Running Board Acetylene cylinder ?

[v10pdownunder]

I have recently come across an acetylene cylinder without an markings. I have seen some previously with the "Prest-o-lite" script rolled in the shell but this one has nothing. The valve at the top is offset and it has the gauge concealed within the base as would a running board tank. It is 6 & 1/4" in diameter and 20" tall/long which I think is about right ? but it weighs about 28 lbs. Is it a correct tank for T or something else ?

[Wayne Sheldon]

Most early Prestolite tanks did not have the name pressed into the tank shell. They had a '10s era version of a decal (silkscreen) on them which usually has disappeared decades ago. They came in several sizes and were used on many if not most makes of cars in the years between 1906 and the emergence of practical electric headlights.

[KeithG]

I am using a similar tank mounted horizontaly on my '14 T for the gas lights, but mine doesn't have a gauge on the bottom. I understand that the acetlyene vendors will not fill a tank with a gauge on the bottom.

Keith

[Marty Bufalini]

I have a Prest-O-Lite embossed tank on my 14. I scoured local welding shops until I found an embossed one without a gauge and with an offset valve. It was already filled.

They won't fill one with a gauge on the bottom.

i stripped mine, painted it silver and got a repro decal from Restoration supply.

All I need is a vintage regulator gauge.

[KWTownsend]

Marti-
You do not need a regulator. Just "crack it open" about 1/8 turn. Lamps run on about 3 psi. The old "prest-O-Lite Automatic Reducing valve" was set at 3lbs. Most "Prestolite regulators" you will find today are set at 10 or 15 psi. Some are 5psi, but that is still too much.

-Keith

I did a lot of searching to find 3 psi specification. It does not appear in any advertisements that I found.

This looks pretty scary as it is NOT af offset tank designed to sit horizontally!

Here is a common Prest-O-Lite regulator that can be readily found. Ten psi is way too much pressure!

[Greg Griffin]

The ad copy posted above specifies that the regulator is set for "two ounces" pressure, which is more in line with my own experience. Other sources refer to two or three "inches of water column" pressure.

[Marty Bufalini]

Keith, that's how I use mine. Crack the valve just a little to get a flame, then adjust.

But, I still wixh I had one of those regulators. It would make it easier.

[Bud Delong]

Just a dumb question but is there a check valve anywhere in the Presto lite system? Bud.

[KeithG]

Marty, I bought my regulator at Hershey last year. Had to buy the tank with the regulator on it, the seller wouldn't separate them. Paid $75.00 for the whole thing. I suggest that some day you go to Hershey and look for one. Just in case you get tired of walking, you can rent an electric wheel chair to help get around.

BTW, you WILL enjoy Hershey!

Keith

[Drkbp]

Ivan,
The 20 inch tank is called a "B" tank at the welding supply houses where I find a few Prest-O-Lite offset valve tanks mixed in with the regular tanks. They are not the old style tank with the pressure gauge on the bottom which can't be filled here in the U.S.

Marty,
Keith has shown the best period regulator for ease of burner flame height control, and relights, on a Prest-O-Lite tank. I haven't been able to find one yet so I use a small acetylene regulator.

Other options .... in case some others following this thread are trying to set up their gas headlights for "ease of use" and can't find the POL regulator....

First Photo
Here are a couple more POL regulators to be on the lookout for. The one with the tank pressure gauge in working condition would be a real find! (Two red dots)

Second Photo-Fine Valve
IF you have a choice on Prest-O-Lite tanks at the welding supply, the "fine" valve is easiest to "crack" the old way without a regulator.

Third Photo-Coarse Valve
Knurled Knob is modern change out by filling house. I use this style with a Uniweld Regulator.

Fourth Photo-Small Uniweld Regulator
I use this one set to about 4-5 psi and a small acetylene valve at each headlight to set the flame exactly where I want it (Last Photo). This makes it a simple "light and go" by only turning on the "B" tank valve.

To turn them off, just close the "B" tank valve leaving the regulator and small valves where they are set.
Two minutes, or two weeks, turn on "B" tank valve.... "light and go".

Bud,
no check valve.

Ken

[Bud Delong]

I used a B tank standing upright hidden by the cow hide on the robe rail.I used a normal Regulator and also a welding head for a valve,also hidden.Now days with the high cost of everything except corn and soybeans i just stay home! Bud.

[Marty Bufalini]

Would this work? Not sure what "5 pounds" refers to.

[Bud Delong]

My guess would be 5# psi permantly set which might be too much? Bud.