Primarily Petroliana Shop Talk Forums Shop Talk Petroliana Forums General Petroliana Discussion Restore all or some?

Hi all just a quick question to ask being new at all of this. I was wondering when someone is purchasing a pump how important is it for the pump to be compelete inside.
Do most people look for outside appearance or a whole pump insde and out? Thanks Mike

Mike,

There are differing opinions on how is the best way to restore a pump as far as completeness is concerned. There are several threads that have talked about this topic recently so you might do a search and read some of those. The general consensus is that the internals of a pump are removed due to the weight issues and also safety concerns as the old gas and residue in the guts of an old pump is nearly impossible to clean out entirely and will be a problem if the pump is displayed indoors. Some leave the guts in if it is to be an outside display pump simply to hinder theft because it weighs so much. I personally remove all the guts from my restored pumps and if I find one for sale that I intend to restore its a plus if the guts are already gone.....Gary

In my opinion, if the insides have not been cleaned and painted/powder coated, you are not performing a restoration. You're just giving the pump a new paint job on the outside and cleaning/replacing trim. It's a matter of semantics - a restoration touches all aspects of the pump. Anything less is either a partial restoration or a paint job. Just my two cents.

I look for appearance both in & outside.
I'm from the camp of leaving the guts in,as it's more attractive to me then the outside even.
Because so many claim they have a bad back and remove them for their convenience,this hobby has lost a vital part of it's history.
Old gasoline doesn't take long to drain out & evaporate.Then spray everything down with oven cleaner and hose off the varnish & wipe for the original finish to come through.
I display my pumps inside as well.

Mike, it has always been up to the individual owner of a pump if they want to keep the pumping internals or not...

Been that way since Day One of the Hobby...

There is no right and/or wrong answer... If you are "of a mind too", keep the pump internals; fantastic.

If you are "of a mind too", remove the pump internals; also fantastic...

It is your pump and as db (a Member that has passed on) used to say... "There are no Pump Police", do what you want with "Your Pump"....

Guts in = Pump = Collector

Guts out = Cabinet = Decorator

That being said... it's your pump do what ever it takes to make you happy with it.

If you plan on pumping gasoline with your gas pump I recommend you leave the guts in. If you don't plan on pumping gasoline with your pump by all means remove them because they are worthless. But don't take my word on it, I'm just a decorator.

I am just a decorator too! 😢😢

hahahaha ! don't feel bad according to several opinions on this site I'm just a decorator also.....I'm okay with it though as I've been called a lot worse ! lol ! luv u guys

As far as pump guts, do what you want...I have them with and without, it's an age old argument that will never be settled

Z

Wow thanks to everyone! it is great to look at it from all sides. I guess it is a personal preference much like the vehicle you drive. It is what attracts you.

As I am getting ready to do my pump restoration, i read and hear from several people explaining that it would not matter if the pump has no guts because no one will know the difference anyway. The problem with that is I will know the difference and although it would look nice on the outside, I know it is not complete.

I would also use a classic or antique vehicle as a comparison. I could have the shiniest most eye appealing attractive 1962 Corvette the world has ever seen but without the engine, it is just not right.

I know the guts are not attractive to see which is why they made covers for them. I have a plan to change that. Although my pump will look as original as it did from day one, without the covers it will be a work of art and you will see my imagination and creative thinking.

All I need to do now is get it started and finished

Take care,
Tom

What about collectors that want to be able to easily move pumps around? Has nothing to do with decorating.

Guts out = Lighter = Practical

Clear lower covers maybe?
Sunoco actually made clear covers for their Wayne 511 debut to show the public the inner workings.

x2

I am a decorator. But if I were to leave any out side, then I would be a collector....