1962 Air Compressor Restoration

Air compressors have been around al long time. But only became portable when it was possible to build small engines. This 1 cylinder air compressor was built in 1962. At the time of the restoration it was 60 years old.

This compressor is produced by M.E.A. the N.V. Minne Endstra Machine- en Apparatenfabriek in the Netherlands. The factory did not last long. The compressor was produced in the 1960s, the fact that it still functions at all is exceptional. The compressor has been completely overhauled to make it a usable workshop compressor as shown in the 1st photo. Where possible, all original parts have been retained.

It's all mechanical, so there is a lot of metal to restore and worn down parts to replace. Let's get to it.

Specs after restoring:

• Working pressure: 4-8 bar (adjustable)
• 40 liter tank (11 gallon)
• Air supply: 40l/min (11 gallon/min)
• Sounds like a charm
• 100% airtight

This compressor is strong enough for tacking, air blowing and inflating.

Make sure you can hydro-test the air tank, details in step 5

With these old machines, there are no blueprints available. So it's sometimes hard to know how to disassemble it, but the easy part is, that there are no special tools needed. With regular workshop tools you can do it all.

disassembly tools

• screwdrivers
• spanners
• allen keys
• WD40 (apply to all bolts, a few days before you start a project.
• wrenches

sanding supplies

• sanding paper
• buffing wheel
• file
• wire brush
• sandblaster (use sanding paper if not available)
• cleaner and cloth
• grinder

miscellaneous

• paint
• grease
• compressor oil
• replacement seals

• After loosening the bolts under the electric motor, which are used for belt tightening, the belt can easily be removed.
• Remove all the pipes and fittings.
• The compressor is held down with 4 bolts.

Hold the compressor upright, it's filled with oil. Empty it through the fill cap, and dispose of the oil in an environmental friendly way.

Make sure the electrics are not plugged in. This can be dangerous

• Loosen all electrical connections
• Remove all bolts
• Remove the base plate from the motor
• Set the motor aside for disassembly later

• lossen all electrical connections, there are two coils inside. 1 for starting, and 1 for running. The starter coil is disconnected when a certain RPM is reached. Without this starter coil it's not possible for the motor to autostart.
• Loosen the 4 nuts on one end of the motor and remove the long bolt
• With some wiggling, the motor comes apart
• Clean all grime and old grease

• Make a note of the right wiring scheme.
• Remove the electrical connections.
• Unscrew the entire assembly from the air tank.
• Clean from all grime and grease.

The most time-consuming step is to prepare everything for painting. Unfortunately I forgot to photograph this step, possibly because I got really dirty.

Don't forget to wear a face mask

For every part it's:

• Clean
• Sand (sandblast if possible)
• Clean again
• Prime
• Paint layer 1
• Paint layer 2

Safety note: Old air tanks can rust from the inside. You'll at least have to do a visual inspection of the inside with an endoscopic camera if you know what your looking at. Or better let the pressure tank be tested. The test station fills it with water to the required pressure according to local regulations and checks for leaks.

Assembling is disassembling in reverse. The painting gives instant result, but it is the buffing I love most. From grime to shiny is priceless. This compressor is an asset to any workplace where nostalgia is important. The sound is much more friendly than the modern day compressors.