Primarily Petroliana Shop Talk Forums Shop Talk Petroliana Forums General Petroliana Discussion Ideas for gas station set up

Hello all,

I have a rough idea of what I need for a station set up, but not the best. Can you post pics of your set up so I could have an idea of what one looks like please, and what I need.

Thanks
Noah

OK ;








I'm quite aware of these pictures being models . Still, they are based off of photographs I have collected over the years and my own recolection of working in SEVERAL service stations myself . Ed Shaver

Ed has anyone ever done a book of photo's on the models you have built? Excellent work as always!!!!

Noah, what kind of "set-up" are you looking to re-create? Are you looking at a Company Owned Station, a "Mom and Pop", a "Country Garage"... etc?

Each and every one of my examples, had different "set ups"...

I worked in a "Company owned Store" Chevron, everything was new a shiny....

I worked in a small "hole in the Wall" station... Flying A... Not so shiny, but it had "personality" that the newer station didn't have....

My Dad was friends with a couple of "guys" who owned Country Garages.... They were "full of personality" and I don't just mean the characters that worked in them....

Each of these, was "Day and Night" from each other......... The best were the "Country Garages"... the smells, the interiors, the "treasures" found inside... Are indescribable... If you ever get the chance to visit one of these "treasures"... I suggest you take full advantage of the opportunity.... You will never regret taking the time to explore...

I haven't felt good enough to stop and explore such places, in the last couple years... But, I am hoping to do so this next spring and summer...

thanks Ed, and Bob!! I am looking for a "hole in the wall" set up. I don't want it all shiny and pretty, I just want a "basic" set up. A pump, cans, and signs. If anyone has a pic of one, please post pics.

Thanks
Noah

Noah, not really sure what you are looking for? But, here are a few photos, not sure if they will help? But, they are nice vintage photos!

Here is one of my "All time favorite" Auto Garage photos from the '30s...


"I don't think this one is high enough":




A bay that is a "little dusty:




John H. Fox in front of his station:



Gary's Service Station in Hillsboro, FL:

Bob's 1st 2 are Before OSHA!

I can't help you with a small brand specific station because I worked with my whole shop.Hopefully some of the other guys can.With that in mind,since you seem to be interested in one of Bob's "hole in the wall stations" (nice description Bob),I'll give you a couple of things to think about.

On your signs,don't be afraid to personalize the place with your own,or professionally done,hand painted signs.I have several pieces in my collection of both;professionally done Champlin on plywood and a kerosene pump topper on tin painted by the owner operator.Things like flats fixed,price signs,cash only and so on come to mind.

If you want something you don't see every day,add a bulk oil dispenser and advertise reclaimed oil sold in quart bottles.There,you would have to make your own sign I think LOL.Good luck.

Noah, I still am not clear if you are looking for the facade of a station or inside?

My idea of a "Facade" is: Pump(s) out front on an island (raised or not), oil can rack, tire in stand with center advertising, sign pole, depending on time period either upright or if older, horizontal soft drink machine .....etc.

My idea of front office includes: counter with cash register, at least one battery display, a couple of "dummy display" boxes of radiator hose, battery cable display, Oil can rack, map rack, etc...

My idea of service bay area includes: displays of auto lamps, both boxes and tins, fuse boxes, radiator hoses, oil filters, depending on time period, maybe an oil dispenser in the corner, work bench, tools hanging on the wall..... etc.....

Thanks Bob and old iron. I would do a facade. My grandpa does painting for a living. So I will ask him to make me a sign. I have a pump, oil cans and rack and I would like to get a lubester, and a original Golden Rule sign. I think that will be the hardest thing to get!! Thanks guys!!!

Thanks
Noah

Start with these---lol

About what era station are you looking for?

50s or earlier. I have a 50s pump...

Bob that first photo cracked me up. OSHA would have a field day with someone doing that now. Personally I dont think it looks very safe either. Notice the back wheels are not chocked either

Well I'm with Bob not sure what you want either.
I just went with the hogge pogge look in one corner of my shop. Store front/station/display area or what ever you feel like that day. Works for me!

Cliff

Beautiful Cliff.

Cliff, that is a cool set up you got there!! I like it all.

And the EPA.

Cliff i love the look of that. Love it.

Built from old barn wood.

Cliff, that is totally fantastic!....

Mark, as is yours!...

Would it be possible to see some more photos?

Mark, do you have a "teardrop"?

Bob,have a 40's tear drop.Here is the other end of store front.Thanks for the compliment.

Mark, how large is your enclosure? Is it a Pole Barn?

Cliff, the same question...

As I said before you both have "sweet" setups!!!!!

Pole barn construction.It is 40x60 with 2 20ft carports down each side.This one has 14 ft side walls.The store front is a wall for a gameroom kitchen area with bath.

Thanks for the compliments, didn't mean to hijack this.
That looks nice Mark. Bob mine is 18' x 50' x 80' metal building.

Cliff

Mark, that is a awesome set up! That is exactly what I was thinking of. The 2 pumps in front, the can rack in the back, 2 coke buttons, and the loin sign. I would like another pump, but it would be out of my price range for now. I am working on one pump at a time, I think that is the best way to go. Thanks for the set up pics Ed, Bob, Cliff, and Mark!!

Thanks
Noah