Requesting help identifying old (flat) pump on custom built 1940’s-60’s? Air compress

[StinkinEngine]

Though it’s pretty ugly at the moment, I plan to do a nut & bolt restoration on the old thing.

After researching online I found the air tank was originally an Aluminum Oxygen tank from a WW1 - WW2 (Bomber).

I also read it wasn’t uncommon back then to build custom compressors such as this one.

It’s solid, no issues with the tank or pump.

I just cannot find any information on the pump manufacturer.

I’m wondering if the pump also was taken from the old bomber.

If anyone has information or anything to add I’d appreciate it.

I plan to restore it and run at 90-100PSI max.
I’ll be taking the air tank back down to aluminum finish and replace the wood with some old 2x4 cedar.

Thanks for your time,

-Steven E




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[Stuart in MN]

Those tanks were pretty common at surplus stores after WWII, I imagine they were used in a variety of airplanes. A lot of people built their own compressors using them, but there were some companies that sold them either already assembled into compressors, or as a kit you could build at home.

 

[StinkinEngine]

The compressor pump is what has me baffled.

It looks as if something (maybe a heatsink) might have been bolted to the top of the pump.


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[930dreamer]

I've never seen one of those.

 

[crugg65]

Yes that sure is an interesting piece there. I did a simple google search and found one that looks like yours;somewhat! I’ll let you finish the seach[emoji847]


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[Stillgottimefor1]

The pump looks like it was a fluid pump, water or more likely hydraulic fluid. Won’t be very good for air, no cooling fins. I wouldn’t restore it. Save the motor for some other thing...sorry...

 

[crugg65]

Well, this definitely is a air compressor that was used in WWII. Somehow was used in jeeps and mounted in engine compartment. I guess not a lot of them around. Hmm, only see one on eBay!


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[DocsMachine]

The pump looks like it was a fluid pump, water or more likely hydraulic fluid. Won’t be very good for air, no cooling fins.

-Following up on the above Westinghouse info, we find this:

The military belt-driven T-1 compressor was built by Westinghouse's WABCO (Westinghouse Air Brake Company) and was mainly used as part of a high mobility kit that included oversized tires. It cranked out 3.27 CFM at 600 rpm and 6.5 CFM at 1200. It was designed for an operating pressure of about 75 PSI. Kit's were available to mount it on a variety of WWII military vehicles but it was seldom seen.

The article linked above is offering one in good condition with hose and Wilys mounting bracket for almost $1,200.

Doc.

 

[Stillgottimefor1]

Well ya got me there, but since this was basically an emergency tire inflation tool, running it as a shop air compressor will be inefficient and result in rapidly wearing the thing out , in my opinion...so sell it to a jeep collector who has to have every possible accessory known to man!!!��

 

[5ktq]

is that like a boxer.. one piston either end?

some kinda clutch on the pulley too, I guess it probably opens up when you floor the engine

 

[StinkinEngine]

Thanks everyone for your help.
That’s pretty nuts & one lucky find.

This thing was on it’s way to Recycle when I picked it up.
Finally had time to remove the pump this evening & on the bottom was the Westinghouse T-1 badge.

There’s no telling how long it’s been exposed to the elements and it’s still air tight.
I capped off the outlet from the pump and with the compression it’s impossible to turn the pulley.

Respect to Westinghouse, I never cared much for their electric shop motors but this pump is built like a tank.
I’ve got another old 40’s pump I’m going to mount to this compressor.
I’m going to get this thing cleaned up to sell, a little closer to getting that 110v hydraulic power unit.[emoji1303]








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[StinkinEngine]

Followup post on how the T-1 pump.
Though the clutch was missing from being converted into a Post War Shop compressor, still pumps very strong.








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[crugg65]

Nice! Looks factory fresh. What color shade of green and is it a rattle-can?


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[StinkinEngine]

Nice! Looks factory fresh. What color shade of green and is it a rattle-can?


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Sorry Crugg65 I’ve not been on the forums in a while.

I tested several Rattle can colors and ended up using Rust-oleum’s Camouflage 2X green.

Looks good & seems to hold up well.


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