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#311826 Tue Mar 13 2012 07:36 AM
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Hello Everyone. Can anyone tell me why these covers are on my 1949 Gilbarco gas pump instead of having a site glass installed? If I wish, could I install the site glass on both sides?

Thanks

Marvin

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More than likely the sightglass started leaking so they just took it out. Find a sightglass assembly for your pump and reinstall it. Richard

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. . . . and as I understand it, some states passed laws that stated that gasoline could not be stored in glass containers. The Fire Marshalls in some of those states required the removal of the sight glasses on the pumps. Therefore, the covers . . .

Later . . .

Jim

P.S. Yes, you can reinstall the glass bowls and the spinnere if you want to.

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I don't know if this story is urban legend, but I've heard that sight glasses were against some municipal ordinances due to perceived fire hazard. Thing is, I've never seen the ordinance stating such.

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Some of these pumps had sight glasses others had it so you could see a light threw a clear cover built into a chrome v shaped ornament that went over the hole.

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Could have possibly been a farm or commercial pump and never had site glasses.


Jason Howard
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Jim's response makes the most sense. Why would all of these gas companies go to the expense and hassle to block off the site glass without being required to do so? I have seen many pumps, especially Bennett pumps that were branded with Sinclair, that block off plates had been added. Brady

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Thanks for the help. I'm guessing I can buy a sight glass kit online? Or is it best just to leave it be? i know its my pump, but how difficult would it be to install the sight glass?

Marvin

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They are usually connected by two or four bolts.depending on the model. The hardest part is getting them clean. Richard

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The story is true, some localidies did outlaw them.

Bennett even sold pumps without the glass, but they did have the mount behind the door. They even had a special cover that went in the hole in the door and it had the word "Bennett" on it.
The covers shown above might even have something on them under the red paint.

Jack Sim

Last edited by Jack Sim; Tue Mar 13 2012 10:58 PM.

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Thanks to all of you for the information.I'm going to purchase a site glass kit and attempt to convert it.

Marvin

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Pumpdump or tbuckles should have what ya need.


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