vhprs Posted September 22, 2022 Share Posted September 22, 2022 Searching for a scarce Arc Rectifier. (battery charger) for 1900s electric cars. Parts and pieces also are desired. If going to Hershey, might be neat to consider bringing since I would love to display one next to a 1912 Detroit. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
edinmass Posted September 22, 2022 Share Posted September 22, 2022 The last one I saw sell took my breath away............that was a complete and working unit in very nice condition. It may be easier to fabricate something. In fifty years of looking around swap meets and auctions, I think I have seen three for sale. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
George Albright Posted September 22, 2022 Share Posted September 22, 2022 AACA member Jeff Huber of Gainesville Florida also needs an early one to display with his 1904 Studebaker. Call or email me for his numbers. Thanks George Albright cell 352 843 1624. Email. Gnalbright@gmail.com Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pkhammer Posted September 22, 2022 Share Posted September 22, 2022 I wouldn't know one if I fell over it. This is in a friends garage and we haven't a clue......... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
vhprs Posted September 22, 2022 Author Share Posted September 22, 2022 Thank you gentlemen for your comments...and yes....I know that this is a hard-to-find item. Just in the hope that one might be in the back...of someone's garage and they have not thought to bring it out yet. We can only hope when we do our searches eh ? While I believe that my chances are slim, they would be zero if I asked nothing. Cheers....Ken 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
George Albright Posted September 22, 2022 Share Posted September 22, 2022 I forwarded this forum thread to Jeff Huber. Thanks! George Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
vhprs Posted September 22, 2022 Author Share Posted September 22, 2022 Mr pkhammer............fascinating picture.....I ran down and talked to my friend,, who is a lot more clever than I am about electrical items. After looking at the picture he said..."it could be" a battery charger but not sure., Requested a picture of the back of the unit and wanted to know what the label says that is under that big knife switch. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
George Albright Posted September 22, 2022 Share Posted September 22, 2022 Please post and additional photos. Great job! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pkhammer Posted September 22, 2022 Share Posted September 22, 2022 I might be able to sneak this to Hershey. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pkhammer Posted September 22, 2022 Share Posted September 22, 2022 Tag says "Northeast Electric". Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
George Albright Posted September 23, 2022 Share Posted September 23, 2022 Don’t! Sell it to the two interested parties on this thread Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pkhammer Posted September 23, 2022 Share Posted September 23, 2022 It's a neat piece and I have no real good idea of value. It belongs to a friend of mine. I spied it in his garage and took the photos I posted here. If there is interest in the item I will call my friend and see what he wants for it or if he'd sell it. PM me if anyone would like to discuss. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
vhprs Posted September 23, 2022 Author Share Posted September 23, 2022 Mr Pkhammer..........we have discussed the interesting board and we believe that is might be a PART of an old charger. Not sure what is missing but we are considering it if you wish to email me with discussion. Regards...Ken Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pkhammer Posted September 23, 2022 Share Posted September 23, 2022 Looks like this is going to a new home. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Leptoquark Posted October 5, 2022 Share Posted October 5, 2022 I have two mercury arc rectifier chargers, one nice and one rough, and I would be willing to sell the nice one to someone to show alongside a vintage EV, since that's where it really belongs. It only needs some minor cleanup. The slate lacquer looks great and the reactance at the bottom has minimal rust. The circuit breaker works, and I have the handle for the starting switch. I originally thought I would try to make it do something, maybe charge a nickel iron battery with a silicon diode replacing the mercury tube, but it's too nice to mess with and I'm not going to do anything with it. I'm going to hang on to the rougher one and turn it into a vintage looking modern EV charger. I have the original cables for these as well. The nice one came with a triangular connector with two exposed flat electrodes, and the rough one came with the round connector with a center electrode. I've stored them in separate containers to preserve them as much as possible. To use them, you would need to replace the cloth covered wiring with something like cloth covered modern insulated wiring, but honestly they look better as is and add to the character. I don't see why the round connector couldn't go with the nice charger. I don't have the mercury filled tubes, but I do have a period mercury tube with one broken electrode, and hence no mercury, that would make the view from the back look correct, and which I would include. I don't have the top mounted volt-amp meters, but in principal, you could fabricate the bracket and mount a couple of Thompson meters. They are both heavy, in the 300-400 pound range, so if it traveled with a car in a trailer, for example, it would need to be mounted on wheels or a dolly and handled carefully so it didn't take off on you or fall over. They are currently in my garage in Silver Spring, Maryland, and the nice one would need to be picked up. I don't want to think what the shipping would be. If you're interested, we can talk and I can send more pictures. I'm going to ask $1000, but I'm flexible. I would like to see it go someone who could put it in its proper context. Since I just joined the forum, I can't message anyone directly yet. My email is rumpole@mac.com Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SC38dls Posted October 5, 2022 Share Posted October 5, 2022 Richardson electronics in Aurora Illinois (not positive of town but at least near there) may have the tubes for these machines. They were a big supplier of vacuum tubes and other welding equipment tubes and are a big supplier of things like this. dave s Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
George Albright Posted October 5, 2022 Share Posted October 5, 2022 My friend Jeff Huber in Gainesville Florida has a 1904 Studebaker electric. He needs a Westinghouse charging system to display with his car. Leads appreciated! I will forward them to Jeff. Thanks George Albright Ocala Florida cell weekdays 352 843 1624. Email gnalbright@gmail.com Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Restorer32 Posted October 8, 2022 Share Posted October 8, 2022 You will have a heck of a time finding the correct mercury vapor tube. We just paid multi thousands of $ for one for a client of ours. If you do find a tube you will find it difficult to ship. It is illegal to ship them by UPS, USPS, or Fed Ex because of the 4 ounces of liquid mercury they contain. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Larry Schramm Posted October 15, 2022 Share Posted October 15, 2022 On 10/8/2022 at 3:44 PM, Restorer32 said: You will have a heck of a time finding the correct mercury vapor tube. We just paid multi thousands of $ for one for a client of ours. If you do find a tube you will find it difficult to ship. It is illegal to ship them by UPS, USPS, or Fed Ex because of the 4 ounces of liquid mercury they contain. What do the tubes look like? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Restorer32 Posted January 16, 2023 Share Posted January 16, 2023 12" to 18" tall and roughly T shaped. Sort of like an amoeba. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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