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Things have been pretty dry here on Old Gas for a few weeks. The biggest thing has been some girl pictures from Italy. Yes we get a few questions from people who come on the site long enough to find out how much something they found is worth. Once they find out they are gone. How about the rest of us.
I think it is great that we let each other know if something is a repro or an orignal. But just what are we doing to improve this hobby, even if it is just to express our opinions as why we think something is better than something else.

I'll try and start something here.

I have literature, pictures, etc. of over 2000 gas pump, but as far as I am concerned, the best looking pump ever made is the Erie 50 Cash Recorder pump. Now, while it would be easy just to make this statement and close this topic, I feel we should say why we have this opinion.
Well, when it comes to clock face pumps the cash recorder having two faces beats anything. Then there is the bezel around the two face, then there is the art deco edges that go down all four sides of the pump. Then, the thing that tops everyting else off is the very elaborate globe holder. There has never been any company that has designed a globe holder as eloborate at this one.

So what am I getting at, I have just expressed my opinion, and it is only an opinion.

We don't need anyone telling us why we are wrong, we need you telling us why you think your favorite pump is the best looking pump ever made, and why.

While I am not a globe or a sign person, why don't we have someone coming on here to tell us why he thinks a particular globe is the best one he has ever see, but also telling us why he thing it is.

Guys, there are many who come on this site for the first time, not just to find out how much something is worth, but to learn something about this hobby. Many of them have never bought their first pump, globe, sign, can, they are looking for information. Not to brag, but most of my posts explain something about the gas pump someone asked about, so what I am saying is, if you know something more about that can, that oil bottle or that globe, how about typing a little more and giving us a little more of your knowledge.

This site is not just for us to tell each other, "nice sign" nice pump" it is to ask (for those who don't know) and for us to answer (if you know the answer).

Let's spread our information, even if it takes a stupid question to get the blog going.

Jack Sim

Good thoughts, Jack.
I like the Greek or Roman column pumps simply because I like their looks. Wayne didn't invent the column idea but because I love gas pumps and grew up with the visibles, they are among my favorites. Script tops are also high on my list due to their uniqueness. How about you?

I grew up in the mid 1960's,so I favor the more modern computer pumps from that time on mostly.The sounds & sights of the colors & pumps pumping,the service bells dinging,the air meters readings,the island towel boxes as well as the service attendants clothing.
I find as I age I am becoming increasingly aware of gas station scenes in old movies & tv shows that I never noticed before.Especially the night scenes with them all lit up..WOW!
I only wish they would've held still on gas station scenes longer then they did.
It's a Mad,Mad,Mad,Mad World,Easy Rider,Hawaii Five-0,Dragnet & 1 ADAM-12 have some real good ones that I can never grow tired of looking at.

Don't forget Thunder Road! Exploding Tok 36 B's...its enough to make a strong man weep.

------------------
Robert Usrey

Considering this is a limited hobby, what do you expect. Most pumps have been hogged up by colelctors, or are too far gone to be useful. Around here there is nothing, nothing, nothing and the pumps you see are the trophys of wealthy collectors. Besides, a site like this will not help you find pumps. Unless more reproductions of quality are made, this hobby will surely die out. Who collects pumps from the 70's and after? I want to find some 70's pumps, but even that is a challenge to beat the trip to the crusher. I have trouble getting excited about "restored" pumps that are as empty inside as a politician.

Unlike many on this site, I have no personal recollection of old pumps "in service". I began this whole gas pump thing when I was thirteen years old (I'm now 29), and have been restoring pumps since I began. After having restored literally hundreds of pumps including Romans, Erie 53's, Wayne 800's, Duplexes, etc., etc., etc., I've found that I've become less-fond of the incredibly expensive, elaborate pumps, and have been drawn increasingly to the plainer pumps...the Wayne 40, the Bowser Xacto 318, and the Wayne 851. Although none of these pumps probably top most people's "most beautiful pump" list, for me they epitomize the beauty of old gas pumps. And after having had in my possession at one time or another about every rare pump conceivable, when I stop doing this as a business, I'm sure that these three pumps are what I will settle down with. I'm also increasingly drawn to original pumps...the restored ones are losing their gloss for me after all these years. But what I wouldn't give to be able to go back to 1930 and pump gas out of one just one time....sigh.

