Volksair Air Compressor?

[crashbumper]

I searched the forum to see if anyone has built/used one of the VW type 1 based air compressors. I came up with only one post in the air compressor thread mantioning that someone was going to build one, but this was last year.

I am only thinking of going this route since my dad is a VW engine and car builder with 30+ years experience. He has enough parts to build probably a dozen of these things, so my only real investment would be the kit and a tank.

Specs for compressor are:

Basic kit (DR3S) retails for $339.50
58 CFM @ 100PSI
28 HP
120 PSI Max Pressure

"Perhaps one of the most unique factors about these units is their ability to self govern and auto load. Meaning when maximum pressure is attained the unit stops pumping and slows down slightly. When air is used and pressure drops the unit speeds up and starts pumping again."

Only problem is finding a tank that is structurally sound. With such high CFM, would a large tank even be necessary? Could I get away with a 20gal or smaller tank?

Suggestions, help, comments, hate?

 

[J.A.F.E.]

It's a neat idea idea that I've seen before and considered building myself. One the other hand the ones I have seen run tankless which dampens my enthusiasm. I'd be interested to see your progress on this, especially if you build a tank system.

 

[Herb]

Yeah, I'm in the same boat as you. Lots of VW engine parts, woouldn't cost much to build. The only down side I can see is additional maintainance and the neccessity to have the unit outside. I hope this thread goes somewhere, I'd like some real world experience before I spend my money.

 

[Jared]

With a CFM that high you wouldn't need much of a tank, you could try your local commercial truck repair shop for a couple of smaller tanks, there usually pretty cheap. Are you planning on making it mobile with a trailer under it or stationary?

 

[T56 Impala]

Okay, point an idiot to an artical/thread about these things. I have never heard of such.

 

[Charles (in GA)]

I considered this, looking for a decent CFM compressor to run a sandblast pressure tank to blast my log house (with ground corncob media, not sand) but eventually found a 105CFM Atlas-Copco screw compressor driven by a 2 cyl Deutz diesel.

I STILL NEED A LARGE (50 GAL OR UP) PRESSURE TANK AND HOSES, HOOD, ETC, IF ANYONE KNOWS OF SUCH.

I would use a tank of some sort, to dampen the compressor pulses, much like a Minneapolis-Moline tractor converted to a have onboard air by a Schrram conversion.

Here is the Volks Air link for those interested.

http://www.dunnrightinc.com/

Charles

 

[T56 Impala]

Very interesting.

 

[Kona Cruisers]

I have been wanting one for years.. I just want to see one in person first. I would like to see the oil blow by from this unit. I need clean oil free air and well we all know who a/c motors be it HD or VW mark there spot....

 

[ADSR]

Bump an old thread. Has anyone made one of these yet? I'm interested myself.

 

[jim keris]

used these on German ships made by Hatappa 2 stage high pressure 350 psi basically a bug motor with different heads poppet style valves

 

[jim keris]

sorry manufacturer is Hatlappa

 

[ADSR]

I'm planing a build. Started keeping my eye out for a 150 gallon tank and type 1 or 3 dual port engine.

 

[2mJps]

I saw a VW mag years ago and thought about it but it seemed high dollar back then. I have a book that tells step by step how to make a FE engine in to a compress and you build every thing your self. I would love to have a big compresser to sand blast with and maybe start a buissness doing it.

 

[ADSR]

I saw a VW mag years ago and thought about it but it seemed high dollar back then. I have a book that tells step by step how to make a FE engine in to a compress and you build every thing your self. I would love to have a big compresser to sand blast with and maybe start a buissness doing it.

What's the name of the book? Sounds cool! Sandblasting around here is 1.50/minute. I'd undercut for a bit then match the price.

 

[Fixnair]

With 58 cfm you should have minimum 80 gallon receiver. Anything smaller and you are going yo notice pulsation so from the Pistons and air velocities greater than recommended.

I've worked on a number of them over the years. As well as conversions for model A Fords, Flathead V8 Fords, 5 litre Fords, 902 cu in Cummins V8s and inline 6 cylinder White truck engines.

They aren't the best air compressor though. The air discharged is hotter than a conventional compressor and often is loaded with lube oil.

 

[ADSR]

With 58 cfm you should have minimum 80 gallon receiver. Anything smaller and you are going yo notice pulsation so from the Pistons and air velocities greater than recommended.

I've worked on a number of them over the years. As well as conversions for model A Fords, Flathead V8 Fords, 5 litre Fords, 902 cu in Cummins V8s and inline 6 cylinder White truck engines.

They aren't the best air compressor though. The air discharged is hotter than a conventional compressor and often is loaded with lube oil.

ok, so an after cooler is a must? Thanks for the info, experience helps.

 

[cjs1958]

A friend of mine and VW mechanic built one of these a few years ago. He did a lot of sand blasting with it. I don't think he had any problems

 

[ADSR]

A friend of mine and VW mechanic built one of these a few years ago. He did a lot of sand blasting with it. I don't think he had any problems

That's good to know. I plan on doing a lot of blasting.

 

[md21722]

Reciprocating air compressors like your standard 2 cylinder motor driven ones output air in pulses. The tank serves as a condensing point & smooths out the pulses. The tank need not be part of the compressor unit itself but should part of your overall system.

 

[Bigblue&Goldie]

I've got a 200hp+ VW motor sitting in my garage........now I just need to figure out what I could do with all that air! Dual 48mm carbs is what every compressor needs!

 

[930dreamer]

I like to see one of these in action.

 

[ADSR]

I like to see one of these in action.

 

[VDubJoe]

I bought the basic kit about 15 years ago. Still getting around to building it.
Keep us posted on your progress.

 

[ADSR]

I bought the basic kit about 15 years ago. Still getting around to building it.
Keep us posted on your progress.

I'm actively looking for an engine. They should make a kit for the EJ25 subaru as there are millions of them just laying around.

 

[2mJps]

What's the name of the book? Sounds cool! Sandblasting around here is 1.50/minute. I'd undercut for a bit then match the price.

I will try and find it. Its pretty good he shows how to build a complete sandblaster on a trailer and were all the parts may be found although there is nothing speisal that is needed. With this book you could build a compresser from any water cooled V 6 or 8 engine.

 

[OccupantRJ]

I'm planing a build. Started keeping my eye out for a 150 gallon tank and type 1 or 3 dual port engine.

I had considered this myself until I happened upon the Smith 302 unit I found.

 

[ADSR]

I had considered this myself until I happened upon the Smith 302 unit I found.

I'd be all over a smith 302 for the price you paid!!

We'll see how the VW works out when I find one.

 

[DWP1726]

For anybody interested in the Volksair there is a lot of info on a site dedicated to all things VW.I hope its OK to post the address here???/
If you are planing on building i suggest getting a little in on rebuilding VW air-cooled engines. Not hard to do but a keep an eye on the details.
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=647035


Dave

 

[Fixnair]

Just for grins go here.

 

[Al Borland]

Contractor i worked for in the 80s had a couple of tow-behinds that were Flathead fords modified as a compressor/generator. They were mounted in trailers made from little pick-ups.