How old is too old and any information on Air Industrial Developments

[MoreWellie]

I just picked an old compressor from another member with a view to restoring it

It is an AID (Air Industrial Developments Ltd) I have done some searches and found a few pictures on the net but no picture of this specific model. They were made in Shenstone and there is a still company with the same name but that was formed in 1998

The tank was tested on 25/3/1959 to 250 psi for use at 125psi. it looks the sort of size to be about 100L but I presume compressors this old were measured in gallons

It is missing any control switch and the mains is wired directly to the motor so I know it runs and the pump works as well :-)

My initial questions are

1. what colour would it have been originally? currently red over blue but I have seen pictures of one in dark green almost a british racing green and a couple on gumtree that were blue

2. I could obviously put a standard chinese control switch on it but is anyone aware of anything more age appropriate?

3. any further resource that might give me specifications or anything else interesting about it and yes I have searched and found various gumtree pictures and a few bits on gracesguide

4. how to check the tank condition? I have a camera but last time I looked in a tank I couldn't see much. I wondered about ultrasonic thickness testers and am putting a question about these on the tools forum

thanks

 

[brightspark]

I just picked an old compressor from another member with a view to restoring it

It is an AID (Air Industrial Developments Ltd) I have done some searches and found a few pictures on the net but no picture of this specific model. They were made in Shenstone and there is a still company with the same name but that was formed in 1998

The tank was tested on 25/3/1959 to 250 psi for use at 125psi. it looks the sort of size to be about 100L but I presume compressors this old were measured in gallons

It is missing any control switch and the mains is wired directly to the motor so I know it runs and the pump works as well :-)

My initial questions are

1. what colour would it have been originally? currently red over blue but I have seen pictures of one in dark green almost a british racing green and a couple on gumtree that were blue

2. I could obviously put a standard chinese control switch on it but is anyone aware of anything more age appropriate?

3. any further resource that might give me specifications or anything else interesting about it and yes I have searched and found various gumtree pictures and a few bits on gracesguide

4. how to check the tank condition? I have a camera but last time I looked in a tank I couldn't see much. I wondered about ultrasonic thickness testers and am putting a question about these on the tools forum

thanks

turn it over and tap along the bottom with a ball pein hammer . if it dents its rotten if it doesn't its ok . the tank will be a lot thicker than a modern one even if corroded . if it was knacked it would pinhole 1st and leak .as for a pressure switch most fitted with a Danfoss. earlier than that were fitted with one that was in a square tin box older than me

 

[gt6s]

I would not worry in the slightest about putting a modern control switch on it. I would do it in a heartbeat. Nearly all my stuff is modified in some fashion I have a 1971 Triumph Gt6 on programable full engine management which includes two mode launch control. My 1957 Lister Startomatic has also more than her fair share of modern bits on. A bass guitar on which the only original or unmodified parts are 18 of the screws. Make it usable. Just do it.

Laurence

 

[Wendymig1]

I just picked an old compressor from another member with a view to restoring it

It is an AID (Air Industrial Developments Ltd) I have done some searches and found a few pictures on the net but no picture of this specific model. They were made in Shenstone and there is a still company with the same name but that was formed in 1998

The tank was tested on 25/3/1959 to 250 psi for use at 125psi. it looks the sort of size to be about 100L but I presume compressors this old were measured in gallons

It is missing any control switch and the mains is wired directly to the motor so I know it runs and the pump works as well :-)

My initial questions are

1. what colour would it have been originally? currently red over blue but I have seen pictures of one in dark green almost a british racing green and a couple on gumtree that were blue

2. I could obviously put a standard chinese control switch on it but is anyone aware of anything more age appropriate?

3. any further resource that might give me specifications or anything else interesting about it and yes I have searched and found various gumtree pictures and a few bits on gracesguide

4. how to check the tank condition? I have a camera but last time I looked in a tank I couldn't see much. I wondered about ultrasonic thickness testers and am putting a question about these on the tools forum

thanks

Hi
I have just bought one of these. And saw your post.
Did you Senate to get her going and working.
Mine is a pale green looks original paint.
Do you have any pictures please.

 

[eddie49]

Unfortunately this advert is not in colour:

From:

Classic British Aviation Industry Advertisements 1909 - 1990

Historic British Aviation Advertisements 1909-1990. 87,000 classic British aircraft industry adverts for you to browse through and enjoy.

www.aviationancestry.co.uk