Vintage Air Compressors

[dwayne]

This old compressor has been in my family for as long as I can remember. I remember my grandfather using it on his farm in the early 70's. When he moved from farm in early 80's, it was given to my stepfather. Have been thinking about restoring it. But, cannot find out any info on it. I cannot find any name on it, just some #'s. Also does anyone know what is missing in the third pic? Thanks in advance for any help.

 

[redmondjp]

This old compressor has been in my family for as long as I can remember. I remember my grandfather using it on his farm in the early 70's. When he moved from farm in early 80's, it was given to my stepfather. Have been thinking about restoring it. But, cannot find out any info on it. I cannot find any name on it, just some #'s. Also does anyone know what is missing in the third pic? Thanks in advance for any help.

From the fittings on top of that pump, I'm pretty sure that it was originally a refrigerant compressor pump. It wasn't uncommon back in the day to repurpose them for air compressor duty.

The missing fittings on the crankcase have to do with that fact - in a closed refrigeration system, you can't vent the crankcase to atmosphere (due to refrigerant leakage past the rings) as is done on air compressor pumps - I think that the crankcase was connected to the low side of the pump (please correct me if I'm wrong here).

 

[dwayne]

From research had thought it was a refrigerant compressor. Old thing still works great. Heck, we paint my car with it in the 80's. It did not look have bad. Was just going to freshen up as a keepsake. Like I said been around as long as me. Thanks for input.

 

[kvkmahesh1969]

This air compressor was gifted to me by my uncle since I restored two compressor he had with him ,since the engine part is missing I don't want to modify it and spoil its vintage look and its antiqueness its laying with me for 25 YEARS. I just want to know its value. I am Mahesh from Chennai India.

Sent from my SM-G530H using Tapatalk

 

[Jayglidewell]

Hello all, I recently picked up a older Wards Riverside air compressor. It's a small one but very cool. It's a 1 HP, twin cylinder, on a 12 gal tank. I've not seen any like this one. The model # is a FCI-756557C. I'm trying to locate a owners manual and find out who originally manufactured the compressor. I'm also trying to find out what kind of pressure relief system it has - how is pressure relieved when the compressor needs to kick back in?

I appreciate any information on this compressor. Thank you - Jim

If the fly wheel is 1-3/4" wide it is a AV1. If not it is a b or c v1. It took a while to find what kind of unit this is myself but thanks to the reply on your question I have it. I have a manual if you need a copy.

 

[Jayglidewell]

It was made by Champion and it's a great little unit. My friend recently bought one just like it. The pea-green paint is a dead giveaway as well - that was Champion's old paint color. I'll check with my friend and see if he can get a model number off of his. Grainger also sold a lot of these pumps under their "Dayton" or "Speedaire" brand names, and there is a single-cylinder variant of it as well.

Here is the pump (they don't make this exact same model any longer) that Grainger sold as a replacement part:

http://www.grainger.com/product/CHAMPION-Air-Compressor-Pump-2Z050

Maybe somebody else can chime in with the Champion model number for your pump - [edit] I'm thinking after doing some more checking that this was a model AV1, BV1, CV1 pump:

http://www.needanownersmanual.com/product_info.php?products_id=690

Here is the modern-day successor to your pump (note the exact same crankcase bearing side cover):

http://www.grainger.com/product/CHAMPION-Air-Compressor-Pump-5FTU2

Here's another thread about the same compressor pump:

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=146088

This site has a lot of repair parts for your pump (that I can identify by sight) - you might call them if you need anything:

https://www.factoryaircompressorpar...ampion-compressor-repair-parts/?orderby=price


As to the unloader on yours, I believe it has an orifice in the check valve fitting right at the tank, on the upstream side of the valve. It leaks a tiny bit of air while the pump is running, but then allows residual pressure to dissipate once it turns off. Crude, simple, no moving parts, inexpensive, but effe

Thanks for the info. I needed it. If the fly wheel is 1-3/4" (single belt track) wide it is the AV1.


Jay

 

[chopper1]

My step dad built this one in 1937 working high school summers are U.S. Air Compressor Co in Cleveland. About the only thing its good for is filling tires and the grand kids air toys, but I don't have the heart to get rid of it.

 

[Oregon rock crusher]

Here is a Wayne Jr. air compressor I recently finished working over that is probably from the 20's. It was posted in this thread by the previous owner here.

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?p=2004205&highlight=Wayne#post2004205

I returned it to an original leather belt drive and in general did a more thorough restoration a little beyond the condition I acquired it in. Near as I can tell nearly all the parts are original. Even the guage is a Wayne unit. I went with the Texaco colors after considering quite a few options. Partly because the size and shape of the decal fit the tank well and the green was close to original color I think.

