Air Compressors AGAIN! Real experiences please! - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

**COBALT** · 03-26-2002, 02:23 PM

Ok, I know this has been discussed, and rehashed, and debated about 1000 times, but now its my turn to ask for help on this.

I've been doing some research on what I'll need for an air compressor for the truck restoration. I'll be doing all of the grinding, sanding, and cutting, and MAYBE some painting, but if I need anything sandblasted I'll want to have a professional do it. I might want to sandblast small stuff (like cross-members), but no major stuff...

...so I'm drifting toward a 5-7 hp, 60-80 gallon, 2 stage oil-lubed compressor that can put out 10-12 CFM at 90psi. More power the better. I don't want to get 1/2 way into a job and run out of air when I really need it. That puts me in the $800-$1000 range.

Here's the problem. We're doing this at my dad's place, where nothing like this has ever been done before. He's always operated with these smaller portable 2-2.5 hp oilless units that are good for blowing dirt/grass off the tractor, painting the barns, and inflating tires. He's thinking about getting a new one RIGHT NOW, but he's still looking in that same small range convinced that it will handle everything I need to do to my truck. Right now he's looking at one of these dual tank 3 hp compressors that's rated for nail guns. On top of that his breaker box at his shop is full, and he doesn't have any 220v outlets wired! I'm trying to convince him to split the cost on a big one...

So, who has used some of these smaller 110-115v 2-3hp compressors (which can only throw out 3-4 CFM at 90 psi at most-maybe as high as 6) and managed to get good results for what I'm talking about doing? Is it totally out of the question to use a small one, or am I right in thinking big? HELP before this whole restoration comes to a screaching halt before it starts!

------------------
'69 3/4 ton C20 2wd w/ 350ci/400THM and a wood bed!
'69 3/4 ton Custom 20 2wd w/ ORIGINAL 350ci/4sp Manual and a wood bed (parts beast).
Seattle, WA.

*See pics of my trucks and project at www.webshots.com!

[This message has been edited by new69owner (edited March 26, 2002).]

03-26-2002, 02:23 PM	#1
COBALT Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Seattle, WA, USA Posts: 5,817	Air Compressors AGAIN! Real experiences please! Ok, I know this has been discussed, and rehashed, and debated about 1000 times, but now its my turn to ask for help on this. I've been doing some research on what I'll need for an air compressor for the truck restoration. I'll be doing all of the grinding, sanding, and cutting, and MAYBE some painting, but if I need anything sandblasted I'll want to have a professional do it. I might want to sandblast small stuff (like cross-members), but no major stuff... ...so I'm drifting toward a 5-7 hp, 60-80 gallon, 2 stage oil-lubed compressor that can put out 10-12 CFM at 90psi. More power the better. I don't want to get 1/2 way into a job and run out of air when I really need it. That puts me in the $800-$1000 range. Here's the problem. We're doing this at my dad's place, where nothing like this has ever been done before. He's always operated with these smaller portable 2-2.5 hp oilless units that are good for blowing dirt/grass off the tractor, painting the barns, and inflating tires. He's thinking about getting a new one RIGHT NOW, but he's still looking in that same small range convinced that it will handle everything I need to do to my truck. Right now he's looking at one of these dual tank 3 hp compressors that's rated for nail guns. On top of that his breaker box at his shop is full, and he doesn't have any 220v outlets wired! I'm trying to convince him to split the cost on a big one... So, who has used some of these smaller 110-115v 2-3hp compressors (which can only throw out 3-4 CFM at 90 psi at most-maybe as high as 6) and managed to get good results for what I'm talking about doing? Is it totally out of the question to use a small one, or am I right in thinking big? HELP before this whole restoration comes to a screaching halt before it starts! ------------------ '69 3/4 ton C20 2wd w/ 350ci/400THM and a wood bed! '69 3/4 ton Custom 20 2wd w/ ORIGINAL 350ci/4sp Manual and a wood bed (parts beast). Seattle, WA. *See pics of my trucks and project at www.webshots.com! [This message has been edited by new69owner (edited March 26, 2002).] __________________ '69 3/4 ton C20 2wd-350ci/TH400 '69 3/4 ton Custom 20 2wd-350ci/4sp Manual '99 2wd 5.7 Chevy Tahoe Seattle, WA.



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