F104 Starfighter

16 hours ago, Bicyclejim said:

Moderators: PLEASE delete the pack data card photos.  There are numbers on there that can be used to steal identities.  

What in the photos showing the paper cards needs to be deleted? Is it the owners name, address and phone number? Is all the other information on the paper ok to be posted?

 Can anyone tell me about this Rig, if any of the parts are usable and if it has any value? Came from a Storage Unit Auction. 14 Photos available at bottom of page.

Unknown Main Canopy. 

Reserve Canopy, Precision Super Raven, Date of Manufacture May 2000.
Harness and Container, Sunnpath Javelin J3, Date of Manufacture May 2000.
AAD, Cypres Cypres 2, Date of Manufacture April 2008.

Thankyou everyone who assisted with the identification process.

17 minutes ago, kleggo said:

Not going to read the posts, but I think;

The "rig" is a wonderhog II, circa 1980, I had a very similar one. It worked, love the plastic / nylon? reserve handle...........

The "main" is likely a paraflight cloud XL based on the vents in the underside.

Zero value to me, probably not much value to most.

1978 Wonderhog Container Harness.

What do people do with older Parachutes and older Containers/Harnesses? Do they convert them to Clothing, Storage Bags, Car Covers, Kites...? I would find it difficult to throw it away. Seems like it would have some kind of use.

20 hours ago, mark said:

The label then was most commonly ink-stamped on one of the ribs, just inside the nose of the canopy, either on one of the end ribs or on the center rib.

I went through the 14 cell openings 4 times, top, bottom, left, right, looking 2 feet inside and did not see a label or markings for Parachute identification. 

On 2/15/2021 at 5:28 PM, wolfriverjoe said:

Well, there's only three repacks listed on the card, but they are all "AIR" (air, inspect, repack). If that was the first card, the first one should read "A&P" (assemble & pack). 

Guessing this is the second or subsequent card.

But yeah, the rig is 40+ years old. The reserve is 64 years old. 

No way I'd even consider using this in the air.

Water training (pool simulation), practice packing (I gave a very old Wonderhog with a round reserve to a fella on here a few years ago), maybe sewing training. 

But jumping it? No way.

OP: There should be a data label on the rig (the harness/container). It will have the manufacturer, date of manufacture, serial number and size. It might be on the inside of the main lift web (shoulder straps) or it might be on the outside, under the reserve risers. Or it might be on or near the reserve card pocket. 
It won't change the value (or lack of), but I'm a bit curious.

Found the Harness/Container Label under the right side harness strap. 1978 Wonderhog. 

2 hours ago, mark said:

The label then was most commonly ink-stamped on one of the ribs, just inside the nose of the canopy, either on one of the end ribs or on the center rib.

I will check in the next few days and will post the results.

Would the Parachute be required to have a Manufacturers Label on it? I could not find it on the top or bottom of the Parachute.

8 hours ago, mark said:

I vaguely recall double pilot chute rings on the top surface for a Viking (predecessor to the Viking Superlight) but just a single ring for a Strato-Cloud.  So if a guy was going for a cheaper knock-off main canopy, I'd guess he'd go for the cheaper knock-off container as well.  But I could be persuaded that it's a Strato-Cloud (distinctive bottom vents) and Wonderhog.

It does have 2 steel rings on the top rear that attached to the Pilot Chute.

1 hour ago, mark said:

Do we get to speculate?  Here's my guess:

Reserve:  Navy 26' conical, military surplus

Main:  Pioneer Viking (copy of a Para-Flite Strato-Cloud)

Container:  Pioneer (don't remember the name) (copy of RWS Wonderhog)

Look at the bottom photos of the Reserve Card. 1957 26' Pioneer. 

51 minutes ago, dudeman17 said:

The container looks like a 70's era Wonderhog. Mark, what makes you think it's a copy?

The main, the square vents on the bottom make me think Viking Superlite as well.

 

Starfighter, this appears to be the second set of 'auction' gear that you've posted here. How, where, and why are you coming up with this stuff?

It comes from spending time at Swap Meets/Flea Markets/Storage Unit Auctions/Estate Sales and knowing the Sellers. I rarely see Parachuting Gear, maybe once every 5-10 years.

I found the Reserve card where you said to look and added 3 more photos. Does that change anything in regards to its value?

