Air Compressor

[thomas g. warner]

It is interesting to note that there are some owners that would like to
switch to the Electro level 1 system from the power level system. When I
first bought my coach I talked to Wes Caughlan at length about this subject
as I was thinking about changine mine. He advised and I now agree that the
Power level system is simpler, cheaper and more reliable. Just an observation.

>Yesterday I responded that my rotary air compressor had a label on it that
>said Air Lift Co Model 315 CD. I talked with Ray Rhoades this morning who is
>the suspension system expert for the GMC Classics and sells parts for the
>system. He said the pump is built by Thompson and was distributed by Air
>Lift. Air Lift is now out of business. The cost of the pump has gone up
>somewhat from what I paid for mine. Cost is $168 including freight.
>As to the air bag lift kits he had made. They were made out of a special high
>quality metal and welded with low hydrogen welding. According to Ray, regular
>welding won't hold up. He only has one lift kit left, price $95 including
>shipping. He said if he had enough orders he would have the machine shop make
>up more. As a matter of information he has made a number of kits in the past
>to convert the 73-76 models to the Electro Level I system. If you are
>interested in any of these items, contact Ray Rhoades directly at 214-348-0616
>
>Justin 77 PB
>
>
Tom & Marg Warner
Vernon Center NY
1976 palmbeach

 

[patrick flowers]

>
> Yesterday I responded that my rotary air compressor had a label on it that
> said Air Lift Co Model 315 CD. I talked with Ray Rhoades this morning who is
> the suspension system expert for the GMC Classics and sells parts for the
> system. He said the pump is built by Thompson and was distributed by Air
> Lift. Air Lift is now out of business. The cost of the pump has gone up
> somewhat from what I paid for mine. Cost is $168 including freight.

Hmm, Gateway rebuild kit was $65. If it works, I'll take the wife out
for a nice dinner. If not, I'll try to find another $168 for one of
Ray's.

Patrick
- --
Patrick Flowers
Mailtoatri63

The GMC Motorhome Page
http://www.gmcmotorhome.com

 

[thomas g. warner]

I am sure that you know that the Dana compressor is still available new for
$193.50 from Gateway and new rebuild kit for $48.50.

>In a message dated 11/22/98 9:45:44 PM Central Standard Time, patri63
>writes:
>
> Hmm, Gateway rebuild kit was $65. If it works, I'll take the wife out
> for a nice dinner. If not, I'll try to find another $168 for one of
> Ray's. >>
>I hear you. They have gone up from about $125 when I bought mine, but the
>difference in pump up time was worth it.
>Justin
>
>
Tom & Marg Warner
Vernon Center NY
1976 palmbeach

 

[patrick flowers]

Right you are Tom. You made me check my receipt - $48.50 plus $6.30
shipping.

Patrick

>
> I am sure that you know that the Dana compressor is still available
> new for $193.50 from Gateway and new rebuild kit for $48.50.
>

> > > for one of Ray's. >>
> >
> >I hear you. They have gone up from about $125 when I bought mine,
> >but the difference in pump up time was worth it.
> >Justin
- --
Patrick Flowers
Mailtoatri63

The GMC Motorhome Page
http://www.gmcmotorhome.com

 

[thomas g. warner]

justin have you compared it to the new Dana compressor with the head
modification. They are quite fast. You can upgrade your old compressor by
installing a rebuild kit.

The biggest advantage of the Dana is that it is still fully supportable,
both in spare parts and technical literature. I don't know about anyone
else but all work on my coach is done with long term supportability in
mind. Nothing worse than breaking down somewhere and not being able to
either get the part fixed or get a new one quickly. We have one of the few
coaches that is still fully supportable by several excellent dealers
starting with Cinnabar, Golby, Alex Sirum, Gateway etc. And all of them
understand the coach and our problems. We really need to support them if
possible.

Try to get a part quickly when you are broke down from anywhere else but the
GMC supporting dealers that advertise in our magazines.

Just my opinion but I am strong on it.

>In a message dated 11/23/98 10:58:17 AM Central Standard Time, warner
>writes:
>
> I am sure that you know that the Dana compressor is still available new for
> $193.50 from Gateway and new rebuild kit for $48.50.
> >>
>I've never had a "New" Dana compressor, but I did have mine rebuilt. The
>rebuilt Dana can't compete with the Thompson Rotary in pump up time.
>Justin
>
>
Tom & Marg Warner
Vernon Center NY
1976 palmbeach

 

[thomas g. warner]

The flapper has been eliminated and a poppet valve and spring installed.
Some owners in the GMC club that I belong to are modifying the old heads
with parts obtained at Home depot.

