New member here, Andy VH from Green Bay WI. I am building my motorcycle shop garage this summer, and tomorrow I am checking out a Tokheim 39 Short unrestored (no globe) vintage pump for $895. It has the correct hose and dispenser handle, but no pump/motor on the inside. I only want a pump for display anyway. I think $895 is a reasonable price. Here is a pic of the pump. Any comments? Glad to be joining the site.

Andy, Welcome to Oldgas. I'm sure some of the members here can chime in on the value for your pump. Good luck!

Welcome to oldgas Andy. I think the asking price is a little high. If the back is like the front it is a nice pump and I hope you just clean it up and enjoy.

Andy, that pump has been around to some of the shows for a while in the area. He’s a little high on price on that one. It would be a decent buy at $600. Try to be patient and you will get a good one soon.

Thanks for the input, good to know its been around for a while. That could give me a bit of buyer leverage. If I get it, I for now plan to clean it up and satin clear coat it. Then get a custom hand painted globe for it, something like "Andy's Cycle Shop". I kinda like the Rocket symbol on it, can't say I've ever seen a Rocket brand for gas.

http://www.oldgas.com/forum/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=730973&page=1

$895 is high for a common Tokheim 39. I agree with the statements above, $600-750 seems about right depending on condition / missing parts, etc (maybe $800 if there is something special about it, cool graphics, ad glass, etc). if you do go look at it, mention that it is missing the hose guards, which are about $25-35 each. And by-the-way, having the correct hose doesn't mean much. You will find that you will probably replace it anyway because it is cracking, and too long. New hoses usually look better on these types of pumps (in my opinion).

-Steve

Well, I did it, bought it, got it down in price a bit. I started at $700 and went up from there. But I'll admit I simply wanted it, it spoke to me, which of course is what every seller wants to hear right? It's missing the glass front and back, missing the hose guard rails, and the hose retractor (if it had one on a 1953 Model 39). The dials/gauge system works with the crank handle, and it does reset to zero. The dials/numbers need to be cleaned to be readable (any suggestions what to do, what to avoid). So I'll be hauling it home soon. Any cautions about hauling one of these? Can it be laid on its back or side (no globe and no glass in it). I would plan to lay it on heavy blankets or carpet padding in the back of my pickup truck for the 60 mile ride home. I agree about the hose, no big deal there and since I work for Parker Hannifin I has access to all sorts of hose. The metal is all good, only the back side has a minor dent down by the louver. The base frame is good. Not sure the seller has the keys to open the panels. The top chrome trim can be dressed up, scrubbed with polishing compound and aluminum foil (old restorer trick). Some porcelain repair on the panels. The seller did add a globe mount to it.

The very old faded graphics indicate it was branded Rocket for which I have only seen a few globes and decals, so I plan to stay with the Rocket brand and colors. I think Rocket colors may be orange and green. Orange is ok as it is a reflection on my Dutch born heritage, but the metal panels look to have been ivory and red. I plan to first clean it up, get the glass and globe (Rocket) for it but mostly leave it in its natural state for now, just satin clear coat it after cleaning. When/If I fully restore it I'll probably still go the Rocket brand as it does seem kind of rare, and from what I have found it is a regional Wisconsin brand name (common I think to south central Wisconsin). I may have spent too much, but I got my 1st vintage gas pump and it'll be a really cool addition to my motorcycle shop.

By the way, the antique shop where I bought this pump also has a similar size Wayne of the same vintage. Inside he has a restored Texaco tall Tokheim, a restored Sunoco Wayne and another Shell Wayne, all selling for between $2500 and $4000. I'll take pictures of those when I pick up my Tokheim next Saturday.




Andy, west side of Green Bay.

Around $800 on that one if all is good. Don't clear it!! Clean it up and leave it as is.

Congrats on the pump Andy. It is a cool pump as I went back and forth with the owner of it at a show this spring. It’s got “the look”, so I know exactly what you mean. It is for sure very cool. I also like the satin clear look. It’s your pump...do with it what you want. Everyone has a preference...do what you think looks good. Take care.

I understand the "don't clear it" viewpoint. But I would just do it to minimize any further deterioration. For now the pump will stand outside my garage, and even my shop garage when it is done, but presented in a manner to make it cool, like with a shop sign hung above it. For now any decal I apply to it will be a magnetic one.

Well, like a lot of others here, the 1st pump only feeds the fire. After talking with Neil up this way I got to searching craigslist again, especially when traveling for work. I was south of Rockford IL in the hotel, and craigslist showed some great deals in the Chicago area. I ended up buying another Tokheim 39 Short with add glass for $400. No pump or motor, but everything else is there (other than glass and globe). Its very similar to my other 39 Short, but with add glass. I'll get some pics posted along with the craigslist contact info. The seller had four other pumps for sale all for $400 each. This pump I will restore to the Old Dutch brand. Funny thing is, this pump first came from about 35 miles north of Green Bay to Chicago. Now I'm bringing it back north.