Recent content by Cap'n Kelly

Wow, super impressed with all of the detailed workmanship! I am super stoked to pick this up and re-install in the safe body. Now for some historical perspective for what it is worth in closing this off. I had alluded to the age possibly being from 1948 and have attached the related...

FANTASTIC! I have pictured the last photo in my head for years but was incapable myself of doing it. I also had no idea the additional corrections that needed attention. The visuals and the detailed descriptions really tell an additional story.

See attached sample picture of the top of a spline key. This is a later model lid as you may notice how the safe bolts are kept align by the bisection of each bolt instead of using grooves in the back plate. The attached drawing shows a different manufacturers detail but the key would be similar...

PM sent.

At this point I think some eyes on would be best. I am mobile so can bring parts and assembly anywhere in Calgary for a viewing session. I have a bit of a hiking commitment late this morning (May 7) but could be available in the afternoon or any following day. I am open to repair of the existing...

The purpose of the threads is to not allow the dial/spindle assembly to simply fall out if you pull the dial towards yourself while opening the lid.

The spindle doesn't need to be hollow, the visible top portion was my very young attempt to reattach the pieces. Also, the keyways only need 120 degree separation and the location to the rest of the cam do not matter.

Yes this certainly appears to be a single machined piece. I think personally that the spindle may need to be replaced just by observing the threads but I am no expert for sure?

This may be a suitable solution, likely dependent on an up-close visual inspection. Please review the latest photos. and thank you

Some new pics from just now as requested. If anyone could comment on the foundry stamps this might be helpful in my research as well.

I think my wife fainted while I was reading this post! And I wasn't even reading it out loud...good idea though;-)

I was just examining the dial to spindle connection again. It might be pressed in and/or even a factory swage as I notice a perfect line halfway on the collar? However I also noticed a pin going in at an angle between the two pieces right under the dial that might either be the original...

I have now added some project info and some historical background in the Projects folder for perspective.

The background I know is as follows. The safe was found by my older brother in shallow water of a lake about an hour from our home. He was just a young teenager at the time and had been fishing with my father. He brought the safe home and it sat in our family garage until I was old enough to...

I have moved this safe with me across 2 countries and 8 or 9 residences over the past 40 something years. There were a few failed attempts to repair it when I was growing up in Colorado.