Vintage TOYOTA MOTOR Hand Tools, "TEQ" Accessories and Collectibles

[dmamj]

As I understand it, Toyota presented Artthur Linkletter, Goodwin Knight, and Dwight D. Eisenhower each with one of these knives in 1957 when they opened the first dealership in California. The one seen here was presented to Eisenhower.
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Here is the same style pocket knife as in post 374, but from 10 years earlier in 1947. On May 10th of that year, the 100,000th unit rolled off the line. Toyota held a pretty big celebration, and I would imagine these were given to folks in commemoration. This one has the TEQ logo and an additional smaller blade.

 

[JohnnyC]

Most likely was a big deal as toyota had not been granted full time production till 48’ by allied HQ

 

[dmamj]

4500KG, 10mm diameter tow cable, part 08300-00030. Guessing 1980s because of the TEQ l0go.

 

[dmamj]

First imperial measurement Toyota tools I've seen. Likely date from the 50's - 60's. It's possible they were made by Kyoto Machine Tool Company, LTD., rather than Kyoto Tool Company (KTC). Sizes are 7/8” X 13/16” and 3/4” X 15/32".

Who’ll be the first to spot the mistake?

 

[JohnnyC]

‘O’ my


That cable tow is interesting as well… nice finds !

 

[bj70bc]

First imperial measurement Toyota tools I've seen. Likely date from the 50's - 60's. It's possible they were made by Kyoto Machine Tool Company, LTD., rather than Kyoto Tool Company (KTC). Sizes are 7/8” X 13/16” and 3/4” X 15/32".

Who’ll be the first to spot the mistake?

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those have got to be knock offs...spelling mistakes AND imperial, not sure toyoto would get that many thing wrong in one tool!

 

[dmamj]

those have got to be knock offs...spelling mistakes AND imperial, not sure toyoto would get that many thing wrong in one tool!

My guess is they were commissioned by Toyota and made for Toyota by Kyoto Machine Tool Company, or very, very early KTC. The guy running quality control probably wasn't around for very long . Here is an additional example of a spelling error:

 

[Economist LC76]

Another tow rope 08300-00050

 

[bj70bc]

those tow ropes are funny.... and sketchy, Im surprised they made them

 

[dmamj]

For the most part I like the look and patina of old tools and tool boxes. Every once in a while though I wonder how stuff looked straight out of the factory 60 years ago.

A few months ago I came across one of the smaller TEQ boxes that was painted red. Repainted boxes typically mask a decent amount of rust, but there was no indication of pitting on this one. Couldn't stand the red so figured I'd do a little refurb and recoat as I've done with one or two of them in the past. Soaked it in a 30% white vinegar solution for four days to strip it down to bare metal (worked excellent - the paint peeled right off without the goo of paint stripping gels). Had very good metal underneath. Picked the powder coat color closest to the original I could find. The original color of the smaller boxes seem to have a tiny bit of blue tinting. The "Zinc It" color chosen was about a near to it as I could find.

Was very pleased with the result.


AS RECEIVED, PAINTED RED.

STRIPPED TO BARE METAL USING 30% WHITE VINEGAR. HINGE PIN REMOVED.

ORIGINAL BOX WITH ORIGINAL COLOR ON TOP. NEWLY POWDER COATED BOX ON BOTTOM. COLOR: "ZINC IT".

TOP VIEW

 

[dmamj]

I also traced out the original cardboard insert and cut out my own.

 

[red66toy]

Love it! How hard was it to remove that pin? I am hoping to refresh a box I have as well.

 

[dmamj]

Toyota's preferred vehicle fluid was their Castle brand. Here's a 29" x 40" antifreeze advertising poster.

Translations (I think):

Top black text: "Big little cold. Prepare your car for winter"
Black text above picture: "Genuine Toyota for Toyota vehicles. Select antifreeze by brand."
Underneath antifreeze can:
"Toyota"
"Genuine"
"Castle"
"Antifreeze".

And notice I finally found a use for the litte TEQ weights!

 

[dmamj]

@red66toy , the pin wasn't too tough to remove. You need a rigid dowel to punch it out. I wound up cutting the heads off two small brads. Had to bend the metal back very slightly to get access to the pin. Tapped the pin with one brad to expose about an inch of it on the other end, but there was still too much friction to be able to pull it out. Tapped the second brad in and that was enough to be able to twist the pin out. Be careful not to bend it!

 

[dmamj]

@red66toy Chase, I've got an extra cardboard insert I can send you.

 

[red66toy]

@red66toy Chase, I've got an extra cardboard insert I can send you.

That would be much appreciated! I’ll DM you.

 

[dmamj]

Another mystery for the Toyota historians, eh @JohnnyC ? Large emblem/sign that looks familiar but can’t put my finger on it. Old bus? Don’t think it’s forklift. My searches came up empty so I come a callin’ on the community. Anyone recognize it? Angle wrench pictured for scale - 13 3/4” in length.

 

[Michael B]

That’s a very cool sign!

 

[fjwagon]

Cool, looks like a logo you would see on a motor cycle.

 

[The Jade Bean]

Cool, looks like a logo you would see on a motor cycle.

That’s what I was thinking.