vintage Champion car washer help

[ArmyVW_GuyInTX]

I picked this up yesterday - it was advertised as a compressor. I haven't found any information about it yet and as hoping someone on the GJ might know more.......

 

[plow]

Can you get pics of the other side?

 

[ArmyVW_GuyInTX]

other side views:

 

[cowboy73]

You could try contacting Champion and see if they know anything. They are still in business making air compressors. They might want to even buy it off of you!!!

 

[SILVERPLATE]

Neat find, please keep us updated to the specifics! Mike

 

[ArmyVW_GuyInTX]

Thanks!

Silverplate - where abouts in Fort Worth do you call home?

 

[Fixnair]

Yup, that's a champion air compressor. I've been in the business 50+ years and have never seen one that old. The factory may be interested in that. Champion is owned by Gardner Denver now.

 

[SILVERPLATE]

Thanks!

Silverplate - where abouts in Fort Worth do you call home?

Just south of Benbrook of 377. Come visit.

 

[ArmyVW_GuyInTX]

Nice garage Silverplate! really nice ceiling height!

 

[cre73]

Very Cool. I never get lucky enough to find something like that.

 

[dfiler2]

It looks to me like a vacuum pump from a dairy barn used on old milking machines. They used to be fairly common in old barns around here.

 

[ArmyVW_GuyInTX]

This came from a very small/old public school agricultural program - it had been in their barn/shop area for decades back in a corner collecting dust on the concrete floor. The current AG instructor didn't know anything about it.

This weekend I will clean it up and see if there are any identifiable numbers on it.

 

[calvin78612]

Neat find ! what are your plans for it ?

 

[ArmyVW_GuyInTX]

FixnAir - thanks for the parent company of Champion - I sent them a few pics and a short note. I hope to hear back with an approx age etc.

Calvin - not really sure. The Electric motor turns so that will be easy to test.
This Sunday (day off) I'll clean it up and see what issues the pump has. Getting it working would be nice as a vintage piece of gear or cleaned up as an industrial static display piece works too.

For those that would like to know the cost - it is $65 plus the drive to go and get it. (it doesn't look like much but it is HEAVY)

 

[vette66bob]

Interesting piece of vintage machinery.
I do not think it will make it through
airport security

 

[ArmyVW_GuyInTX]

Vette,

Only non ticketed passengers make it through the TSA's super security with ease......

 

[txvwnut]

You will buy just about anything huh?

Is it heavier than those fire pumps we bought?

 

[ArmyVW_GuyInTX]

The VW Powered firepumps were heavier but not by much.

 

[ArmyVW_GuyInTX]

Data plate from Champion:
I haven't found anything out in my searches and the parent company of Champion didn't reply to my request for information.

The good news so far is that the pump turns over by hand - it is not locked up and the piston moves freely. The crankcase was full of oil. The electric motor turns by hand as well.

 

[kaymccampbell]

Not to tell you your business, but I think you may have some sort of pressure washer pump there. What with the dual accumulators and what looks like an overpressure recirculation circuit.
The Smithsonian has a catalog on file that might be worth looking at.
Http://collections.si.edu/search/re...ature+at+the+American+History+Museum+Library"

 

[thymer]

The VW Powered firepumps were heavier but not by much.

oh wow I've never seen that before!! That is some super cool single port goodness!!

 

[mizzoutrover]

It looks like the front it reads "Self lubricating Champion Car Washer"????
My guess is a car washer pressure pump???

 

[ArmyVW_GuyInTX]

It looks like the front it reads "Self lubricating Champion Car Washer"????
My guess is a car washer pressure pump???

I am hoping for a more definitive description than what is one the decal.....i.e. approx date of manufacture, technical specs, industry catalog description, etc.
A piece of industrial advertising art showing it in use would be great.

Kay- thanks for the link - that has been very helpful.

 

[ArmyVW_GuyInTX]

oh wow I've never seen that before!! That is some super cool single port goodness!!

Thymer - friends and I went to an old VW shop south of Dallas and the guy had two of these VW powered "portable" water pumps - we each bought one.
Note the "hand crank" for starting the engine! The carrier has 4 fold down handles to move it off the fire truck.

The pump company is still in business in Germany making fire fighting apparatus.

 

[thymer]

That is just so cool, thanks for the pics! I haven't had a VW engine apart in many years but as soon as the shop is done a Type1 will be in there for restoration.