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Step 1: Determine The Make And Model Of Your Pump
Your pump was made by a gas pump manufacturer, not an oil company. Well-known manufacturers included Wayne, Tokheim, Bennett, Fry, Bowser, Martin & Schwartz, Gilbarco, and others. They all produced many models and designs over the years.
Places for research include:
- Primarily Petroliana: Oldgas.com - This is an online community for collectors of gas pumps and service station memoribilia.
- An Illustrated Guide to Gas Pumps by Jack Sim - Now out of print, it's available as an e-book or used on sites like Amazon.
- Hobby Magazines - like Petroleum Collectibles Monthly or Check The Oil Magazine
- Facebook Groups, such as Old Gas Pumps Discussion and Buy Trade Sell or Old Gas Pumps, Signs, and Soda Machines.
Step 2: Decide Between Leaving It Rusty Or Restoring It To Like New
If your pump isn’t missing major parts, a popular option is to leave it as-is. This is a good choice for rarer gas pumps that are near complete and well preserved.You’ll probably still want to:
- add a correct globe for the pump’s age
- upgrade the electrical system so it illuminates safely
- attach a hose and nozzle so it looks ready to pump gas
For full-on restoration with mirror-finish paint and chrome-plated trim, you’ll need to consider cost, your skill level, and available resources. It’s expensive work to hire out.
Either way, if authenticity is important to you, research the era of your gas pump and the oil company logos it may have displayed during its use. Then you can source authentic-logo globes, decals, and advertising glass appropriate to your pump’s age.
You might consider your location when choosing a logo. While many are drawn to global brands like Texaco, Mobilgas, and Standard Oil, others like more unusual brands or those that may have been local favorites. Unique examples include Grizzly from Montana, Kanotex from the south-central US, Gilmore or Hancock from the western US, Frontier from Wyoming, or Johnson from the Midwest. There are many more to choose!
Step 3: Sourcing Parts And Finishing Your Project
I recommend acquiring all needed parts before starting restoration. Finding gas pump parts can be a challenge, but it’s also part of the adventure. Start with the online forums, swap meets, and specialty shops like Vic’s 66. If you can’t find a reproduction part, you’ll need to hunt down an original, or vice versa.
When you’re all finished, you’ll have a stunning antique gas pump glowing next to your vintage automobile, along with a sense of accomplishment and maybe some new friends made along the way.
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