[This message has been edited by petropumps (edited 08-06-2008).]

[This message has been edited by petropumps (edited 08-06-2008).]

[This message has been edited by petropumps (edited 08-06-2008).]

tx_oil,
"..Exploding Tok 36 B's.."
ONLY if they had TOPS !

tallrick,
Don't give up so easy, advertise, advertise, advertise. Go to shows, swapmeets, garage sales, etc. etc. Make sure all your family & friends know you collect gas pumps.

The pumps we restore will NEVER be used to pump gasoline again, they are a static display item only. Even when the guts are left intact & pump is turned on, all you can hear is the electric motor running. Unless you install it with a recirculating closed system reservoir.

i like the way petropumps thinks.i am a big computer pump fan.at this time,and it could change,i like wayne 60s the most.the art deco styling and those sunbursts just float my boat.
By oldnfuelish even my wife maria knows what i am talking about when i say "hips"althought restored pumps are beutiful,i also enjoy the character on a well used pump.many times i have thought,if only these things could somehow talk,what a history we could learn.still a lot to learn in this hobby,but learnin everyday!! mick

Tall computer pumps are my thing. Bennett 541s are one of my favorite pumps, but a wayne 40 might be going ahead of them because my tast is changing a little. If I could have only one pump, but any one I chose I think it would be a Erie 53. I like the 50, but prefer computer over clock face.

Great idea, Jack, I personally think the visibles are the best. I always admired them from afar and finally got a Rapid Dayton 650 and after totally re-doing it, I am amazed at what was done that long ago. Even though I will probably never figure out how it worked, the dial on the front,the gallon markers,the 'wired glass' between the fumes and the electric, wow, how could someone figure out something like that and have it last so long. I am in awe of the engineers of that time period. And the craftmanship. And they have lasted so long.
thanks for the blog.

I think I have to agree with Matt, Petropumps, & Oldnfuelish, the tall computer pumps are way cool. The Bennett 76 & 541, Wayne 40 & 60, & Tokheim 36 are also tops on my list. I have to say my favorite pump is the Tokheim 34 for it's art deco style and side gauge & the Erie 53. I further agree that restored pumps are cool but unrestored, clean, straight, & original tall 30's & 40's pumps have character & are the hot thing now. Remember they are only original one time. If only they could talk...the stories. Just my 2 cents worth!

[This message has been edited by Coops 427 (edited 08-06-2008).]

Great topic, Jack. One of the questions that I often get asked is why did you start collecting gas pumps. I don't really know other than I just like collecting them. It is something my wife and I enjoy doing together and has now turned into a family affair. Each one of the kids and grandkids have picked their favorite pump and of course my wife's favorites are the Wayne 60's...wide body, narrow body, clock face and show case. As for me, it is the hunt and the thrill of finding a rare pump that we don't already have in our collection. I really don't have a favorite...I just like
them all. When we have friends who stop in to see our collection, we always ask them which one is their favorite. The Wayne 60's win hands down. In second place is the American Cut 700. Not a one of them ever has picked the clock face pumps. Can't figure that one out. Anyhow, let's have more topics like this. Larry

My Ultimate find would have to be a BOYLE DAYTON-WAYNE clock face. With the large cast iron head.
Like this:

STILL LOOKING FOR ONE any condition or parts




[This message has been edited by Dick Bennett (edited 08-06-2008).]

Hey Petropumps,
I rebuilt a 950 Tokheim not the outside but the insides.I rebuilt the clock mech.
I rebuilt the pumping unit and took out the Volumeter and added a 898 Tokheim meter.
I had it pumping 10 gallons per minute.
It was really something to see that old beast pumping and ringing every gallon.
I had a blast with it on the test stand,
dispensing the fluid, resetting it and dispensing more
that was about 20+ years ago
As far as I know it's still out there in service.
I wish I could get another project like that!!!

National A38 is my favorite pump by far.
No other pump has a better ad glass display. A pump that has an all glass top that lights up is pretty hard to beat. I've got original Marathon glass for two A38's, hopefully I'll get around to restoring them soon.

In regard to the topic, I'm not nearly as cynical about oldgas. I think this is a great place for new members to gain a wealth of knowlege and most members are very eager to answer about any question.