Another specialty of Steve's Auto Restorations is the restoration of vintage gas pumps. We have restored numerous gas pumps for collectors and automotive enthusiasts. We take these utilitarian objects found in a state of decay and breathe new life into them. Taking our restoration knowledge from being in business for over 47 years, we restore these gas pumps above and beyond their original glory by accentuating design lines, color ques from the globes of choice and aesthetics from the era.
Encompassing traditional techniques and modern materials with the same superior craftsmanship that we put into our hot rods, custom cars, concept cars, antique and classic cars we bring these relics into the present and out of the past. Due to the same level of craftsmanship that is represented in our automotive builds being applied to our gas pump restorations the outcome can be expensive. We are not providing “rattle can restorations” that typically show up at swap meets. By incorporating pearlescent finishes, pinstriping, 23k gold leafing, silver leafing, fresh chrome or brass plating (which can be substituted with 24 carat gold plating upon request) with period specific hardware these illuminated art objects are a perfect accent to adorn your home, car collection, man cave, den, or automotive business.
Over the years we have developed contacts for glass cylinders for the cylinder pumps, reproduction globes and other reproduction parts from a wide variety of vintage gas pump component suppliers. Original globes can be sourced also, but they can get to be very expensive to obtain. We have reproduced several parts for the Wayne “Roman Column” pumps which we can do for other pump manufacturers but an original part is necessary to scan and develop a wax image for the 'lost wax' casting process. When a client sends us their unrestored pump for restoration it is imperative to have a complete pump to start with. Contact us today about starting your gas pump restoration for your home, garage or business.
Gas Pump Restorations
1923 Fry 'Mae West' Gas Pump Restoration
As Acquired
This visible gas pump is a Fry model 117 circa 1924. It is also referred to as a 'Mae West' because of its curved silhouette. Follow along with us as we tear it down, restore it and reassemble. We began this project on December 21st 2023 and will be updating this gallery as we progress through the restoration process.
Wayne
'Roman Column'
Gas Pumps
The “Holy Grail” of Vintage Gas Pumps
The Wayne manufactured model 492 Roman (Greek) Column gas pump. In 1923 the designers and engineers at the Wayne Tank and Pump Company introduced a new style of visible gas pump known as the 490 and was described as "Wayne’s newest, America’s finest and the world’s most beautiful visible pump."
Today the Wayne 490 is one of the rarest, most sought after gasoline pumps in the US. Only a very small number of these visible pumps were produced between 1923 and 1924
The 1915 Boyle-Dayton Co. Aero Gas Pump is known for its rarity and high demand, representing a pioneering model in engineering for its era. Featuring an air-assisted ram at the top, it facilitated operators in pumping an impressive 5 gallons of gasoline per stroke.
1919 Boyle-Dayton co. Aero Pump
Our ongoing restoration is entering its final assembly phase, to be conducted on-site. This gallery documents the evolution from the initial state through teardown and meticulous refinishing. Every component has undergone thorough stripping and refinishing, including bodywork and paint, cleaning up of castings, and the application of fresh chrome and brass plating to internal parts and hardware.
The paintwork, executed with the same care and attention to detail seen in our high-end custom automotive builds, utilizes modern materials and processes creating depth and nuance. Traditional hand pinstriping adds a classic touch bringing together a stunning blend of old and new. The original name plates have been preserved, refreshed with a new paint fill and minor repairs.
What was once a utilitarian object for everyday public use has become a modern glimpse into the daily life and the automotive culture of the past. This once- decaying relic has a new beginning as an ultra-rare show-stopping centerpiece worthy of museum display. Final images soon to come.
