OBA System - Finally Done

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ntsaint

Don't Assume I Know The Basics...
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Oct 16, 2010
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Location
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After having had the compressor sitting around for 6 months, finally finished my OBA system over the weekend.

Went with a VIAir 450c compressor, which is continuous duty, and plumbed it into both of my sliders, which I'll use as air tanks.

The mount turned out pretty good (i think) for a novice... I pulled the power steering fluid bottle off its mount, and welded the VIAir mounting bracket onto it, then bolted back down. It's spring loaded, but doesn't give much movement at all. I then welded the clip that holds the PS bottle onto the new setup, and bolted everything on. Fit turned out pretty good i think.

All that was left to do after that was add a guage, regulator, safety valve, and quick connect. Works like a champ. Will air up all the tires without breaking a sweat. The sliders also appear to be extremely airtight, as I have only lost about 1lb of pressure in the last 48 hours.
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Braided taps into sliders.

Lines come into the passenger slider, then out to the driver's side. Both sliders are fitted with drain cocks for moisture as well as pressure release valves.

I've already ordered a different connector for the passenger tap...do not like how the connection sticks out so far. The new connector will take both lines straight up and out of the way.
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NICE! I wanna do that with my WKOR sliders. I was saving that for later, but that motivates me. Nicely done.
 
Very nice.. any concerns with the under hood heat? I'd like to do something similar, but I've got a battery over there... huh. Got me thinking though, this could be the direction as belt-driven OBA isn't so plug & play with these yet. good stuff! :cheers:
 
Nice setup! I was wondering about the heat issue too. I've been running a $60 harbor freight vivair copy for several years, but need to install a tank. Right now, I have it all packed in an rubber maid action packer and hook it up to the battery when needed.
 
I've checked it for heat a couple times, seems to handle it fine. Lots of other users on the forum running the same type setup, haven't seen any reports of heat problems.
 
Thats a pretty sweet setup, nicely done. I remember the old Ranch Hand bumpers that also functioned as air tanks.
 
ntsaint, I see what looks like a quick disconnect for air hose sitting next to the air gauge under the hood? Is that where you attach your air hose for filling up the tires? Can you explain where that quick disconnect attaches to in the system? Maybe a quick sketch of the air system?

Thanks!
 
ntsaint, I see what looks like a quick disconnect for air hose sitting next to the air gauge under the hood? Is that where you attach your air hose for filling up the tires? Can you explain where that quick disconnect attaches to in the system? Maybe a quick sketch of the air system?

Thanks!

Yes, that's the quick disconnect where I hook up the air hose.

Crude drawing is attached. Again, this is essentially Rohitash's design, minus the ARB locker add-ons.
 

Attachments

I would suggest putting a gate valve, or other shut-off in the line going to/from the sliders. I put this on my belt-driven OBA system in the 80, and it's come in handy for diagnosing leaks & stuff, also to not have to fill the tanks to get it to cycle when messing with the compressor side. It would also allow you to leave the sliders full of air if you had to take something else apart.
 
Nice setup! I was wondering about the heat issue too. I've been running a $60 harbor freight vivair copy for several years, but need to install a tank. Right now, I have it all packed in an rubber maid action packer and hook it up to the battery when needed.
The HF units run very hot compared to others. I often wonder what could be done to make them run a bit cooler.
 
Yes, that's the quick disconnect where I hook up the air hose.

Crude drawing is attached. Again, this is essentially Rohitash's design, minus the ARB locker add-ons.

Awesome, thank you! That drawing answered all my questions on the components and design of the system.

The pressure switch, that is wired to the compressor on/off correct? What model did you use, 80psi on, 120psi off? Also what psi safety valves?

Do you have a link to the system with ARB locker add-ons?
 
Awesome, thank you! That drawing answered all my questions on the components and design of the system.

The pressure switch, that is wired to the compressor on/off correct? What model did you use, 80psi on, 120psi off? Also what psi safety valves?

Do you have a link to the system with ARB locker add-ons?


The pressure switch came with my compressor, so no idea what model it is. It is wired directly to the compressor and to switched power, yes.

Not sure where it switches on, haven't really checked. My safety valves pop at 125PSI.

I'll see if I can find the pics Rohitash sent me and post them up.
 
The pressure switch came with my compressor, so no idea what model it is. It is wired directly to the compressor and to switched power, yes.

Not sure where it switches on, haven't really checked. My safety valves pop at 125PSI.

I'll see if I can find the pics Rohitash sent me and post them up.

Cool, thanks. If it's easier then just e-mail them to me and I will post.
 
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