>>
>> justin have you compared it to the new Dana compressor with the head
>> modification. They are quite fast. You can upgrade your old compressor by
>> installing a rebuild kit.
>
>Thomas, I'm courious about what type of "modification" the upgrade kit
>does on the Dana heads. I installed a rebuild kit from Cinnabar a year
>ago but did not do anything to the heads. Their kit included new
>pistons and red rubber reed valves but the orignial heads were just
>re-installed. Thanks.
>Phil Stewart
>'76 Transmode
>
>
Tom & Marg Warner
Vernon Center NY
1976 palmbeach

 

[philip l. stewart]

>
> justin have you compared it to the new Dana compressor with the head
> modification. They are quite fast. You can upgrade your old compressor by
> installing a rebuild kit.

Thomas, I'm courious about what type of "modification" the upgrade kit
does on the Dana heads. I installed a rebuild kit from Cinnabar a year
ago but did not do anything to the heads. Their kit included new
pistons and red rubber reed valves but the orignial heads were just
re-installed. Thanks.
Phil Stewart
'76 Transmode

 

[philip l. stewart]

>
> The flapper has been eliminated and a poppet valve and spring installed.
> Some owners in the GMC club that I belong to are modifying the old heads
> with parts obtained at Home depot.
>
Thomas, what's a poppet valve? I've got a Home Depot close by but
wouldn't know where to start looking for such valve. This
modification sounds interesting. Pray, tell us more. Thanks,
Phil Stewart
'76 Transmode, TN

 

[patrick flowers]

The parts are included in the Gateway rebuild kit. I finished
assembling mine last night. I'll try to get the pic's up today if my
schedule will permit(finishing up today for the holiday). If not, I'll
get them posted over the holiday while recovering from turkey
overdose.

Patrick

>
> Tom. Could you find out what parts the are using.
>
> >From: "Thomas G. Warner"
> >
> >The flapper has been eliminated and a poppet valve and spring
> >installed. Some owners in the GMC club that I belong to are
> >modifying the old heads with parts obtained at Home depot.
- --
Patrick Flowers
Mailtoatri63

The GMC Motorhome Page
http://www.gmcmotorhome.com

 

[dave mumert]

If you are interested an engine driven compressor check out this site
http://offroad-net.com/jeep/tech/body/york/

Dave Mumert
dmumert

 

[homebase1]

> The flapper has been eliminated and a poppet valve and spring installed.
> Some owners in the GMC club that I belong to are modifying the old heads
> with parts obtained at Home depot.
Merry Christmas All................
Going through my files I found the following:
Can anyone be more specific? What exactly is this valve and
spring combo, and where do I go looking at the local store.
There's a lot of covered space in a Home Depot....room for Santa's
sled and several GMC's.
Mike Beaton
' 77 Kingsley
Antigonish Nova Scotia....not looking like a white Christmas!

 

[homebase1]

Thanks Tom and Patrick
Now I know what you guys are talking about! When I redid my
compressor 2 years ago (pre mailing list days, when it was every
man for himself) my valves consisted of the red silicone "flapper"
valves .
I used liquid teflon on my fittings, whether it's "approved" or not I
don't know, but no trouble yet. Either good luck or good
management! I suspect the former.

Mike Beaton......looking for something to take apart in NS

 

[patrick flowers]

Mike,

Not sure what Home Depot parts will work, but you can see pictures of
the new design parts(head, valve, spring and plate) at:

http://www.gmcmotorhome.com/tech/compressor/index.html

Give John Clement a call at 909-737-0969. He stocks individual parts
for the compressors.

Patrick
- --

>
> > The flapper has been eliminated and a poppet valve and spring installed.
> > Some owners in the GMC club that I belong to are modifying the old heads
> > with parts obtained at Home depot.
> Merry Christmas All................
> Going through my files I found the following:
> Can anyone be more specific? What exactly is this valve and
> spring combo, and where do I go looking at the local store.
> There's a lot of covered space in a Home Depot....room for Santa's
> sled and several GMC's.
> Mike Beaton
> ' 77 Kingsley
> Antigonish Nova Scotia....not looking like a white Christmas!

- --
Patrick Flowers
Mailtoatri63

The GMC Motorhome Page
http://www.gmcmotorhome.com

 

[thomas g. warner]

Mike the rubber flapper valve is exchanged for a small rubber puppet valve
and stainless steel spring. S slight amount of work has got to be done to
hold the spring. I have seen it done at the last GMC rally I went to. One
of the GMC Heritage cruisers was modifying the heads.

>> The flapper has been eliminated and a poppet valve and spring installed.
>> Some owners in the GMC club that I belong to are modifying the old heads
>> with parts obtained at Home depot.
>Merry Christmas All................
>Going through my files I found the following:
>Can anyone be more specific? What exactly is this valve and
>spring combo, and where do I go looking at the local store.
>There's a lot of covered space in a Home Depot....room for Santa's
>sled and several GMC's.
>Mike Beaton
>' 77 Kingsley
>Antigonish Nova Scotia....not looking like a white Christmas!
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
Tom & Marg Warner
Vernon Center NY
1976 palmbeach