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#670211 Thu Oct 27 2016 06:22 AM
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fatty Offline OP
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Can anyone tell me when the door graphics changed from Porcelain plates to vinyl graphics? I see a lot of pumps with vinyl on the doors to match the globe but at what year approximately would they have had the plates instead? The reason I am asking is that on my '47 Tokheim I see no evidence of there ever being holes for a sign plate on either door but I want to restore it properly and not just use vinyl if they should have plates instead. I'm doing it as a Sinclair if that makes any difference?

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I have quite a few pumps that were not drilled for brand plates, I also have pumps with the remains of a water transfer decal. I think the bulk oiler made some of these decisions. The only plate that was required was the contains lead and in certain counties and states dictated where they were placed on the pump.

Also, I'm not sure what a 47 Tokheim looks like? Do you have a pic?


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Historically, depends on what company you are branding your pump. Some companies used water transfer decals and never had metal pump plates. While others only used metal pump plates. Depending on the company some even used plastic or aluminum pump plates. By mid to late 60's most companies had or were switching to vinyl decals.

Generally speaking, each gas & oil company had strict standards that were adhered to in order to have uniformity amongst it's stations in that region with respect to signage and placement. Image & presentation was very important.

Need to know what company you are going to brand your pump to give you a more definitive answer.

At the end of the day nothing wrong with doing the pump the way you will enjoy it the most. After all, you are the one that will be looking at it everyday.


Dave GILL,
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fatty Offline OP
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The pump is a 1947 Tokheim 39 short being redone in Sinclar trim. I just didnt know if it is more proper to put a vinyl decal or porcelain plate on the doors?

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You cannot assume that a pump made in 1947 is automatically a 39.

A Tokheim from 1947 could be any one of the following:

876 (1938-1948)
39-ESP (1938-1958)
39 (1938-1958)
39 Twin (1938-1958)
39-DP (1938-1958)
39-HR (1939-1958)
39-WNC-HR (1939-1958)
39-NAP (1939-1958)
38-WBC (1938-1958)
39-HS (1939-1959)
39-TW (1939-1958)
39-LHR (1947-1952)
39L-EZ (1947-1959)
39L-RA (1947-1959)

For an explanation of the many different 39's read the top of this page: http://petrolianacollectibles.com/tokheim%2039l-ra.htm

One other bit of information about pumps from that time. I have been asked why did they continue to make tall pumps as late as 1958. The reason was that many of the pumps that were in existing stations were tall pumps and they the owners did not want to put a small pump with them. Tokheim and other pump conpanies advertised that they still made tall pumps.

Jack Sim


Author, 1st & 2nd editions of Gas Pump ID book, 3rd edition is now available at www.gaspumpbible.com
Air Meter ID book also available
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I think you should just go with what you like the most - decal or plates - but I think most of the pumps I've restored that happened to be originally Sinclair from 40s 50s used decals. I do remember a few that had large white porcelain sighs that said Sinclair with a Dino on it.


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