Page 35 - Issue 36

be a con to using a propane tank.
be a con to using a propane tank.
On the bright side they can be
On the bright side they can be
cleaned & modifi ed to work great
cleaned & modifi ed to work great
for little to no money. Any other
for little to no money. Any other
high pressure tank (welding gas
high pressure tank (welding gas
tank, repurposed compressor tank
tank, repurposed compressor tank
Compressor(s): Fills air tank(s) from your garage, etc.) will work.
with air to supply to the bags. As a rat rod builder, this is your
Automotive compressors work place to shine and be creative!
much like an air compressor in
your garage for pneumatic tools. Air Line & Fittings: The air-lines
Bags are essentially a pneumatic and fi ttings are like the “arteries”
tool for your vehicle to use. There inside of our vehicles. They deliver
are 2 types of compressors: the air to where it needs to go.
Electric or Mechanical (Engine Would you want weak arteries
driven). Any option you pursue inside your body? No! Use only
will require a pressure switch or DOT Approved fi ttings & hose.
governor of some sort to turn Do not be tempted by the cheap
compressor(s) on/off. “Menards” or “Home Depot”
Recommendations: The VIAIR brass fi ttings (they are meant for
electric compressors are nice 40-50psi max). Also, do not use
for universal fi tment & value, but garage hoses or hose clamps!
in general the mechanical are Recommendations: Gather
a better long-term investment. your list of fi ttings and order them
For the Do-It-Yourself-er, you all at once on eBay, so shipping
can convert an engines A/C each fi tting doesn’t break the bank.
compressor to an air compressor. NAPA also stocks components
generally used for “Air-Brakes”.
Gauges: Air pressure gauges
can give you a good idea of
height as you are driving down
the road. A gauge plumbed to
your tank is especially important
because it tells you how much
reserve air you have, as well as
a potential indicator for a faulty
Air tanks: An air tank is used compressor setup. AVS, airlift and
to store extra air so you have VIAIR make some of the most
reserve capacity to “Play” with the commonly used gauges
Dual needle
switches. About 5-10 gallons is Recommendations: Dual needle
average, holding 160-200psi. Keep gauges are very convenient and
in mind you will want a tank drain save space. You can repurpose old
for condensation build-up, as well air pressure gauges from a semi,
as an inline water-trap. tractor, etc.
Recommendations: Propane
tanks can be easily found at To see more on the basics of
almost any junkyard or farm. The Air-ride setups feel free to check
smelly dye inside along with the out Tinman 2 Kustoms on YouTube:
generally low number of ports can youtube.com/tinman2kustoms

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