that rare!!!

Also, is there a way to post pictures so they show up and Are not just a link?

And, what should I do care wise for the plates? Clean them, coat them with something?

kov

[AttyGuy]

First off, please post your pics in the York Barbell Club thread.

Second, we don't post figures on what plates go for here. We're not here to help flippers and scammers make money, we're here for the love of the iron.

Third, Bulkmore, I don't believe you on getting $700. You're a flipper and you know that's too low a price.

Fourth, the experts around here (see the YBBC thread I mentioned to you above) will tell you that the so-called "deep dish" 35s and 25s likely were made for a brief period in the early to mid 50's. Your 45s are deep dish, for sure, but not the earlier era wide hub deep dish 45s. The change plates are all un-numbered, but I bet if you look closely you'll see very small "10" or "5" stampings on the 10s and 5s.


Go post in the York thread.

[AttyGuy]

Seriously! Are these 35s that rare!!!

Also, is there a way to post pictures so they show up and Are not just a link?

And, what should I do care wise for the plates? Clean them, coat them with something?

kov

York thread. There are two of them. Read them both, if you're planning on keeping your plates and want to know more.

[BulkMore]

Third, Bulkmore, I don't believe you on getting $700. You're a flipper and you know that's too low a price.

It's true. I knew they were rare but guess I didn't realize they were that rare. I flip some stuff but never the likes of that. I'm still happy what I sold them for but guess I left a lot of meat on the bone. Also...I'm in East bumble pa (no longer in your sweet market). Pretty narrow market here. And since I wasn't willing to eBay them I'd never get close to what they're really worth.

Although the same person also bought my deep dish 45s for $450/pair and apparently one of them had a slight crack in them...which wasn't discovered until the next day. Makes me feel better that he can flip the 35s for much more than I sold them.

I bought all 6 plates 35s, 45s for $0.50/lb. I knew when I sold them I'll never get another chance to own something like that again but like I said...I would have never used them.

[urbanlifter]

And, what should I do care wise for the plates? Clean them, coat them with something?

I would knock the rust off with something non-abrasive and hit them with oil to prevent rust from rapidly returning. The patina on everything should look glorious! Other than that definitely leave them as-is (no paint), aside from the single spoke on one of the DD 45's they appear to be in fantastic condition (especially those 35's). What are your plans, do you have any intentions on building a home gym, or do you have one already?

[RemainDieHard]

Strong first post

[kovic20]

I would knock the rust off with something non-abrasive and hit them with oil to prevent rust from rapidly returning. The patina on everything should look glorious! Other than that definitely leave them as-is (no paint), aside from the single spoke on one of the DD 45's they appear to be in fantastic condition (especially those 35's). What are your plans, do you have any intentions on building a home gym, or do you have one already?

Ok ill clean them off really good, any oil fine, just rag some on? Yea the one spoke is the only issue, no cracks or anything. Couple people have mentioned restoring them, but I feel that would ruin the look. Well, really had no plans, as i had no idea what I was getting. No need for a home gym as I am Ops manager at a private gym here in MI, so I do not need any equipment.

k

[SomeIronBoy]

Ok ill clean them off really good, any oil fine, just rag some on? Yea the one spoke is the only issue, no cracks or anything. Couple people have mentioned restoring them, but I feel that would ruin the look. Well, really had no plans, as i had no idea what I was getting. No need for a home gym as I am Ops manager at a private gym here in MI, so I do not need any equipment.

k

Literally one of the best first post ever, and one of the most legendary plate pickups I've seen. Just out of curiosity where in MI are you? Im southeast part of Michigan, you can PM me if thats better for you as well.

[RestoringTally]

Ok ill clean them off really good, any oil fine, just rag some on? Yea the one spoke is the only issue, no cracks or anything. Couple people have mentioned restoring them, but I feel that would ruin the look. Well, really had no plans, as i had no idea what I was getting. No need for a home gym as I am Ops manager at a private gym here in MI, so I do not need any equipment.

k

I use 3-in-One oil. Rub it in and wipe it off with a rag. Amazingly enough, after a couple days the plates do not feel oily or slick.