The Parachute came from a Storage Unit Auction so I have no history about it. Regarding the Main Parachute: appears to be in Good Clean Condition with no holes, no tears, no repairs, bright colors, clean condition. I disconnected it from the Harness to make it easier to photograph. I could not find a manufacturer label on the top or bottom. The sides measure about 11 feet and the back measures about 20 feet. There are 14 cell openings in the front with the green on the right and red on the left. The black side vertical panels are not attached to the Main Parachute. There are 2 vent holes on the bottom. It has hard plastic steering toggles. 

Regarding the Reserve Parachute. I have located the Reserve Card. It says 1957 26' Pioneer. I have not opened the Reserve Container yet. 

The Pilot Chute appears to be stored in a waist belt pocket. 

Regarding the Harness/Container. There is a Plastic Reserve Pull Handle on the left side, a soft pillow type handle on the right side, has a chest strap, 2 shoulder straps,  2 leg straps with buckles,  a waist strap, and everything appears to be in Good Clean Condition. 

Would like your opinions on what the Main, Container and Reserve is, if they are still usable and their approximate value. Thanks in advance for your help. 
 

The 2 Jumpsuits were sold so they are NOT available.

To clear up the myth/rumor on 20 year or older parachutes will not be repacked and certified, I spoke to a Rigger in the US and he said that the "20 year or older parachutes will not be packed and certified" IS A FALSE MYTH/RUMOR and that he has repacked and certified Pilots Parachutes that are 40 years and older.

The Rigger at Davis said he charges $25 per parachute or $50 to inspect the 2 parachutes and the container/harness...and write an inspection report where he states this as a Pass or Fail Type Inspection.

On 9/14/2020 at 5:00 AM, sfzombie13 said:

 if you want to get rid of the red one, let me know. 

I want to sell it. Can you leave me your phone number and I'll contact you?

Here is the information from the Logbook. Can you tell me what it means? The second photo says "First Jump" 6.16.02. Looks like Bill Dause was the instructor? What does the information on the first photo mean?

11 hours ago, riggerrob said:

Yes!

Please post photos of the reserve packing data cards. They are hidden in a pocket just above the label.

Are you a current or retired Rigger? 

What would be the normal procedure for selling an unknown Rig? Could I ship them to a local Rigger in the San Francisco Bay Area, have them inspect and grade them and then determine their value? Do you know how much a Rigger would charge to inspect a Rig? Could I find an experienced Skydiver to do the same at a lower price?

Do Parachutes have a "Do not use after" date attached to them or are they inspected by a Rigger who determines that? A person sent me an email saying that after 20 years, Reserve Parachutes are no longer repacked by Riggers. Is that correct?

Are the Automatic Opening Devices unusable?

15 hours ago, wolfriverjoe said:

Oh my. That's some seriously old gear. Forget about what 'new ones cost'. 
Also, forget about C/L. Classifieds on here or some of the FB groups would be a much better place.

As far as the rigs go:

You need to find out when they were last repacked.
There should be a packing data card, it should be in a little pocket on the back of the label with the serial number on it (I think). That will tell you what reserve is in it and when it was last inspected & repacked. How many packs are on it (that matters) And who did it. 

You'd have to open up the main containers to see what main canopy is in it. 

Depending on the mains, there might be some value. But not a whole lot. 
There are a lot of riggers out there who won't pack or work on gear that old. 

However, you might find a newer jumper or a beginning camera flyer who would want one for a turn rig. Maybe. 

The altimeter might be worth a bit. Most of the kids these days go for digital, but some of the 'crusty old guys' prefer analog. The chest mount pillow is popular for wingsuiting. 

The Astra & Time Out are obsolete. Interesting conversation pieces.
Same with the camera. Is that a Digital Video Tape unit? The lens might be worth a couple bucks, depending on quality. 

Helmets are likely junk. Nobody will want to wear them. Not sure about the sights & mounts. Those might be worth a couple bucks.

Suits might be worth something (not a lot), if they are in good shape. If the material is worn or rotting (more likely rotting), then not. The problem with used suits (and the reason new ones cost so much) is that they are custom made to fit the buyer. Finding a buyer for a used suit depends on finding someone it fits well. 

The log book should have some dates and the name of the owner in it. I don't know if you'd find anyone to buy it. Kinda creepy. 

I can't see it being worth more than a few hundred (total for the entire group).


 

I checked the pockets under the Reserve flap and did not find a packing data card.

