Oba Options

On the 3B i always planned on the build theme as an "old service station" willys, so i thought i would be cool to make it functional on the trail. I have a mobile welder from an old rig i an going to use and planned on pulling the YORK oba system off the 3A, The more i think of it, i dont really want to pull the 3a apart, and as much as a fan of the YORK systems as i am, i think some electric compressor combined with a tank will do the job i need, which will probably be mostly air for blowing and filling tires. Possibly a small angle die grinder for cleaning up steel for welds.

Anyone using any of the small compressors with success?

 

Someone gave me a semi air horn once, so I installed it in my pick-up by plumbing and wiring in a 12v Harbor Freight compressor and a small tank, worked fine...fun times. I also installed a quick coupler on the tank for tools/tires.

Unless you are buying a complete kit, I would suggest an American made compressor if possible as the fittings on the foreign stuff don't seem to follow any known standard and make it tricky to plumb.

Sounds like a fun project.

 

I have the ARB twin version on my JK.

ARB On-Board High Performance 12 Volt Twin Air Compressor (CKMTA12)

Works ok but a York it is not. The York on my 3B is vastly superior in every way.

 

This is one category where the saying, "There's no replacement for displacement" holds true. The amperage that a decent-sized compressor would require to be on-par with an engine-driven one is just unrealistic.

What about a PTO option? Run a shaft to a compressor hidden under the bed? Just a thought.

 

There are a lot of newer cars in the U-Pull yards that have air suspension systems. Cadillac, Lincoln, Range Rover come to mind.
I have two 12v compressors from Cadillac Cateras (2002?). They have pretty big cylinders and I think will go as high as 200psi. I have robbed a very nice air tank off a Range Rover for storage. I was thinking of running both units switched separately, if necessary. If the storage tank is large enough, only one will be used.
If you find a Catera, the compressor is located behind the bumper ahead of the front tire on the passenger side.
I think the compressors were only $10 when I bought them.
Lots of cheap options!
-Donny

 

My son-in-law uses a '95 Cherokee air conditioning compressor with a small air tank. Seem to be happy with it.

 

I agree, York is the king here, but I’m trying to not deal with making brackets, pulleys etc.
Those ARB numbers are pretty impressive. You using a storage tank?

 

Not yet but it's in the plans. Fills tires ok without a tank but don't think it will run any air tools effectively without one. That said, I haven't tried it so don't really know.

 

York 210 AC compressor works great. There are mounting holes all over it. Builds air quickly, easy to find and rebuild kits available. I hooked mine to an air compressor switch, so it turns on and off automatically or I can just leave it off if I choose.

 

Mounted a York on my '67 cj5 . 2 gallon tank would run impact wrench well. Very impressed with the performance of the York 210 (2cyl/10 cubic inch)

 

Check out the dozens of 12V compressors offered by VAIR

 

I came to the conclusion that I would go with a VAIR electric next time after I added up all money spend on the York project.BTW the nice little York 210 was $5. at the swap meet. LOL mike

 

Is that the one you recently hooked a power steering pump to? Is there any power left to turn the wheels?

 

Very same jeep. That’s what the granny gear is for!

 

I have been using a VIAir for several years. Mine is the portable model, comes in a nice bag. I got it for like $180 on Amazon, free shipping.. I use it to refill my tires when airing up..

This is the one.
Viair Professional 12-Volt Air Compressor : Cabela's

 

Cost and hassle. If you have a decent alternator it's not hard to run a small compressor.