It builds air slow but but not bad for a vintage 3/4 hp motor. It will build to at least 150 psi. I have it stuck on a shelf above some bench tools where it can stay out of harms way and not take up any floor space. I mounted an old ace hose reel of similar vintage next to it today but still need to plumb it in. Here are a few pics. Ed.

 

[redmondjp]

Wow, Ed - that is absolutely spectacular! Probably nicer-looking than that unit ever was when it was new (just like a lot of vintage cars, LOL).

 

[Oregon rock crusher]

Thanks Jp. I suppose this would be a trailer queen in car terminology. It really doesn't have to work very hard now that it's retired but it is good to know it can 'Fill a tank' if I ask it to. Ed.

 

[bagged89s10]

Here is a Wayne Jr. air compressor I recently finished working over that is probably from the 20's. It was posted in this thread by the previous owner here.



http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?p=2004205&highlight=Wayne#post2004205



I returned it to an original leather belt drive and in general did a more thorough restoration a little beyond the condition I acquired it in. Near as I can tell nearly all the parts are original. Even the guage is a Wayne unit. I went with the Texaco colors after considering quite a few options. Partly because the size and shape of the decal fit the tank well and the green was close to original color I think.



It builds air slow but but not bad for a vintage 3/4 hp motor. It will build to at least 150 psi. I have it stuck on a shelf above some bench tools where it can stay out of harms way and not take up any floor space. I mounted an old ace hose reel of similar vintage next to it today but still need to plumb it in. Here are a few pics. Ed.

That's a badass compressor and a badass restoration. Did you replace the tank?

 

[Oregon rock crusher]

Thanks bagged, The tank was the original with a Wayne S/N on the tag so I was really glad when it checked out fine with no significant corrosion. I think the air is naturally oiled by the pump design and distributed freely inside the tank which might have helped preserve it. The original tank is quite heavy and about .240 thick. Here is a tank pic showing the Wayne tag. It is hidden by the bed plate when assembled. Ed.

 

[trdtaco]

Got this compressor a few weeks ago. I thought being a curtis it would be easy to find parts. But can't seem to?find any info. If someone can point me in the right direction would be great

 

[redmondjp]

Got this compressor a few weeks ago. I thought being a curtis it would be easy to find parts. But can't seem to?find any info. If someone can point me in the right direction would be great

That's an awesome find, but you have GOT to ditch that Chinese-made oil filler pipe plug!

Somebody on Ebay has a master repair kit for the pump:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/CURTIS-MODE...PARTS-MASTERLINE-AIR-COMPRESSOR-/281231299574

Same kit also here:

https://www.factoryaircompressorpar...-rebuild-kit-parts-masterline-air-compressor/

Some parts at these places also:

http://www.airfloinc.com/category/2804

https://www.pacificaircompressors.c...overhaul-kit-masterline-air-compressor-parts/

 

[bmrtoyo]

Heres my refurbished CAT, its a 67 325 quincy, powdercoat compliments of local cat supply shop!!

i like that !

 

[trdtaco]

That's an awesome find, but you have GOT to ditch that Chinese-made oil filler pipe plug!

Somebody on Ebay has a master repair kit for the pump:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/CURTIS-MODE...PARTS-MASTERLINE-AIR-COMPRESSOR-/281231299574

Same kit also here:

https://www.factoryaircompressorpar...-rebuild-kit-parts-masterline-air-compressor/

Some parts at these places also:

http://www.airfloinc.com/category/2804

https://www.pacificaircompressors.c...overhaul-kit-masterline-air-compressor-parts/

Ya it's super cool. I noticed the China plug too hahaha. It will need some work. The valve cover is broken and either the wheel is not on the shaft right or the crank is bent because the wheel hs a lot of wobble in it.. but it was FREE so I guess I can't complain

 

[neilc]

Here's a 1945 Ingersoll Rand that I recently cleaned up and painted.

5hp motor. Still runs really well. Ran all new copper lines with drops and a water filter. Installed an auto-evacuator on the tank. New pressure relief valve. New belts. New wiring.

Now installed in a new shop and probably good for another 70 years!

 

[bagged89s10]

Look what I picked up on my way home from work.
Craftsman 283.18060 compressor. I cleaned her up with simple green and put on a new cord. One end of the original craftsman hose is good too. The other side leaks. She purrs but I need to figure out where the oil is supposed to go.
Seller wanted $65 and I ended up getting it for $50. I had to have it.

I Need to find a manual.
Does anyone know anything more about these little compressors?

 

[Oregon rock crusher]

I don't know much about that particular model but I'd guess what it lacks in significant air output it more than makes up for in art deco styling. What a neat little compressor. I'd of grabbed it too. Ed.

 

[bagged89s10]

I don't know much about that particular model but I'd guess what it lacks in significant air output it more than makes up for in art deco styling. What a neat little compressor. I'd of grabbed it too. Ed.

