Primarily Petroliana Shop Talk Forums Shop Talk Petroliana Forums General Petroliana Discussion Bowser 575 Restoration

Okay, I think I have a plan for my 575. The original "Star Service" branding is too plain and there's no repro globes/logos for it, so I think I'm going to go with a Sinclair Dino scheme, as I've always been a fan, like the colors, and reproduction stuff is easy. Texaco Sky Chief was a close second, but it seems like all those were silver and I'd like a little more color. My mind could be changed.... Plan is to do a cosmetic restoration and set it up next to the farm fuel tanks. There's power there so I can light it up as a night light and it will actually serve a purpose.

Questions as I get started:

1) Out of curiosity, I have the following numbers on the data plate: "A360136" and "9410896". I assume one of those is the serial number. Anyone have the production numbers to date this unit?

2) What's the best way to strip the old (lead) paint? I've heard newer chemical strippers are weak. I have a big air compressor, so sandblasting is a possibility, but I'm not set up for it currently. I'm also eyeballing those Eastwood paint stripper machines that have basically a 4" drum flap wheel. I'm thinking it's going to cost me a couple hundred bucks any way I go, so any advice on the path of least resistance would be appreciated from those who've been there before.

your in Illinois - have you considered "bulko" ? .. ...

Disassemble everything, down to the bare panels. If you want the frame and base blasted, remove the computer and any pumps . All parts should be stripped including any bright metal, chrome and stainless. There appears to be at least one shop in your town who offers sandblasting? AC Welding seems to offer that service. There are probably more? Google to find more options. That's how I found AC Welding. Take all the parts that you want stripped to them. Tell them to blast all over. That's inside and out. They will put them into a rotation and get them done in a week or two? Depending on workload? In my experience, you're looking at $200-300. to blast everything? They do the work, you get the panels back clean and ready to do body work. I restored pumps for over 30 years and this was the best and most functional way that I found. Regards, Paul

As others have said, sandblasting is best if you can find a shop near you. Another option that works really well are these stripping discs for angle grinders. They work great, and aren't too expensive. You can get them at the big box stores. Wear a good resperator when you try it, and keep it moving. They build up a little heat, but if you keep it moving they are fine.