Narragansett Platform in Need of Some Work

[penina]

Hello! I'm new here, and new to speed bag platforms as well. I'm into strength training and vintage weights, and I'm based in Providence, RI, which got me interested in collecting and learning about the Narragansett Machine Company. I was lucky enough to find one of their speed bag platforms recently for an attainable price. The seller used it out on his porch for years, so it's seen some weather.

Excuse the bad photos, I have too many projects and need to clear some space in my garage to work on this.

I plan to restore it and hang it in the garage. The green paint obviously isn't original, and I'm not sure if the black underneath is or not. I'll be stripping the green paint and seeing if the black survives, as well as removing the rust and oiling it. I'm not sure yet if the gears turn. There is an broken bit in the central logo, unfortunately, and the worst part seems to be that the knobs on the side are missing. Does anyone know of suitable replacements?

I have experience cleaning up rusty metal, but have never worked on one of these before, so any advice is welcome! Thanks!

[dad]

Nice piece of work, not sure about stripping the paint, it may look better refinish but could lose value. Please send me a picture I may be able to give you some direction. I am right here in Tiverton, RI needless to say I'm a bagger.

[penina]

Nice piece of work, not sure about stripping the paint, it may look better refinish but could lose value. Please send me a picture I may be able to give you some direction. I am right here in Tiverton, RI needless to say I'm a bagger.

Nice! I was thinking an oxalic acid bath. I use that on weights to remove spray paint jobs while maintaining original paint, though I've never used it on anything as large as this. The black that's underneath looks too matte to be the original japan, but who knows what's under that! I'll get some closer up pics.

[Dutchman]

The securing knobs can be obtained from McMaster Carr. These were originally painted with Japan colors and sealed with varnish. The ones that I have been restored/refubished have used any number of finishes, ranging from automotive enamels to having them powdered coated.

[dad]

It always amazes me how the "Dutchman" never fails to come through with the answer. Thanks man THAT WAS COOL.

[penina]

The securing knobs can be obtained from McMaster Carr. These were originally painted with Japan colors and sealed with varnish. The ones that I have been restored/refubished have used any number of finishes, ranging from automotive enamels to having them powdered coated.

Amazing! Thanks. I should have figured McMaster would be the way to go. I'll have to play around and find bolt size/thread, unless anyone happens to know off hand.

[Dutchman]

I would obtain an inexpensive tap and die set from Harbor Freight to determine the size and thread. As I recall the knobs are a standard thread size.

[frankcastle1005]

Nice find! The platform and frame actually isn’t in that bad of shape.

[penina]

Nice find! The platform and frame actually isn’t in that bad of shape.

Thank you! It should clean up nicely!