I bombed my Grovers today!!

[GAmes]

I was given a Grover horn kit when I had my 1st gen, and I kept it when I bought this truck, so it is about 8 years old. It came with a PIA compressor that required an oil change every 3 months (a whole tsp) and required the motor to be dissassembled and cleaned it seemed like once a year. Thanks to SWC for the idea and with his help I modded and installed a compressor from an 85 Caddy. The old pump would take 15 minutes to pressurize the little 1 gallon tank. This one did it in 3, plus it is quieter and requires no maintenance. If anyone is interested in the particulars let me know.



If there are any old GM mechs out there who see and recognize this compressor, maybe you know what the orange and white wires that plug into the top are for. If you apply 12 volts to them you can hear a switch click. They are not needed to make the motor run. SWC and I have made some guesses but neither of us know for sure.

 

[Soldier]

If anyone is interested in the particulars let me know.

I'd like to know a little more about it. I have a set of Hadleys, the compressor that came with them will fill the tank (about the same size as yours) is about 2 or 3 mins, but it's noisy as heck unless I'm on the road.

 

[Forrest Nearing]

I'm assuming that was for a load leveling air suspension in the Caddy? looks like a nice cheap source for a compressor!!



Forrest

 

[Deezul1]

Hey Gary

You will have to fill me in on this setup, I am dying for some REAL horns. I like that compressor.

 

[Soldier]

Hey Deezul1, have you been down to any of the big rig wreckin yards around there yet? I know the Waco area has quite a few. There's one off I-35 just south of Temple on the south bound side. I forget what exit it is, somewhere between Temple and 271 I know that for sure. Anyway, I got a set of Grovers for a friend from there for $40.

 

[Deezul1]

Central Texan

Thanks for the info, I will try that, there are quite a few yards around here to look in.

John

 

[Big White Beast]

Another option........

I used a $10 tire inflator from Wal-Mart. It say's it's rated to 250 PSI but I think it would melt down. It takes a while to fill a 1 gallon tank but the pressure switch I used to make it automatic kicks on at 80-90. So the refill time is around 2 minutes.



Compressor, Pressure switch and misc. items ran around $40



Garrett

 

[smilliron]

GAmes,



The wires coming off the head of that compressor go to a solenoid that releases air pressure. I'm assuming on the caddys that it was to drop pressure in the suspension. If you pull the head off the compressor, you can see exactly what it's doing. I picked a couple of those little compressors up myself... so far they're quite handy, and pretty sturdy. I don't think the solenoid to release pressure would do much good for people just wanting to store some air, but it might be cool for someone running bags... ? Dunno.



--Sam

 

[kchristopher]

I've got the same compressor at home but didn't think it would work with the plastic filter/muffler thingy. A few questions:



Does it have a built-in pressure switch?

If so, what pressure does it air to?

What did you use to secure the hose to the compressor? (Hard to see in GAmes picture. )



Thanks to all. Looks like my horns aren't as far off as I thought! If this works, I only need a few airlines, wires and an electic valve to put on the horns.

 

[GAmes]

Forrest,

Yes, it is a car leveling system it came out of. My wife drives an 85 and I aquired a donor/parts car to keep it running.



Thanks for the info Sam, now I have to figure out how to hide/remove the top terminals. I guess I could wire them into my pressure switch and send it to an LED in the cab to let me know when the pump is running, since I can't hear it with the Cummins clattering away



There is no built in pressure switch, I used the one that came from Grover. You can see the white wire and the red wire going to it. I don't know what it shuts off at, but it is plenty for my horns. SWC said he tested his pump and it put out 125 psi.

I used snap clamps to hold the air hose on cuz I think they look neater, but regular hose clamps will work. The little black air dryer canister has a tapered connector but there is enough flat area for the clamp to hold. It is 3/8 ID clear reinforced teflon hose by the way... ... ... . don't wanta be half steppin.

If you want to know more PM me your e-mail address. I can send you more pictures and a parts list, plus info how I plumbed and wired it. You can adapt my install to fit your needs.



Gary

 

[GAmes]

Anothe pic

I received a lot of mail so here is another picture.



I added a hot wire (the orange one) to an LED in the cab today. It comes on when the pressure is low, and when the key is on and the engine running it will indicate when the compressor motor is running. Couldn't find a use for the terminals on the top.

 

[GAmes]

and one more

hope these help!!