When it thaws, can you get a picture of the back of that? I have an antique Fire Truck Valve I'd like to do something similar to that.
I found these two older images, they should show you what you need to know.
It was really pretty simple to make. I started with a half whiskey barrel and a plastic liner. (I got mine at Lowes.) I then cut a piece of wood to match the curve of the plastic liner. The wood covers about a third of the top, and is mounted by wood screws facing upwards from under the liner. I cut a hole in the wood and ran a piece of rubber hose through it and into the old cistern pump which is bolted to the top of the wood. Finally a submerged water pump is connected to the bottom of the rubber hose, and the electrical cord is just draped over the side.
When it needs to be cleaned, I divert the water out of the barrel with a short length of plastic down spouting, and lift out the plastic liner with the pump still attached. Clean it out, slide the entire unit back in, and refill it.
During the winter months I drop an electric birdbath heater in it to keep the water from freezing. In windy situations like this, I have to occasionally add a couple of buckets of water to replace what blows out and becomes ice.
Let me know if you have any other questions.
CHEERS!
