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Cheap On Board Air

Discussion in 'Builds and Fabricators Forum' started by coby61, Feb 25, 2007.

  1. Feb 25, 2007
    coby61

    coby61 Stupidiotic Member

    Prunedale CA
    Joined:
    Mar 10, 2004
    Messages:
    388
    Some of you met my friend Scott and his Zuki at Tellico. He has made many upgrades since you last saw it and one of them recently was OBA, On Board Air.
    The cheap part of this is the air compressor can be found in the junk yard in Buick and Cadillac cars with air bag suspension. Once you get that from the junk yard install a fuse, on/off switch, hose and quick connect.
    Scott tested it in his garage after he was finished and with no reservoir tank he was able to fill a 38.5" TSL from 0psi to 6psi in about 10 minutes. Not bad for not having the tank and great if you have a tire with a slow leak on the trail. He plans to mount a 5 gallon tank and 120psi pop off that can be disconnected and carried for emergency fills on the trail and may run some air tools.
    Here are some pictures of it mounted and I will try to find the link to the site we stole the idea from later
     
    Last edited: May 11, 2007
  2. Feb 25, 2007
    Lieutenant Mike

    Lieutenant Mike Firefighter Mike

    Boaz AL
    Joined:
    Oct 4, 2005
    Messages:
    313
    Thats a good idea. I might have a source for a tank. I would like to do that on the 6.
     
  3. Feb 25, 2007
    JeepsRcool

    JeepsRcool Member

    Garden Grove, CA
    Joined:
    Aug 31, 2006
    Messages:
    128
    summit racing has onboard air compressors for under 50 bucks. and tanks for around 30.
     
  4. Feb 25, 2007
    jayhawkclint

    jayhawkclint ΜΟΛΩΝ ΛΑΒΕ

    Oklahoma City, USA
    Joined:
    May 18, 2006
    Messages:
    2,622
    Where did GM mount the compressors (what part of the car should I be searching)?
     
  5. Feb 25, 2007
    coby61

    coby61 Stupidiotic Member

    Prunedale CA
    Joined:
    Mar 10, 2004
    Messages:
    388
    Clint I think they had an access panel in the trunk.

    jeepsrcool, post a link please
     
  6. Feb 25, 2007
    ljspop

    ljspop Lurking Bronco Dude

    San Diego, CA
    Joined:
    Jan 29, 2003
    Messages:
    394
    I have 2 of those Caddy compressors in a box in the garage. They work well and are cheap to replace ($5 at the pic and pull). That said, I use my masterflow now.

    Any mid-80s-ish caddy will have one on the fenderwell usually.
     
  7. Feb 26, 2007
    JeepsRcool

    JeepsRcool Member

    Garden Grove, CA
    Joined:
    Aug 31, 2006
    Messages:
    128
    http://store.summitracing.com/partdetail.asp?part=QIN%2DMF%2D1030&FROM=MG
    theres a link, wish i could find a duty cycle and some more info for comparison.
    i plan on using it or maby a similar one for, on board air for my air horn and to fill tires and any thing else. like air compressor powered potato launchers..... lots of fun, no more burnt arm hair. or annoying bad fuel air mixtures....
     
  8. Feb 26, 2007
    CJjunk

    CJjunk < Fulltime 4x4

    El Centro,CA
    Joined:
    Dec 26, 2005
    Messages:
    259
    We experimented with those Caddilac compressors a few yrs. ago. My buddy tapped the outlet and installed a schrader valve to prevent back flow and got it fill a 2 gal. tank upto 90 psi in less than 1.5 minutes. It was one of those piston type pumps that mount on the front fender.
     
  9. Feb 26, 2007
    Desert Runner

    Desert Runner Member 2024 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Hickory, Pa
    Joined:
    Sep 11, 2005
    Messages:
    807
    I have my air compressor mounted behind the rear seat. (It is comparable to the Via Air compressor.) It's controlled by a pressure switch mounted on the pass front fender
    [​IMG]

    There are Quick disconnects front and rear
    [​IMG]

    The horns are on the roof.
    BTW I have 2 1gal tanks mounted under the battery, and a 4gal tank under the rear floor

    Jay
     
  10. Feb 26, 2007
    jeepfreak81

    jeepfreak81 When in Doubt, Pedal out!

    Owosso, MI
    Joined:
    Jan 25, 2006
    Messages:
    690
    York compressors can be found in many cars, early Fords and Chevies used them, they are very common in Volvos. They run $10-30 and are ideal for a engine such as an early 5 that has V-Belts. I have one on my YJ.

    However, it is engine driven and a little harder to install.

    [​IMG]
    [​IMG]
    [​IMG]
    [​IMG]
    [​IMG]
    [​IMG]
    [​IMG]
     
  11. Mar 3, 2007
    72_CJ5_MUD

    72_CJ5_MUD Gunner

    now Central Florida
    Joined:
    Jan 16, 2007
    Messages:
    130
    Has anybody modified an older A/C compressor and made provisions for oil issues to ensure internal issues are lubricated as well as preventing other problems with airing up tires and using air tools , etc? Any advice or thoughts?
    Thanks in advance for assistance and expertice! Gunner
     
  12. Mar 3, 2007
    Mike C

    Mike C Member

    Austin, TX
    Joined:
    Feb 19, 2007
    Messages:
    743
    The York compressor he mentions above has a reservoir and doesn't need mods, just plumbing, to work as an air compressor. Many aftermarket AC's came equipped with York compressors, and many different adapters to engines are out there, or make your own. 70's CJ's with AC had York compressors.
     
  13. Mar 3, 2007
    CJjunk

    CJjunk < Fulltime 4x4

    El Centro,CA
    Joined:
    Dec 26, 2005
    Messages:
    259
    Some of the older Chrylser products came out with a Twin cylinder A/C compressor that may make for an interesting project. These things serious looking units.
     
  14. Mar 3, 2007
    karlvin08

    karlvin08 I R SMRT

    Clarksville, TN
    Joined:
    Aug 30, 2006
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