I was thinking about making custom bumpers for my 93 Toyota Pickup, and thought it would be cool to have one of them (most likely the rear) have the ability to hold air. At the moment, i was thinking of one that would just be filled with a regular air compessor, because i dont really understand how the on board air compessors are hooked up or used. I am a decent fabricator, if i have the idea. Any ideas or brainstorming on this would be amazing! Or if someone could simplify how to insall a York compressor or something like that? I just need ideas and advice. Trying to learn more every day! thanks.

 

i have never installed a york compressor but i was thinking of doing an on-board air on my rig and was told that u can use the a/c compressor to pump the air threw it and to a tank, i would be a little worried using a bumper as an air tank, if someone hit u or if u bump something and it rips or brakes something off the tank u could kill u or someone, i know its one of those what ifs.... but thats my feelings... i would get a 5or 3 gal tank and install that somewhere under the truck,

 

wow thats cool! ive never heard of using the a/c compressor. that would work really well considering i live where i will NEVER use use it. And i didnt plan on keeping it aired up all the time. only the few times id take it wheelin or something like that. still too risky?

 

Just google york air compressor.
You can buy a brand new one online or from a junkyard.
They require some slight modification (if you don't want to run an inline oil trap), which is just mere tapping a hole and plugging it with a hex plug (easy).
They are normally installed on a stock toyota a/c pump bracket (again, junkyard find) with an adapter plate then mounted in place of the a/c system (I'm talking 22re here).
The York pump is engaged by an electric clutch, simply supply 12v to the clutch wire and it engages.
There are many different types of york compressors with different outputs (6, 8, 10 GPM I believe, check the york website) and many different fittings.You'll need to figure out the plumbing from the york to the remainder of the air system.
Most people run an air tank.
Oh and you'll probably need a hard line (copper or whatever) coming off the compressor as the air will be very hot (duh).

 

While this is a good idea I remember reading years ago about someone doing it.

Do you have someone that can do a hydrostatic test as you are now building a pressure vessel.

Granted it is rather low pressure only @ 90 to 120 psi but can still be quite ugly if it fractures. While someone or you is filling it with air

 

This is probably a really dumb question, but what is a hydrostatic test?

 

Novel idea, but what happens if you bend it? Will it have the potential to be pressurized while you drive? Just the thought of a pressurized tank rupturing during a crash can end very badly.

 

the plan for this would be a pretty straight forwad (maybe 3"x 8" rectangular tube that held air, then make a false front made from tred plate so i can install flush-mount backup lights without messing around with the tank too much. that false front would be reinforced to try and minimize the possibility of hurting the tank.

 

I have heard of people building their bumpers as an air tank. Bumpers are ususally some heavy gauge stuff so I wouldn't worry about it blowing up. Worst case senerio is you get in a wreck or something and you crack a weld and the air escapes. It's not like a bomb will go off and scrapnel will fly everywhere. I think it is a smart idea.

 

any ideas on what kinds of fittings i would need? and how to attach them?

 

use normal air fittings and drill and tap.

 

Look here,

https://www.yotatech.com/forums/f88/...-build-191787/

Toyospearo used his flatbed frame to hold air.

 

thats great!

 

I have a friend who has a Rover and he has this. Very cool indeed.

 

I got a tube bumper on my pickup and I have no idea if it was a fab job or whatnot but Something like that would work great! I don;t know how well you can pick it out in the picture:

 

plans are coming together.. after this week i plan to start on it. ill post as many pics as i can, and any constructive critisism is appreciated!

 

Aev had a jeep bumper that held water. its for a heep but still kind of cool. http://www.aev-conversions.com/shop/...e-carrier.html

 

I have been considering doing this to my rear bumper also. It already is one of the heavy duty tube bumpers and I am wanting to put a tap in it, a gauge somewhere kinda hidden, and a release valve. I know I will have a few holes to patch to get it air tight. Only thing im not sure is how much air to put it in it. I would guess 80-100 psi. I just want enough to fill up a tire or two when going wheeling with my friends and their jeeps. I wanted to do the same as you and not deal with having the compressor on board and just fill it up before I go wheeling and empty when I get done. Keep us posted about your experience with it!

 

will do!

 

http://www.harborfreight.com/12-volt...sor-96068.html its not the fastest thing, but it will help out. I keep it in my tool box for my quad on quad trips. it would work for a truck tire, just take a little bit of time. If your worried about time, just go with a viair compressor. but this small compressor works for me.