York Mounting Kits? AIr COMPRESSOR

marc_w · Apr 29, 2003

I'm going to bug Brad Kilby about York mounting kits for late model Votec or LS1 based engines.

Do you think between here and the GM truck sites, there is much interest?

marc_w · Apr 29, 2003

Also, to clarify to others...

http://www.onboardair.com

Brad Kilby is the man in charge of this site and company. One of the things they specialize in, is building parts and mounting kits for on-board air systems for offroad vehicles.

A "York" is a brand of AC compressor out of early 80's AMC's and Volvo's. They can be had at junkyards fairly cheap, and are pretty much bullet-proof in regards to on-board air systems. They're powerfull enough to run air tools without breaking a sweat.

I hate the mid-summer waiting lines at the air-pumps at my coastal driving spot... I want to build an air system for myself.

kcfunke · Apr 29, 2003

I would be interested. I read an article about them in one of the four wheel magazines I get. It would come in handy while offroading as well as for a lot of the work I do around the homestead.

marc_w · Apr 30, 2003

I got a nice email from a person named Scott over at Kilby Ent.

They are planning on a kit for the Vortec motors, but it could be a few months before they get it done. I was asked if I'd like to be updated, and I certainly relied yes...

I asked if the kit will be for the mice or the rat's (or both!). Waiting to hear back.

Crexis · Apr 30, 2003

I'm in! I wrote to them (I think it was Scott that I heard from as well) at one point about year ago, asking the same thing. At the time, there were no definite plans. Glad to hear they're working on it!

I'll very likely buy one almost as soon as they're available, finances allowing anyway!

I have a couple of reasons I need to run air tools in the field, and this seems like my best bet. I'm also looking at a CO2 system, but would prefer an enginge drive compressor. I'm just not competent enough to build my own mounting system. If I can buy some brackets and such, I'd be all over it!!

kckay · Apr 30, 2003

Brad is a friend of Andi's. While we were in Moab we took the opportunity to talk with him. He came over with one of his mounting brackets and took a look at the AV. Looks like the bracket will require the relocation of the positive post and a couple of wires. The biggest thing is the inaccessibility of the power steering fluid reservoir cap. He said it could be built with the serpentine or a V-belt.
Steve Sazaki's (PowerTank) CO2 tanks are great and portable. I have 2. I have run impact wrenches and re-seated tires. A drill or ratchet will use more CO2 than an impact. Steve's latest have a guage that allows you to dial the pressure in for whatever task you are working on.

marc_w · May 1, 2003

Got a reply from Brad -

One of their employee's just bought a new truck with a small block - that'll be the first kit they'll build. They're looking for a local 8.1 they can get their hands on to build something for the horsepower endowed people.

I've considered C02, but I don't have an idea as to where I'd get them filled, and I'd rather have the peace of mind of an unlimited supply.

Crexis · May 1, 2003

CO2 is fantastic (and you can get them filled at any aquarium supply place (used for fish tanks and such). I'm still thinking of going with CO2 (thanks for the input KC and Andi!) but I attend an event once a year where I'd like to be able to use an impact wrench for hours at a time to put together structures. It's only once a year, but I'd also use it year-round for airing up tires after trail runs and such (as well as on-trail repairs).

I'm pretty junk-yard savy and can probably scrounge the compressor and then buy the fittings and tank... I just need someone with more fabrication talent than I have to build me some reliable brackets that will bolt to my motor with no welding and no (or minimal) drilling.

Enter Kilby Enterprises

I am thinking of building an old K5 as a more hardcore trail rig (can't afford to lay my Av on its side!) and one huge advantage of the CO2 system is portability... so I'm still considering both options.

kckay · May 1, 2003

We agree with you regarding an engine-driven compressor. It will be nice to have a virtually uninterruptable and endless supply of compressed air. Once Brad gets the brackets together, we will be adding one to our AV. It will be nice to have air available all the time. We've got a York compressor sitting on a shelf just waiting to be installed!

I've used the Powertanks for the last couple of years. I've been able to air 12 tires (36X12.50's) up to road pressures and still have some left over. The portability is very, very nice. If you talk with Steve, tell him that we sent you his way.

You know, we just happen to have a '71 K5. I built it up in '89. It has a corporate 14-bolt (big drum brakes) with a Detroit Locker, a Dana 44HD (disc brakes) with a Track-Lok, 350, SM465, NP205, family cage, 4" lift in the front, 2" spring lift (no blocks) in the rear, 315/75R16 tires on aluminum rims, soft top. The body is a bit rough as it has been on it top once. Much fun.

bbrennan · May 2, 2003

I have e-mailed Brad a fedw times about the possibility of a kit for the Vortec chevys. I want one for my '98 Z-71 and one for my '02 Ave Z-71. Please keep us all updated on the progress of the bracket kits.
My plan as of now is too mount a Dewalt Gas powered air compressor in the bed of the truck until Kilby gets the kits completed.