VINTAGE STYLE CLOCKFACE GAS PUMP MADE FROM SCRAP PVC PIPE

I wanted to have a vintage gas pump for my man cave. I started searching for one and found out how expensive a vintage gas pump would cost. I even looked into restoring one myself. As I was looking into this I noticed the similarities between the vintage gas pumps and other everyday items I was exposed to. My trade is a swimming pool designer and I have been doing some house remodeling. This is where I was seeing items I could use to build the pumps. So I decided to make my own replica of a Clock Face gas pump. After finishing my first one I had a friend ask me to make him one and from there I made several and sold them at a local car show. I did not document how these were made so I am going to try and reverse document how they were built. I tried to build them out all recycled or second-hand items. I ended up having to buy a few items to really get the look I was after. I have used a variety of items to build them and did not use the same items on each of them. But I will try to list all the different items and where I found them.

12" PVC PIPE sch 40 could use green sewer pipe I used pipe leftover from a job I worked on. ( Local commercial pool builder or supply store )

12" Pipe flange( Local commercial pool builder or supply store )

Clocks (local thrift store ) " The neon clock was purchased online I don't remember where"

Aftermarket Globe Bodies ( Vics66.com)

White Translucent Poly Sheet for Globe Lens "I was able to purchase a few scrap pieces" (local sign supply store)

Vinyl Decals " I cut mine on a vinyl cutter. you can also purchase them " (vics66.com)

Ceiling Light Fixture . (Thrift Store)

Stainless Steel Mixing Bowl (Ikea)

Wood Disks ( Local Hardware Store)

1" Gas Line Fittings ( Local Hardware Store)

Toggle Switch (Local Hardware Store)

Lamp Cords And Led Bulbs (Ikea)

Patio Lamp (Ikea)

Gas Pump Hose and Nozzle Local tractor supply store ) can also purchase at (Vics66.com)

Orange Pump with Stainless Insert with Glass Selves (Ikea)

Wood Glue,PVC Glue and Primer ,Screws, Wire Nuts, Auto Body Repair Bondo, Paint,

PLYWOOD DISKS:

Cut the first disk to the same diameter as the inside of the PVC pipe. Then cut second one 1 1/2" larger in diameter. Glue disks together make sure they are centered. The second disk should have the same overhang around the perimeter. Place a couple of screws in them to hold in place while they dry.

CUTTING PVC PIPE: Place 2 strips of masking tape around the perimeter of pipe at the smaller end. as shown in the first diagram. The pipe should be no longer than 6'. If you have all your items I would measure them and make sure that the overall height will be short enough to fit inside and the top will clear the ceiling. You can use a jigsaw or a circular saw to cut the pipe to the proper length.

DRILLING HOLES: Drill a 1" hole in the center of the wood disks, stainless bowl, ceiling fixture, and patio lamp. You will also need holes drilled and for nozzle, gas fittings, switch, and one at the back for lamp cord and plug as shown in the diagram.

Start with the plywood disks and stainless steel bowl. Place bowl upside down and center on plywood disks and secure it using 4 screws evenly spaced.

Attach light fixture to stainless steel bowl.

Cut the 2 lenses to the size of opening in the Globe body.

Cut decals for lens or use the purchased decals and apply to the lenses.

Set the globe into light fixture with out the lenses. (set lenses to the side)

Take the clock apart remove the glass and clock mechanism. Take the base of the clock and attach it with screws 3 screws down the center. Set the remaining pieces of clock aside . I also molded some of the clocks with scrap portion from PVC pipe cut hole same diameter and glued it in place with gorilla glue. Depending on the size of the clock you use, I had used a 5-gallon bucket. Most 5-gallon buckets have a slight taper to them so it will allow different size clocks. The clock just needs to slip inside of whatever you use to get a good fit. Once the glue was dry I used auto body repair Bondo to form and smooth into the main PVC pipe. I also have used a hidden compartment clock. (Image shown) This gives you access to the battery and adds an addition feature to the overall design of the gas pump clock.

Sand the PVC pipe with 200 grit sand paper . Make sure your not leaving large scratches. Continue to sand with finer grit until you have no scratches and the entire pipe is scuffed. Repeat the same thing on the Globe body. Paint both with adhesion promoter this will help the paint stick . Paint all the items with the color of your choice . Apply as many coats as needed to have good coverage. You can follow up with with a clear coat . Once paint dries you can start to assemble.

Force gas pipe into pre-drilled hole while twisting clockwise,threading the fitting into PVC pipe. Assemble the remaining fittings and connecting the lamp to the fitting as shown in diagram. Attach hose fittings and hose to lamp and nozzle to the hose. attach J hook to PVC pipe (Place tip of nozzle in the pre-drilled hole for location of J Hook

Using the wiring diagram run wires to switch then globe and repeat to the patio lamp. I made most of the pumps with led strip lights but using lamp cords works as well. Running wires to patio lamp was a little more time consuming . This is just another option.

If you choose to use a neon clock you will need to run wires to clock as well .

You can use a light switch or use a lamp cord with a switch. I found the easiest way was to use strip LED lights with DC 12 volt power supply plug and remote.

Assemble the clock . Install the lenses. now enjoy your new Vintage Style Gas Pump Clock

Pinstripe was painted by cutting out stencil on vinyl cutter.

All the Decals on Black pump where cut on a vinyl cutter

Thanks for checking out my my clock build. I hope this will inspire someone to build one with different items and their own personal touches. Using recycled items was the main focus of the build. I felt I had to purchase a few items to get get the look I was after . I have been asked to build one with a fish aquarium . I will document that build if anyone shows any interest . If I am able to answer any questions dont hesitate to ask .