Yeah I grabbed it because it looks really cool.

It pumps up to 90 psi real quick but stalls. I didn't run it longer than 20sec because I need to put new oil in it.

 

[Sabo8091]

I need some help find out what brand this compressor is?
Model is A-4 14 fly wheel
Serial 631669
Size 2.5*2.5
It has 7671 engraved on the fly wheel.
It also has 07<1 on the block and has 1767 on the base of the jug.
Discharge and inlet is labeled on top.

 

[redmondjp]

I need some help find out what brand this compressor is?
Model is A-4 14 fly wheel
Serial 631669
Size 2.5*2.5
It has 7671 engraved on the fly wheel.
It also has 07<1 on the block and has 1767 on the base of the jug.
Discharge and inlet is labeled on top.

That looks like an old refrigerant compressor to me. What are your plans for it?

 

[damnesia]

This one has been on CL forever. I'd like to buy it but the guy want's way more money than I'm willing to spend on it. An older Devilbiss.

 

[bagged89s10]

This one has been on CL forever. I'd like to buy it but the guy want's way more money than I'm willing to spend on it. An older Devilbiss.

And the tank is probably rusted too.

 

[N_Jay]

Anyone want/need an 80 gallon rolled and riveted steel/iron-plate (not sure) tank from a 200 PSI early 1900's compressor?
It is built like a boiler with a removable "hand hole" and all.
If I recall it was from a Quincy predecessor compressor.
Tank is like this one. http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showpost.php?p=1725139&postcount=1

 

[Bolsillos5624]

My brother and I just purchased this old Dayton Air compressor. It was hanging on a wall in an old barn. We couldn't find a model number on the badge plate, so we thought maybe someone here might be able to help in identifying it. We know the motor is not original, but everything else seems to be the real deal. I would say it's probably from the 20's or 30's. My brother is planning to do a restoration on it and then actually use it. Does anyone know what type of oil this would use? Are replacement parts available? Any info would be great, especially an operators manual or other literature. Thanks

 

[Mustangkr500]

Can anyone help me identify this compressor I bought its a 2 stage and
the tank says Dayton OH but the compressor only has a serial number.

 

[[email protected]]

Re vintage wreckers,old trucks,cranes wwii

i am looking for 1941 5or 7 ton trk military used under c2 garwood crane ihave crane.I need trk mtd air compressor used on Diamond 969 wreckers

 

[philb86]

Just picked this compressor up. I really dont have much information on it other than I know it is a Scaife and Sons tank that was made in 1947. I have scraped and wiped to see if I could find any numbers on the pump and motor but have had no luck. Two stage pump, 60 gal tank, single phase 220v motor, guessing around a 5 HP. Builds air well, quick and up to 140 psi, still have to adjust the pressure switch. So, all of you vintage compressor gurus, can you give me an idea of what pump is on this compressor? Now hopefully my pictures post...

 

[Gunpilot]

Here is the old compressor that I am working on


before

before

Very nice.

 

[philb86]

Just picked this compressor up. I really dont have much information on it other than I know it is a Scaife and Sons tank that was made in 1947. I have scraped and wiped to see if I could find any numbers on the pump and motor but have had no luck. Two stage pump, 60 gal tank, single phase 220v motor, guessing around a 5 HP. Builds air well, quick and up to 140 psi, still have to adjust the pressure switch. So, all of you vintage compressor gurus, can you give me an idea of what pump is on this compressor? Now hopefully my pictures post...

Unfortunately ran into bad news last night and found a pin hole which was turning into a crack the longer it was under pressure. So I decided to strip the tank of all components and took a closer look at the pump itself. As of now, the only number that I have found so far was on the bottom side of the pump, those numbers were VP-42. Hopefully that helps a little bit.

 

[kochankr]

picked up this one today 1961 30gal ¾hp saylor-beall.

 

[redmondjp]

picked up this one today 1961 30gal ¾hp saylor-beall.

Wow! That looks like an old commercial HVAC system controls compressor. Probably puts out 3cfm at 80psi or something like that.

 

[Old Faithful]

picked up this one today 1961 30gal ¾hp saylor-beall.

video!!! I'm sure the sound of this compressor is true music

Sent from my Lenovo TAB 2 A10-70F using Tapatalk 2

 

[Old Faithful]

Unfortunately ran into bad news last night and found a pin hole which was turning into a crack the longer it was under pressure. So I decided to strip the tank of all components and took a closer look at the pump itself. As of now, the only number that I have found so far was on the bottom side of the pump, those numbers were VP-42. Hopefully that helps a little bit.

I'm glad you found out before it killed you... The energy contained in a tank that size can blow up a small garage if released in an explosion.

To test the tank, fill it to the top with water and run the compressor to 150% of its design pressure. If you want to test it above150 psi, you probably will have to remove the safety valve and replace it with a plug for the occasion, also check your gauge, if it doesn't go all the way to the test pressure replace it with one that goes higher, so as not to damage it.

