MICHIGAN CIVIL DEFENSE MUSEUM

Thunderbolt Compressor Restoration

Here is the process in restoring the compressor. This is the replacement compressor for the trashed original Detroit compressor.

New 90 Degree Elbow, New threaded standpipe.

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You can see the original color of the cabinet in the background. It was painted a light grey color.

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After making a new pallet from the measurements I took before I took the old pallet apart. I painted the rack and standpipe black.

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I took a sample of the origianl pallet mesh,  I found the exact same mesh at my local Ace hardware.

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The compressor cover got a light coat of CitriStrip, after an hour the paint looks like a deflated balloon.

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As I scrapped the paint off, you can see the original color of the cabinet, Caterpillar Yellow

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First coat of primer

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rackontrailer2.jpg

After a 2nd coat of primer, here's the dry fit and adjusting of the cover and rack on the pallet

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Here's the cabinet after two coats of yellow

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Putting on the  "FS THUNDERBOLT" decal. I have seen these decals place as shown to the left, also seen to the right, and in Redford Twsp in the center, I choose the left, since that's what was most common.

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Also added the "CD" logo

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leftsidedecals.jpg

Attaching the rack and pallet to the trailer I got for the siren

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rackontrailer2.jpg

reattaching the compressor. since these are very cumbersome, I will clean the grease of the unit while attached to the rack

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rackontrailer2.jpg

Now attached is the signal phase 220 volt motor. Belts are in good shape. just need a quick cleaning.

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Here's the compressor cabinet attached to the pallet.

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Thunderbolt Final Assembly