Newbie here and first time poster…Been wanting to purchase an old restored (not repro) gas pump for some time and just haven’t found anything at the right price point (may just be realizing what some of these restored gas pumps fetch).
However, just came across a few gas pumps that an individual is looking to sell (Fry 73, G&B 176, Wayne 515) and trying to decide what a fair offer would be.
I received the following from the owner:
“Each of the 3 visibles has its original pump handle. Cylinders are not etched. Cylinders are almost perfect. No cracks,chips bb holes etc. The pumps are all missing the gallon markers and most of those fill pipes (simple plumbing supply item) 2 blue and 1 clear cyl. (12x27 for Fry). No hoses, nozzles, or globes. Metal on all is very good. A dent here, a rust spot there .”
Was hoping someone could give me a ballpark price in regards to an offer?...I’m also assuming the guts of these pumps are not critical?...And from what I read on this forum they are typically removed when displaying within a house. When completed (incl. globe) what is the typical height for each of these pumps?
I’m also thinking about restoring myself and trying to get an understanding if this is a good idea?...Or if I should have someone else restore after I purchase?...Any insight or questions I should ask prior to purchase would be much appreciated.
Of course, I will have some questions if I actually do restore myself but those can wait till after purchase. Thanks all.
Without pictures it's hard to give a value. Condition is everything.
Never done a visible pump most are aroung 10ft with a globe. But if you want to try and restore one, GO FOR IT! I have a ton of fun restoring this stuff, i am finishing an old lubster tomorrow. I like 50's computer pumps as they are easy to do. I strip the pump guts out and discard minus the veeder root. I use a cheaper Divilbiss Finishline spray gun with a few nozzles. I use 1.3, 1.5. and 1.8 nozzles on this gun depending on the paint or primer i am shooting. I have had good luck with it and for 200 bucks you can get one. Use good paint that is PPG and test spray something before hand. Use a good two part primer if going outside. For pumps i keep i do the insides as well like the frame etc. You can save a ton of $$$$ by doing it yourself. Buy a cheap sandblasted from Lowes or Home Depot and get rid of any rust and old paint. Are for what these are worth others will have to chime in as they are outside my field of expertise.
Also welcome to OG!
Dan
You need photos and I believe that you are applying electric pump standards to visibles. The internals are not removed on the visibles for several reasons. They usually help to balance the weight of the pump and the handle is usually attached to the pump shaft(unless air or electrically operated). Gallon indicators are important, but not critical. Fill pipes are another story. Can be tricky. It sounds like someone has taken several pumps apart and are now missing some parts. I suggest that you take someone knowledgeable about these pumps and have then do an inventory. A few hard to find missing pieces can greatly affect the price. Dave
PS Take plenty of photos
Welcome to Oldgas. There are many pages of information on this site pertaining to your questions, and a wealth of knowledge in the membership here. Good Luck, Raymond
If ya' live to be a hundred you will be gasNewbie19. You are asking for values. This is general petroliana. In my late friends words welcome Grasshopper.
Larry
I wish I could encourage you to purchase a copy of my Gas Pump Identification and Value book, but they are all out of print. Might find one on Amazon for about $135.00, I wish I had some to sell at that price.
Actually the book is available on Amazon, as an E-book, and I believe you can purchase it through this website and Jim will get credit for the sale.
Now for values. The book was printed in 2008 so in general the values are out of date, but using logic you can determine a close value on your own. If pump A was listed a $500 in 2008 and is now worth $1000, you could use this type of logic on a similar pump.
About every other day someone emails me wanting me to put a value on a pump they found. If the book it states the values are listed for pumps that are near 100% in completion and without a globe. My feeling is that since I cannot physically touch the pump, turn it over, see the dents, rust outs, see what parts it is missing, I cannot and nor will I make a estimate of value.
I have recently began a value estimate service where someone could send me at least 5 pictures (and I may ask for more) and $35.00 for my research, I will look up the pump, place a value on it and include some of the original literature on the pump.
I have yet to have anybody take me up on this, it seems most people are looking for people like me who have spent $25000+ to purchase literature, then spend what time I have left on this earth (I am in my 80th year) giving away the information.
At my age I could drop dead at any monment, that is why at dinner I eat my desert first.
Hopefully I will be coming out with a third book soon, stay tuned to this site.
Jack Sim
Having restored pumps for over twenty years, the visible pumps are the most time and labor intensive. Since you are new to this, just be warned, most basket cases will be missing something needed to assemble.....Vital parts. Being unaccustomed to this stuff might cause you a lot of undue stress? I have adopted the policy of "never" buying basket cases. No matter how many times the seller says..." It's all there". Paul
www.severngaspumps.com
These pumps restored would average around $3000. If you can pick them up for $900 to $1200 apiece and do the work yourself you will do fine. The glass is the important for Visible pumps. Looks like most of the parts are there and new pipes can be made easily for the Wayne. A lot of stories for a Simple Question!
1400-1600 each. Try and get a package deal. 3500 for all. Best part is..... They are already taken apart for you!
Notchad- Is that the best of worst part. Trying to figure out how to fit parts together after never seeing them together can be a challenge for a newbie. Don't forget the cost for new tags and all that pretty stuff.
Package deal is best. Sell what do you don't want and you may lower your overall cost. Most buyers want to see these together to make sure everything is there.
Gassman, Notchcad and Dave thanks for throwing out some numbers. Appreciate you staying on course!
"At my age I could drop dead at any monment, that is why at dinner I eat my desert first."
You make me laugh!
Hello Jack Sim,
I would like to take you up on your $35 appraisal services offer. I have a Brewster gas pump with clock face (circa 1915?) that I inherited from my late brother. No idea what it is worth or if there is any demand for such a pump. How would I contact you to send you some pictures and the money for your services? You can contact me at outrigger2000@gmail.com
Thanks.
Eric
Ethyl Fan,
You should contact Jack Sim directly rather than depending on him happening to see your post.
Click on his name in his earlier post in this topic. In the drop-down menu, choose "View Profile" There you will see his email address.
