My "new" old compressor.

[240sxguy]

I responded to a Craigslist ad selling a "Craftsman manufacturing compressor". As most of you guys know, that isn't any name I have ever heard of. I was banking on it not being a Craftsman. I knew it was 60 gallon and old, the seller was very nice and wanted it gone. Asking price was $300 and a discount offered if I could haul it myself. I showed up with a buddy and a trailer.

I walked into the garage and saw the compressor. Turns out it is a Curtis Manufacturing compressor. That sounds better! Tank says 1966.

I checked it out, it pressurized fine. It has a "C50" compressor head on it. Dual cylinder single stage. This compressor was obviously used by the previous owner (before the current folks) to spray cars. I also got a small binks coalater and air hose with the deal.

One odd thing is it only has a 2hp single phase motor on it. I am wondering if it's a bit undersized because I could almost swear I heard the compressor slow down a hair at about 100psi. It was also making a squeaking sound from the motor, which resolved itself (this compressor rarely ever got used in the last decade).

She was really wanting me to load it up, so she offered to let it go for $200. Easy choice!

I will get some photos of it tomorrow. It looks elderly but is in solid condition.

Thanks for all the great info about compressors on this site, that really helped me be prepared for this scenario. Good bye oilless CH compressor that tries to deafen me!

Evan

 

[kams1973]

Post some pics...I definately want to see this one.

 

[240sxguy]

More

 

[jrsulo]

I have a horz 60 gallon curtis....Think its a c90 head....came with a huge 2 hp motor on it that was bad,,,,,,put a newer 2 hp on it,,,,,,,compressor is a 1959 model,runs like a dream and bout it on ebay 6 years ago with 2 other compressors for 5 dollars !!!!!!

 

[creativecars]

240sxguy,
How is that working out for you. I have the chance to buy a compressor with the same pump. I would like to have 15cfm plus but I cant find any specs on this old pump. The one I'm looking at has a 3hp motor.
Thanks.

 

[LSU]

I think you got a steal of a deal.

I had access to one of these about 20 years back. Can't recall the exact details of the compressor but yours looks exactly like mine did. I not longer have it.

I think the one I used had a 3hp motor on it but am not sure.

Couple of things you might want to think about -

I'd change the oil in the compressor. Not sure of the type of oil you need to use but I'd change it. Same thing for the intake air filter. I recall that mine had either a foam filter or a paper filter. If it is foam, be careful if you wash it because it might be tough to replace.

I'd check the tank output pressure guage against a known pressure guage.

Also, give the tank a good looking at to make sure it is not rusted from holding water.

Looks to me like you got a great deal.

Let us know how it all comes out.

 

[240sxguy]

240sxguy,
How is that working out for you. I have the chance to buy a compressor with the same pump. I would like to have 15cfm plus but I cant find any specs on this old pump. The one I'm looking at has a 3hp motor.
Thanks.

I have had it for quite awhile now, no problems really. The unloader went haywire but I was able to repair it. Honestly, I don't think its a 15cfm @ 90 psi compressor. It's fine for my needs, not terribly loud and it was inexpensive. I think mine may have a 2hp motor on it, so there is a chance the CFM rating will be higher on the one you are looking at. I did need to get parts and was able to get them from a joint in chicago, they no longer have a parts manual for this unit though... so I suspect the day will come when I have to get something newer.

I think you got a steal of a deal.

I had access to one of these about 20 years back. Can't recall the exact details of the compressor but yours looks exactly like mine did. I not longer have it.

I think the one I used had a 3hp motor on it but am not sure.

Couple of things you might want to think about -

I'd change the oil in the compressor. Not sure of the type of oil you need to use but I'd change it. Same thing for the intake air filter. I recall that mine had either a foam filter or a paper filter. If it is foam, be careful if you wash it because it might be tough to replace.

I'd check the tank output pressure guage against a known pressure guage.

Also, give the tank a good looking at to make sure it is not rusted from holding water.

Looks to me like you got a great deal.

Let us know how it all comes out.

I did do the typical cleanup oil change routine when I got it. Gauge was still accurate etc.. honestly it withstood the test of time well. One problem is the tank is full of junk so the drain likes to clog...

 

[PT Doc]

240sxguy,
How is that working out for you. I have the chance to buy a compressor with the same pump. I would like to have 15cfm plus but I cant find any specs on this old pump. The one I'm looking at has a 3hp motor.
Thanks.

I don't think you'll be getting 15 cfm out of 3 hp. A decent approximation is about 4.5 cfm/hp. Always dependent on the pump of course but if you look at enough compressors they will be somewhat close to this approximation.

 

[LSU]

I had a Dayton tank that got full of junk that it was hard to drain. My Dayton tank was cast iron and through the years (and my neglect) it got rusty on the inside.

I gave it away a few years ago and have been sorry. I think someone on this board might have an idea as to how to clean junk out of tanks.

 

[kevin47]

Remove the input line and try pouring some acetone in it...I bought a rebuilt compressor motor that came with K&N filters on it...! Cool man Cool.