If the tank is bad the little amount of air won't be able to hurt you but the hydraulic pressure will reveal the weak spot and cause it to leak. Hence the term hydro test


Sent from my Lenovo TAB 2 A10-70F using Tapatalk 2

 

[kochankr]

Wow! That looks like an old commercial HVAC system controls compressor. Probably puts out 3cfm at 80psi or something like that.

i looked it up on the company website vintage pdf, looks like its 4cfm at 100psi

video!!! I'm sure the sound of this compressor is true music
ha ha it sounds like something from the 60s lol. i only ran it for a min or so, just long enough to see if it worked. It needs a filter, probably some fresh oil, regulator would be nice, but it is solid for being as old as it is.
Sent from my Lenovo TAB 2 A10-70F using Tapatalk 2

 

[philb86]

I'm glad you found out before it killed you... The energy contained in a tank that size can blow up a small garage if released in an explosion.

To test the tank, fill it to the top with water and run the compressor to 150% of its design pressure. If you want to test it above150 psi, you probably will have to remove the safety valve and replace it with a plug for the occasion, also check your gauge, if it doesn't go all the way to the test pressure replace it with one that goes higher, so as not to damage it.

If the tank is bad the little amount of air won't be able to hurt you but the hydraulic pressure will reveal the weak spot and cause it to leak. Hence the term hydro test


Sent from my Lenovo TAB 2 A10-70F using Tapatalk 2

I had thought about hydro testing it, but to be honest, im counting the tank as no good. Going to look for a new tank that I can put the motor and pump on. I believe the motor to be an older dayton, but there still is the mystery of what the pump is, so as I continue to do research, I still am coming up empty handed. Was hoping someone here had seen a compressor pump like mine and could give me an idea of who made it, I am failing to find any of the older manufacturers that have vertical finning from the cylinder bases to the heads. Now to find either a new tank or a used one. Not having much luck in that department either.

 

[Old Faithful]

Now to find either a new tank or a used one. Not having much luck in that department either.

Yes they can be pricy and hard to find. Used ones should always be treated with the utmost suspicion, no matter how good the seller says they are. I found that an inspection camera is invaluable to help get an idea of their condition. You'd be horrified to see the corrosion I've seen in some of the 'good solid' tanks I've looked into ;-)

Propane tanks can be an attractive option because they are usually tested more stringently (typically to at least 250 PSI and inspected every 5 years) and rarely see any moisture due to the nature of their use. Furthermore they often get retired at the slightest doubt (minor rust is often enough). The drawback is the major stink of the Mercaptan and of course the fact you have to plumb it yourself, and the shape and sizes. There are quite a few guides online for doing this. I've got myself two 100 lb tanks for that purpose, for when I get around to building my workshop when I retire ;-)

Sent from my Lenovo TAB 2 A10-70F using Tapatalk 2

 

[redmondjp]

Propane tank - I posted this in another thread, but you will never fully get rid of that smell! I have a 20lb non-OPD tank that I have converted to a portable air tank years ago, and the air still strongly reeks of that odorant when I use that tank. Plus you have to figure out how to put a drain valve on it.

 

[philb86]

Yes they can be pricy and hard to find. Used ones should always be treated with the utmost suspicion, no matter how good the seller says they are. I found that an inspection camera is invaluable to help get an idea of their condition. You'd be horrified to see the corrosion I've seen in some of the 'good solid' tanks I've looked into ;-)

Propane tanks can be an attractive option because they are usually tested more stringently (typically to at least 250 PSI and inspected every 5 years) and rarely see any moisture due to the nature of their use. Furthermore they often get retired at the slightest doubt (minor rust is often enough). The drawback is the major stink of the Mercaptan and of course the fact you have to plumb it yourself, and the shape and sizes. There are quite a few guides online for doing this. I've got myself two 100 lb tanks for that purpose, for when I get around to building my workshop when I retire ;-)

Sent from my Lenovo TAB 2 A10-70F using Tapatalk 2

There will be alot of use once I get a compressor, or this one up and running. Im considering building a small two stage with the motor and pump I have on my oil less 33 gallon craftsman compressor I have now. Then buying a new 60 gallon quincy two stage. Use the small one as a back up and the big one to run my new plasma table when its ready for me to pick up, with that it is going to see alot of run time, so to me, I think it is worth it to get a decent compressor to have many years of good service.

Funny fact, the corrosion inside the tank really wasnt atrocious, I used a dwalt snake camera to look inside before i bought it, but I either missed where this spot was bad, or it was just that hard to see. Live and learn. As an Engineer, I am not comfortable welding the tank due to failures Ive seen in different pressure vessels, I guess I error a little more on the safe side due to my profession.