Craftsman air compressor need help fixing an old gem

[Ksullivan]

Hey everyone I found this air compressor in the garage where I work and I would like to fix it up so that I can use it. I need to replace the cord and the pipe between the motor and the tank because it was kinked off. I would use this primarily for a finish nailer and secondarily for small pneumatic tires. I'm not sure how this works but it doesn't appear to shut off when it reaches a certain pressure maybe it just runs all the time. I am replacing the connection with a quick connect for an air hose. Is there a way to have it shut off at a certain psi and turn back on when needed like a modern air compressor? Also is the small silver thing a pressure relief of some kind? It appears to be spring loaded. Thanks for all your help.

 

[The Cobbler]

...... it doesn't appear to shut off when it reaches a certain pressure maybe it just runs all the time. .................... Is there a way to have it shut off at a certain psi and turn back on when needed like a modern air compressor? ...

Nice find!
You can install a pressure switch, you will also need to install a check valve and an unloader line to let the pressure off of the head when it shuts down . all parts are readily available .

not sure but that silver thing might be a bleeder that lets off pressure .