How to Build a Vintage Style Gas Pump

Vintage gas pumps can be made from cardboard for props.

Restoring a vintage gas pump can be an extremely expensive hobby. However, to buy a gas pump that has been fully restored also costs many thousands of dollars from a collector or through an auction. If a vintage looking gas pump is needed for a prop, you can make one using a cardboard box. To do this you can use a cardboard box from a refrigerator.

Things You'll Need

• Pliers
• Utility knife
• Pencil
• Scissors
• Masking tape
• Primer
• Spray paint
• Black garden hose
• Spray nozzle

Instructions

1. Examine the cardboard box for any stray staples. Remove any staples you find by using the pliers. Cut the cardboard box into four panels with the utility knife.

2. Draw a rectangle on one of the cardboard panels with a pencil that measures 2 feet by 5 feet. Make the corners of the top rounded. Cut the outline from the cardboard panel with the scissors.

3. Place the cut piece on top of one of the other cardboard panels. Trace around the cardboard to make an outline. Cut out the shape from the cardboard. You now have two pieces for the body of the gas pump.

4. Measure a 1-foot wide strip on another cardboard panel. Cut the strip from the cardboard. Cut a second 1-foot strip from the cardboard.

5. Place the two 1-foot wide strips end-to-end and tape them together by using the masking tape. Measure and cut a 4-foot section from the connected strips. This leaves you with a 12-foot piece of cardboard.

6. Apply a bead of glue around the top and side edges of a cut piece from Step 3. Bend the 12-foot piece of cardboard and place it along the glued edges. Secure the cardboard with masking tape.

7. Apply a bead of glue around the top and sides of the other cut piece from Step 3. Place this piece on top of the glued sections from Step 6. Secure the cardboard with masking tape. Set the glued cardboard box aside to dry.

8. Spray the outside of the box with primer. Allow the primer to dry for at least two hours. Apply a second coat of primer to the box and allow it to dry.

9. Spray the outside of the box with a gloss red or gloss blue paint. Allow the paint to dry and then apply a second coat.

10. Decorate the outside of the gas pump with the white adhesive letters. Cut a 1-inch hole into the side of the gas pump. Attach the black garden hose and the plastic spray nozzle to the pump.

References

• Tip Junkie: 32 Things to Make Using A Cardboard Box {diy}
• Enchanted Learning: Cardboard Box Castle

Resources

• Nostalgia Co.: Vintage Gas Pumps