Old Texaco station

[keith5064]

So in the last 3 months I've acquired what used to be an old Texaco Station in the 50s..I've never thought of it till now, wondering what it used to look like, and if I can get some memorabilia to sort of bring back some style to it. Even the the last two owners pretty much remodeled the building and took alot of the original style out...I'm thinking some signage would still be neat...any opinions? Experience?

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[pmiranda]

That is so cool! I'm massively jealous
I bet you can find some 50's pictures online and if you can't find vintage, you could get new signs done in the old style. There is a sign shop here in Austin that specializes in neon, and modern sign shops (like my brother in McKinney) can probably so some neat stuff for a reasonable price.

 

[keith5064]

Just a few pics, the window in the pic is original, but I since removed due to being broken.I'm thinking that was the original compressor they used in the service station. The old service bell is even still intact and functional.I'm told by my older retired friends that the infloor lift was in there still until about a year ago when the floor was tore up and completely replaced.. I've not really thought of it till now but its a neat piece of history...

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[rburke65]

Neat project. Unless you have some $$ Bucks$$ it will take you a while but you can get there. As most projects you should have at least a plan or an idea for starters. Good luck and keep posting.

 

[keith5064]

Just a few pics, the window in the pic is original, but I since removed due to being broken.I'm thinking that was the original compressor they used in the service station. The old service bell is even still intact and functional.I'm told by my older retired friends that the infloor lift was in there still until about a year ago when the floor was tore up and completely replaced.. I've not really thought of it till now but its a neat piece of history...

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Forgot to mention but there was even an old robo? Style carwash to the west of the building, just the concrete slab remains... The previous owner just tore it down last year...would been neat to see that as well..not looking to restore as I think there's been too many updates, just some memorabilia/ pictures would be cool

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[DTE]

Here is a photo of my shop, it was a Texaco built in the 50's. I added the shorter bay on it 25 yrs ago. The original part of the building has porcelain siding and the addition is just painted block. I also removed the office windows and blocked that up yrs ago. You have a nice place there with all kinds of potential.

 

[AMCguy]

I wish I could help in some way, but I can't.

I will say, that place is cool, all day long. What plans do you have for it?

 

[Smokeshow69]

Looks like a good start to a nice place! I wish I had a place like this to work on cars. I would ask the old timers in your town or check out the historical society for pictures of the place. I bet that they would have some and might be able to help you with ideas for paint schemes and signs. I am super envious of you!

 

[keith5064]

Plans I have:mainly just a hobby shop, I tinker with cars,motorcycles, beer drinking, and any other thing that I need to work on or store..lol

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[slip knot]

Grew up in a Texaco station back in the 70's. All I remember was the bathrooms were tiled in white and green tiles. Guess what my job was.

 

[MilwaukeeFish]

So in the last 3 months I've acquired what used to be an old Texaco Station in the 50s..I've never thought of it till now, wondering what it used to look like, and if I can get some memorabilia to sort of bring back some style to it. Even the the last two owners pretty much remodeled the building and took alot of the original style out...I'm thinking some signage would still be neat...any opinions? Experience?

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Head on over to flickr and do a search on Texaco or 'vintage gas station', 'old gas station' and similar search terms. I know for a fact there is a vintage Texaco group on flickr with plenty of old photos as well as photos of collectibles and some of fully restored period stations.

For the memorabilia you have two choices: true vintage which goes for dumb money since American Pickers blew-up the market. -Or- Reproductions of the originals. Much more reasonable in price but not cheap by any means.

There are websites that sell signage and petroliana goods like parts for rebuilding old pumps. Those are good places to shop. eBay on the other hand: you had better know what it is you are looking for and what the real McCoy or its reproduction looks like, and what it is worth or you will be ripped off.

 

[bazzateer]

Nice space!
Take a look at Hugo's thread here: http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=157290
He's building a Texaco inspired space and may be able to give you some ideas.

 

[matt_i]

You definitely need to buy 1pc of each size of B-section V-belt made and hang it up in order on the wall with a little selector stick to lift it off its peg and bring it down

Nice place.

 

[mitchtr25068]

Go to oldgas.com and post the picture of the station with the same question about how to bring it back to Texaco looks and feel. You will get instant response from collectors and enthusiasts

 

[NUTTSGT]

You have a great start to a future shop. Figure out what you want to do in there and start slowly, not getting ahead of yourself. As much as some people like nice big windows, they create that nice spot for the lowlifes to gain entry or see what you have.

 

[captain14]

What is the status of the underground fuel tanks?

 

[timbitca]

Buying and restoring an old shop has always been a dream of mine. A house I almost bought last year had an old butcher shop, roughly 60x30 and it had the look of an old mechanics garage/service station. Turned out to be way too much work to do on the house and garage than I could have afforded at the moment though. Ended up buying a mini home in a (clean and safe) trailer park with a golf course view and a 16x24 for a few years, at least until my girlfriend is out of college and we have (hopefully) two steady incomes.

 

[chrispyny]

God, that building is just so awesome. I am utterly speechless with jealousy.

 

[NUTTSGT]

What is the status of the underground fuel tanks?

I assumed they were gone and the proper paperwork was done before the OP bought the place. Hopefully, I'm not wrong.

 

[keith5064]

Tanks have been dug up, as far as original resto I don't think that's possible, but just looking at some old vintage photos I can start to see how it was exactly set up, examples- where the old bathrooms used to enter the building. Would love to just find an old "banjo style" sign to put out front, as the old cement pillar where one sat years ago is still intact, however I don't have a thousand spare dollars setting around...[emoji20]

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[keith5064]

Picture of the service bell, still works!
And the siding on the corner I just finished today

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[pcmeiners]

Google search...

https://www.google.com/search?q=195...X&ved=0CCgQ7AlqFQoTCKbowr_09McCFQbSgAodGSAGMQ

 

[kbs2244]

It is a neat old building...
But I am jelous of that compressor!

 

[sha]

My brother has an an old Texaco station built post-war 40's? or early 50's on his property through his wife's family. It was a small town and though everything has mostly been removed, it is incredibly simple. Your old Texaco could have had less character than you may think. A lot of the equipment add-ons and lights are what made them pop.

 

[MoparTrucks]

I bet every guy (or gal) who sees your station on this thread is jealous. This old station is not too far from me and I have had some fun with a couple buddys doing the what if thing and doing some semi serious BSing about what we could do with it.

Sadly, no matter what calculator I use it comes out with "Money Pit" for the answer!

I hope you start a thread or keep this one going as you progress with it.

 

[keith5064]

Just installed this vanity tonight, nothing fancy but there wasn't one yet as the previous owner started the plumbing but didn't finish...

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[Capt Chrysler]

Kool! I looked a one a couple of years ago. The tanks are still in the ground. So it was a pass!

Keep us posted!

Capt. Chrysler

 

[Sunbimmer]

I love these threads and I will be following this for sure. I hope you keep this one going as you progress.
If it was me (and if I were rich) I would restore it to it's original glory, but that takes lots of time, money and courage.
I wish you the best of luck and please please please keep us posted with lots of pictures

 

[keith5064]

Working on getting some airlines to my compressor, welded a piece of c- channel and hung up my hose reel..

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[chiefav8r]

Another google search:
https://www.google.com/search?q=old...Z2B83FuqqxyETca9NiP4qse&q=old texaco stations