A/C Air Compressor?

[BigMike]

Hey guys,

Last night I begun work on my on board air system, however to my dismay, it will not be ready for a trail run this weekend.

So I have no choice but to get some kind of portable air system. And before you say anything, no I don't want to borrow anyone's PowerTank because I hate them and I don't want to get involved.

With that said, here lies my question: Where can I locate an A/C Compressor?

I've used D/C Compressors (cig. lighter plug) on 31s before and it took all day.

Now, tell me if this is a myth: A Friend from school told me that I should use an A/C Compressor and that they work much better than D/C Compressors. Obviously A/C Compressors work better, that's what shops use, but I had figured that he was refering to some sort of Compact A/C compressor......

So that's what I would like to do. I've already got an A/C Power Invertor, but I have not been able to locate ANY kind of A/C Air Compressor, unless it's some huge 240 volt compressor or a huge shop compressor, that's not really want I'm looking for in terms of a "Portable Air Compressor"

So basically, I am wondering if the Myth is true, and if so, where can I locate a good compact A/C Compressor that I can carry lets say in a back pack or so.. I'll throw it in one of my boxes along with the A/C Invertor, but I don't want something the size of a microwave.

Since I've not been able to find one, my only guess is that what my friend was talking about was an A/C Compressor that was attached to some 3 - 4 gallon air tank. If that's the most compact A/C compressor out there, then I'll just settle for a cheap-o D/C Compressor and just be patient.

Let me know if anyone has any input on this because I need to get this by this weekend or else I'll have to drive 40+ miles on 5psi 

[BLACKDOG]

Look around at auto parts stores, and walmart, sometimes they pop up.

also, I found this, dunno if it is D/C or A/C but its worth a call.  Also check out the other harbor frieght stuff, not sure your $$ limit

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/Displayitem.taf?itemnumber=92097

[jmsdad]

Hey BigMike,

Check out this thread on 4X4Wire.

http://www.4x4wire.com/forums/showflat.php?Cat=&Number=724528&page=1&view=collapsed&sb=5&o=14&fpart=1

HTH....

[brainlessfool]

how about some thing like roofers use? I see them with small comps all the time.

[CTENG in KS]

http://www.surplussales.com/Motors/Motors-7.html

What about something like this connected to a tank.  Will your inverter kick out 115 v??  With the right size tank it might take car of your needs.  Or what about mounting that v-twin compressor of yours in the extra cab later on and driving it with an electric motor instead of taxing the engine???

[guywithuglyyota]

Hey BigMike, why do you hate the c02 tanks??  Just curious I was thinking about one for myself.

[Cheesemaker]

Has anybody done the old gm air conditioner compresser's?  That's the way I'd go!  It's been done alot, and there's a million of them in junk yards!  Then just hook it a portable tank! 

If ya want a basic 110v compressor just go to your local hardware store, and get one brainless was talking about.  My dad has one it goes up to 110 psi pretty good, but it is low at filling tires.   It will work though.  Especially, if you need something asap.  It works really good around the house for us, so it's also a good useful item for home!   

[BigMike]

Hey guys,

As always, thanks for the quick and intelligent replies.

I had looked in Harbor Freight and was considering this AC one:
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/Displayitem.taf?itemnumber=47407

It's $69 and I was thinking about removing the air tank and using just the compressor itself..

But that link over on 4x4Wire, man that's the real deal right there!!

DC Compressor for only $24 and people are saying that it's better than the Quick Air2 system..
Check out this link: http://www.gearinstalls.com/pepboys.htm

So it looks like I'll go that DC compressor route.

Cheers
BigMike

[BLACKDOG]

Think I might have to go buy one of them there compressors too

[marco]

Would a compressor with the following specs work for you?  Also note that the CFM ratings are at pressure and not free flow at 0psi like those stated on other compressors above.


    * 1.5 gal
    * Specs:
    * 125 PSI
    * oil-Less compressor
    * Pressure Switch
    * Compact, lightweight 28 lbs
    * 3.4 cfm @ 40 psi
    * 3 cfm @ 90 psi
    * runs a 3/8" air impact. We have run a 1/2" impact but it works it pretty hard.
    * Dimentions: 15" High, 14" Long, 5" Deep
    * 100% Duty Cycle
    * 30 amp draw
    * 1750 rpm
    * 60 dec noise level
    * 23 lbs
    * 1 Year warranty


FYI: this is a DC compressor available on Ebay that I was eyeballing before I picked up  a used trailhead/oasis compressor.


http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=4549514351&category=43986
or
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=11751&item=7511123078&rd=1

I believe both of these sellers offer the AC version as well.

[BLUCRUZ]

Has anybody done the old gm air conditioner compresser's?  That's the way I'd go!  It's been done alot, and there's a million of them in junk yards!  Then just hook it a portable tank! 

That's what I have in my land Cruiser with a 3.5 gal tank under the bed. Airs up a 37 from 5 to 25lbs in less than 2 min. Just have to plumb a oil seperator and put a/c oil in 2-3x a year. Will run air tools & never dip below 110psi too

[Ferg]

So it looks like I'll go that DC compressor route.

Soooo..... does this mean your going this weekend...

[BigMike]

That compressor on Ebay is nice, but since this is just a temporary solution, and may only be used once or twice, I don't wanna dish out $100+ on anything......but thanks for the suggestion!

Soooo..... does this mean your going this weekend...

HECK YA! See the Post here: http://board.marlincrawler.com/index.php?topic=10655.0

We are meeting at Hwy168 and Fowler at the Starbucks at 7AM this Saturday morning.

-
BigMike

[Ferg]

Ok I'm in!

[BLACKDOG]

Hey mike, if you havent gotten it already, I think that compressor at kragens is on sale for 19.99

[BLACKDOG]

or you could get this

[BigMike]

Pay-day's tomorrow, so once I deposit my check, I'm off to Kragens