Loadmaster '47 COE

[Nut Case]

Fast where do you get the uninsulated connectors? I have to cut off the hard plastic insulators, crimp, solder, then slip on the shrink tube. If you can share were to get the uninsulated connectors it will save on step in the process. Thanks for sharing. Nut Case

[47 Fasttoys]

Good question Nut case, I do the same as you and pull the plastic insulator off. I did do a little searching and the terminals can be ordered without the plastic at: http://www.jameco.com/Jameco/catalogs/c273/P143.pdf
I have not used this company.
Rob

[BlueJeep]

I have purchased from Jameco before and they're good to do business with.

But, what I've found is that uninsulated terminals are considerably more $$ than regular ones, so I do the same thing and cut off the plastic, crimp, solder, and heat shrink them. I'm used to it so it doesn't take that much longer...

[oldman3]

Noticed you got you avatar up, looks good...Jim

[47 Fasttoys]

Thanks Jim, After doing a little research I have decided try building a belt driven compressor for my air bag system. Space is a little limited and some modifications will be required around the engine covers etc..but the idea of high CFMs and the ability to run air tools appeals to me. I know there are air driven hydraulic systems out there (we use them at work) which would not require an electric motor and could be used to lift a tilt bed later so that would be an additional benefit . Ah yes, more things to figure out, that's half the fun of it all.
Rob

[Nut Case]

Fast: Thanks for the data. In my youth I drove trucks with air brakes, they all had engine driven compressors. I'd check large truck salvage yards for the compressors and such, I'm sure you could fab. a bracket that would tie into your engine. Nut Case

[lower50's]

This is the type of compressor you need its a York style ac compressor. Big rigs still use them but look for a '70-'80's full size ford or dodge truck or van. I had one on my Jeep for years. I could run an impact.

[Chance48]

How are those lubricated if no coolant and lube are present? Does it have a sump or engine oil feed?

Great idea Rob! That's a huge component to fit but if anyone can it'd be you.

Chance

[47 Fasttoys]

Thanks Lower 50s, yep that's the one I've seen on a few posts about the subject. Thanks Chance, I'm not sure how well it will fit at this point, but heck, if we all just waited for someone else to figure stuff out then we would all be driving Honda Civics. I'd be willing to bet I could pick a team of 10 guys on this Forum and build just about anything automotive starting with just a few tools and an idea.

[lower50's]

Originally Posted by Chance48

How are those lubricated if no coolant and lube are present? Does it have a sump or engine oil feed?

Chance

They have there own oil reservoir. I just used air compressor oil. You can mount them sideways to strait up.

[Chance48]

I've owned a few rigs that where used in my business and never had an issue with a/c besides adding a lil freon to one of them. I did not know that info. I can imagine those are some very robust units. Great ideas every where!! My brain is a sponge when I'm on here, always learning. I'm having good fun. Thanks!

Chance

[47 Fasttoys]

OK, so lesson learned on air bag systems: be very careful on mounting to insure bag does not rub metal. Rubbed a hole in my passengers side bag causing a loss of pressure on that side. The truck dropped to the bump stop but I was able to limp 20 miles to home. No sharp turns and a few bumper grinds got me home safe and sound. The ironic thing is the bump stop is what I was rubbing on. Had I not had it in place I would have been stranded for sure, but had I not had it in place I would have not had the issue to begin with. Had 2 extra bags so all is well now.
Picked up a compressor today for $25. How it's time to find or build the other components.
Rob

[Chance48]

Damn man! Glad you got home safe without damage to the ole girl. I've got a clearance of about 3/16" between my shock and bag. I don't know if it will ever touch it during a ride. It doesn't touch it no matter what ride height it sets at when setting idle. Where did you find that compressor for $25?! Nice score. If I hadn't already spent the benjamins on my viair comps I'd be lookin for an engine driven compressor option. Next build maybe.

[Dieselwrencher]

Rob, great work! It looks awesome laying that front bumper!

[lower50's]

Nice save. Nice score!!

[joedoh]

I have had electric compressors and the last 3 cars/trucks had edc. never again electric!

[99 to Life]

Truck gods were upon you! I'll have to look into an EDC sometime as well.

[47 Fasttoys]

Thanks all, Chance I got the compressor at Ed Powell auto salvage, it's a local yard and he has a small building full of compressors of all types. If you can't find one local when it comes time let me know and I'll hook you up.

I've been checking on the other parts needed to complete and it looks like around $120 more should do. Of coarse that does not include a mounting bracket for the compressor itself, that is something I will need to fab up myself due to the alternator location, which is now in the old AC compressor location. So this is the location I have to work with, I have 2 options: I can get a combo pulley for the alternator and drive the compressor off of that or remove the tensioner, mount the compressor in it's location and use it to tension the main belt. If I go the second route I will need to buy a new clutch for the compressor and a new main belt. If I go the first i will need the combo pulley and a new V-belt. The first route is a little cheaper but I only have a 4 rib belt running the alternator verses a 6 rib main belt.
Looking for input or other ideas on this one.

[Advanced Design]

I like the option of replacing the tensioner with the compressor. One thing I am researching is if the tensioner function serves any other purpose beyond applying a specific tension to the belt. Thinking theoretically...does the tensioner also flex and absorb pulses in the belt system that may damage xx component. I am probably overthinking this. If I come across something I will chime back in.

One variable not evident in the pictures is which location is most possible to fabricate a solid stable mount? Might influence where to put the compressor.

[47 Fasttoys]

Looking over my post I was not real clear. In both cases I would need to mount the compressor above the radiator hose in the area of the tensioner, if I go with the combo pulley driving it off the alternator it will be more to the right side. I'm going to pull the covers off this week-end and get a better idea of what I have to work with. I also realized I have not removed the covers since before my road back in April of last year, just goes to show, modern drive trains require very little attention.
Rob

[lower50's]

I had my compressor mounted solid on the frame in my Jeep. Using a v-belt, I made my own spring tensioner on the slack side. Offroaded 5 years with that setup never lost a belt.

[Chance48]

Thanks Rob, I'll be in touch about a compressor in the future.

I think the 4 groove belt will be fine. The alt pulley is much smaller. I think it'll I'll be under driven enough that you won't have issue. I know, it's only a hunch but I like that idea best. I would try it if it where mine.

I also like lowers idea. I was actually thinking about that when I was looking at mine with thoughts of engine driven comp, after I read your og post about it.

[Mhubbard85]

Hey rob just checking in on your progress. It's amazing that we work in the same plant and see each other as little as we do. Well cudos on the pump find and can't wait to see how it goes in. Also can't wait to get out to finish my cab as I am sure the space it is taking up is needed. Again thanks for your help bud. I got a little done on my bed today! It's got me excited for sure!

[47 Fasttoys]

Some parts arrived yesterday and I got a little work done today. I bought the rear helper bags off E-bay. The bags are a shorter stroke then I expected but I'm only using then for heavy loads so I don't think it will be an issue. You can see a comparison in size. The mounts on the other hand are very sturdy and will work good later if I end up lowering the rear. I also received my new clutch for my engine driven compressor project. I took 2 pieces of plate steel I had, welded them together and milled some slots in for some adjust-ability so now I need to start on the mounting of the main plate. I also removed the compressor head and tapped both ports for fittings to be installed later.
Rob

[solidaxel]

As a thought, I had a alternator running a V belt pulley on the drive shaft on a 34 ford back in the 70's, looks like you have a lot of room under the bed to mount a York comp.