I'm a collector of a few pumps, not a builder/seller. in order to keep the pump looking as original as possible you have to put on a few repo parts. I myself don't put on new sides or doors. all mine have dings and dents. but I have used some repo add glass or a repo globe. I keep a card on every pump I build that tells all. if I ever sell the pump that card will go with the pump. there are a lot of buyers that don't care if it has repo parts they just want the nostalgia of an era that they can relate too. and the resale value in that case does not matter, they just want it . when you buy a pump even from the ol farmer its not original. things have been changed , the paint it not put on by brush, like the model A , I had a few street rods, all had the original pink slips, maybe the fenders where changed ,or a different engine but does that make it not an original ? if you put the hole pump togather from repo parts you should tell the buyer, but that don't make that pump any less desirable. I have on my website a Seaside no smoking sign, its put togather with 2 pieces of original signs, does that make that sign not an original??/ I don't think so , I've been offered 2.500.00 for it, why. because they wanted it. like a globe collector putting lenses in a 15" metal repo body , don't say collectors don't do it. if you can't find an original. you want to show off the lenses , so last resort you will use them, I just bought a Bowser 311-c says it right on the tag, but its only half a pump one single base but the middle casting is for a twin with a can display in between , now if i cast the parts needed to make it original does that mean its not ??? or only half, people /guys / game room decorators are going to put what ever they want in there rooms/ stations /resturants / it doen't matter, the pump that Acua elvis just bought on ebay right from the farm its not original its hose pipe is in the wrong place??? what do you do about that , say it not??? if thats the way you collect you better go back and look at your collection . if you have used wax on your cans, clear coat or ppg paint besides enamal its not original, hoses , nozzles, add glass, screws, bolts, on an on , my two cents.
[This message has been edited by Dwaine Buck (edited 08-18-2003).]