Primarily Petroliana Shop Talk Forums Shop Talk Petroliana Forums General Petroliana Discussion fry mae west help

I am restoring a 5 gallon fry mae west. I am wondering what were the most common brands of gas back then ? I know the pump was originally red . Does anyone know what size globe should be on it ? Thanks for the info

Danny

Welcome to the site, gas brands were numerous. 15" globes look the best on visibles, most were red due to cheaper to mass produce in one color. Paint as you please.

I've seen them done many different products. Here's two that I owned.

Welcome to Oldgas! Once you figure out what year your pump was produced and you have picked a brand you can go to the globe book and figure out what size globe the company used during those years.
Thats the way to do a period correct pump. If that is not what your shooting for then do as you please.
What companies where in business as Phil said many. The large companies come to mind, but there was a lot of small chains,and mom and pops selling under large brand names. Do some history gathering for your state and you would be surprised how many options you have that was near you. If your put it together to sale there is always the sure thing. Resale Texaco.

Thanks for the replies ! It isn't going to be for sale. This pump belonged to my moms grandfather and was used as a farm pump. My mom has no idea that I'm restoring it for her. She always talks about it but it never happens. Ive had it in storage at my shop for 9 years now . How do you figure out what year it was made ? I have the tags off of it but they are really rough. Where is everyone buying the globes from ? I don't really care about it being a reproduction . The only thing I really am set on is the red because that's what she has always told me .

You need to post some photos so the members here can help you. Dave

I'd like to see your progress as well so I can get some ideas. I have two 5gal May West pumps, 1 cast with the external pump and 1 with the internal pump. I'm starting to restore both as well that my dad had planned to restore. He worked for Texaco. Just getting ready to dismantle them.

Good luck and I'll be watching.
Rick

Pre tear down, or should I say how it has looked for a while now.

now in primer ready to block sand

The photos are small, but that looks like a 10 gallon Fry(117), not that it makes any difference when it comes to branding.Check your cylinder's size. Dave

Dating a fry may west.- from the professor DB.
Approximated dates
1913-1920- cast iron body no base external pump.
1920 late-short base external pump
1920s tall cast iron base 17 external pump
1921- cast iron base Internal pump in base.
1924-sheet metal skins & base internal pump.

pretty sure the short of it is yours is 1924-later. The pics are so small and the older I get I swear my lap top screen is shrinking.

If its glass cylinder is 10” in dia. It’s a Model 17. If it’s 13 5/8” it’s a Model 117.

It has sheet metal sides and an internal pump. I had bigger pics but it wouldn't let me load them. it is a 5 gallon. the cylinder is 10" in dia.

You guys are a wealth of knowledge when it comes to these things. I appreciate all the help .

use the resizing tool... Dave

Give you something to think about. Go to T-ways Graphics.com. Under his listing of 15in. globes you will find two lenses that Jim can add your grandfathers name, farm name, what ever around outside band of lens. Kind of pricey but would knock your moms socks off. Something you need to think about is where its going. ceiling heights etc.

Pogo made these several years ago with help from Jack. They are beautiful lenses.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Fry-Guarantee-Vi...=item35cde09749

I looked at custom globes but couldn't make up my mind. Therefore I played it safe and ordered a Texaco. I almost got the Sinclair farm products but I was worried about the amount of green in it. She has always told me she wanted it painted red so that is the only thing I have to go off of. If she wants me to change the globe down the road its not a big deal.

She has plenty of ceiling height so that isn't an issue.

What type of paint are most of you folks using ? I can do base clear but am worried about wetsanding and buffing it good enough ( my body guy friend who usually oversees is too busy ). I was told that a good acrylic enamel will look great and be a good choice. I really don't want this pump to look like it has an inch of clear on it . It needs to shine but not to much . More of an original type finish.

ive had good luck with single stages paint ppg in my area --you can get a good shines

and if you still dont like it-- just color sand and spray clear--

Single stage was my thought until I got 2 quotes for a quart of paint and both were over 200 dollars . I feel like that's really high .

Thanks for this info, Loyd. This helps me out too. Looks like I have a late 1920 (tall cast base w/ ext pump) and a 1924 (sheet metal w/ int pump).
Rick

Ive got it done . Delivered and wrapped it today so that mom can recieve it tomorrow. Other that the nozzle I'm really pleased. I have a pic or two but cannot get them to load at all . Someone want me to email so you can give it a try ?

Thanks Danny

pm sent

Fry 17 photos:

Thanks for posting these Dave