Tool Talk

What's-It Forum => What's-It Forum => Topic started by: dimwittedmoose51 on September 21, 2012, 07:00:13 AM

Title: Unique garage tool What is it??
Post by: dimwittedmoose51 on September 21, 2012, 07:00:13 AM
I did the research on this thing, but it will stump a few of you anyway.  The answer will blow you away.  One vacuum tube in it and some other electronics.  Early 60's dating, and that's all the hints you get....

DM&FS

Title: Re: Unique garage tool What is it??
Post by: superzstuff on September 21, 2012, 07:56:02 AM
Looks like it sends or receives a signal. To test car radios or to operate remote control device.
Title: Re: Unique garage tool What is it??
Post by: OilyRascal on September 21, 2012, 08:23:27 AM
Nice butt hinge template.
Title: Re: Unique garage tool What is it??
Post by: Fins/413 on September 21, 2012, 10:44:47 AM
My guess is a power supply
Title: Re: Unique garage tool What is it??
Post by: FrankLee on September 21, 2012, 11:48:36 AM
my swag... garage door opener control?
Title: Re: Unique garage tool What is it??
Post by: Mel Larsen on September 21, 2012, 12:23:49 PM
The one that just sold on Ebay for $12,  was called a garage door opener.
Mel
Title: Re: Unique garage tool What is it??
Post by: rusty on September 21, 2012, 08:42:21 PM
Probably uses more power than the garage door itself....
Title: Re: Unique garage tool What is it??
Post by: gibsontool on September 21, 2012, 08:44:18 PM
And here I thought it was a nutcracker
Title: Re: Unique garage tool What is it??
Post by: dimwittedmoose51 on September 22, 2012, 01:18:46 AM
Yes, the transmitter portion of a first generation garage door opener.  Imagine waiting for that tube to warm up before you could get out of the garage in the morning!!.  I found someone that had the very same question I had on a vintage Cadillac forum.  His was mounted right behind the radiator of his '62 Fleetwood.  Container didn't look all that waterproof to me.  I will tell the new owner about the $12 winning bid.  Me?  I'd keep it for a conversation piece.....

DM&FS

Title: Re: Unique garage tool What is it??
Post by: ron darner on September 22, 2012, 08:57:37 PM
Yep: when I had the chance, I kept an oldie that a friend took out of his grandparent's house after they passed on, close to 30 years ago. 
It doesn't look like I'll get rich off of E-Bay, then, since I've only got two transmitters (run on 6 V DC), and I think three receivers.  The transmitters have the same sort of V-shaped antenna, but aren't marked on the outside of the boxes.  I have three old door mechanisms; the oldest-looking one is a "Auto Magic" door operator from the United States Motor Corporation of Oshkosh Wisconsin.  There are newspaper ads from 1957 offering one as a prize in a contest, apparently.  The serial number on one of mine appears to end in "...54", which makes me think that it might be the year?
Title: Re: Unique garage tool What is it??
Post by: dimwittedmoose51 on September 23, 2012, 03:29:07 AM
Cool.  I've never understood the serial number game on anything except maybe the old VW Beetles....lol

thanks

DM&FS