Sportsways Valve Find

[simonbeans]

A vintage dive buddy obtained this Sportsways valve recently. Thinking it was one of the later ones with a 3/4" O-ring (Sportways called it 15/16") or what we feel is "standard" today, he was surprised when it appears to be an older 1/2" O-ring (Sportsway designed as 3/4" O-ring) valve with a bushing.


Sportsways introduced the 1/2" straight O-ring valve in 1960 and changed over to what we use today, the 3/4" O-ring in 1966 or 1967. So the question I have is that the bushing that this valve has to convert from 1/2" O-ring to 3/4" O-ring appears to be very well made. Is it possible that Sportways produced and sold such a bushing to convert the valves to the new (now standard) thread? [The shut off knob also changed in this same time frame 1966 0r 1967.] Unfortunately I do not have access to the 1966 Sportways Catalog, thus the circa 1966 or 1967 data.

 

[krawlings]

I have a service/repair manual for sportsways Dated 7/71 if you could use a copy or if it would help PM me. I may be able to help you out

 

[herman]

Very interesting Allan. If it's plated brass, odds are it was comercially made, if it's SS then it may be homebrew.
I am currently making a part that looks very similar for a VDH member who is restoring a RAID. The original was plated brass, the one I am making will be SS.

 

[Sam Miller III]

A review of 1964,1965, 1966 & 1967 Sportsways catalogs does not list a conversion bushing.

This is possibly a industral bushing used in HP applications, such as Oil field, Steam fittings etc.
There were a variety of conversion bushings made from a equal variety of metals used in that era. The Brass Plumbers bushing (LP but was used) Ferous metal from the oil industry and possibly SS for a anti-corrosion applications

Perhaps Mc Masters & Carr catalog?

sdm

 

[simonbeans]

Further information and update. The bushing appears to be brass with chrome plating. A vintage scuba collector has emailed the owner of the valve that Sportsways did make and market this particular bushing for their 1/2" O-ring valve to be used in the "standard" 3/4" O-ring sealed tanks.

 

[Sam Miller III]

What year?

Nothing listed for the years I reviewed.

Closer inspection of the second photograph of the top of the bushing appears to be brass

sdm

 

[simonbeans]

Good questions Sam. I will see if I can find out. The valve is not mine, but I have an interest in the piece and, for my own interest, wanted to know. If I learn more information I will let you know. Maybe someone who reads here might have some information that could shed some light.