Do Parachutes have a "Do not use after" date attached to them or are they inspected by a Rigger who determines that? A person sent me an email saying that after 20 years, Reserve Parachutes are no longer repacked by Riggers.

The Gath Helmet has a closed cell foam liner and the interior is in good shape. The outside has some holes in it from the camera mount and eye sight. Kite Boarders, Windsurfers and Surfers use these Helmets also. The other 2 Helmets could be used as Movie Props or sell them to Skydiving Parents so their kids can run around the Drop Zone with them on. Cheap entertainment.

What would be the normal procedure for selling an unknown Rig? Could I ship them to a local Rigger in the San Francisco Bay Area, have them inspect and grade them and then determine their value? Do you know how much a Rigger would charge to inspect a Rig? Could I find an experienced Skydiver to do the same at a lower price?

Are you certain the Automatic Opening Devices are unusable?

What does the eyesight device do? Does it light up when the camera is on or does it act like an aiming device to assist the photographer in framing the subject?

Is the "Time Out" Device on the outside of the Gath currently being used? What does that do? Make a noise at a selected altitude to notify the camera man to open their parachute?

The Jumpsuits are in Good Clean Condition. I know sizing is specific, but if the former owner was an average size person, they are a Small, Medium Large or Extra Large in Size. Most people fit into one of those categories. I believe I know the prior owners name from the logbook. Do you know if I contact the Suit Manufacturer if they could check their records and give me the measurements that they used when they built the suit?

10 hours ago, riggerrob said:

Yes!

Please post photos of the reserve packing data cards. They are hidden in a pocket just above the label.

I checked the pockets under the Reserve flap and did not find a packing data card.

Need Experienced Opinions on Used Skydiving Rig, Jump Suit, Camera Gear, Helmet etc.

Thanks for your help in advance. I purchased this gear from a person who bought an Estate Sale in Alameda, CA. I don't know if the person is hospitalized or died.  I've written this in 3 separate ads and they are posted on Craigslist. The links with more photos are listed below. I will be writing more details when I get time.

Looking for your opinion/estimates on what this gear is worth used and what it cost new, if it is currently used or if it would be retired as Wall/Hangar/Bar art. What is the normal procedure for selling a used Container with Parachutes inside with no history? Can you tell me about the devices (Automatic Activation Device) if they can continue to be used? Their new cost and current value?

Ad 1. https://sfbay.craigslist.org/eby/spo/d/alameda-skydiving-parachuting-gear-many/7195616551.html
Parachute Rig x 2 units. 15 photos total. The outside of the containers appear to be in Good Clean Condition. The Red and Black Rig date is Nov 1993. The Red Black and Yellow Rig is Sept 1994. New Complete Rigs sell for about $6,000-8,000 https://www.chutingstar.com/skydive/skydiving-rigs/complete-rig-packages
Altimeter Chest Strap Mount. Good Clean Condition. The Altimeter cost about $180 and a Chest Pillow about $35. https://www.chutingstar.com/skydive/altimeters/analog-altimeters/alti-2-altimaster-ii-skydiving-altimeter
Log Book. Only 1 or 2 pages used. See photos.

Ad 2. https://sfbay.craigslist.org/eby/spo/d/alameda-skydiving-parachuting-gear-many/7195616551.html
Jumpsuit x 2 units. 13 photos. Both Jumpsuits are in Good Clean Condition. Tony Suit with Red Wings and a Bev Suit with Red Grips. Jump Suits cost about $350.

https://www.tonysuits.com/shop/skydiving-jumpsuits/

https://www.bevsuit.com/products.htm

Ad 3. https://sfbay.craigslist.org/eby/spo/d/alameda-skydiving-parachuting-gear-many/7195620916.html
Helmets x 3 units and Video Camera. 13 photos total.
The Gath Helmet is Size Small, in Good Condition. It has an photo aiming device with a light attached. The "Time Out" Device on the outside of the Gath is it currently being used? Thread on the "Time Out"Device: https://www.dropzone.com/gear/altimeters/time-out-r137/ Gath Helmets cost about $170 new. https://gathsports.com/product/gath-hat-neo/
The other 2 helmets, one is a size Small and I assume the other is Small also. The Foam liner on the 2 helmets in the same photo has aged and is crumbling inside so most people would not wear it. The Helmet shown with 2 Helmets on the right with the camera housing has a photo aiming device and is missing the chin straps. Full Face Helmets range in price from $250-500. https://www.chutingstar.com/skydive/helmets/full-face-helmets