Pictures follow the text.
Last year I picked up an AirMan Tour 60 12 volt air compressor, which I had mentioned in some other thread (that escapes me now) with the intent of posting a write-up on it. Finally finished what I wanted to do with it and found a little time to follow through.
This little air compressor apparently used to be known as an AirMan Sparrow; at least that was what I initially read when researching smallish portable compressors a year ago. Now known as the AirMan Tour 60, it's exactly the same based on pictures I have seen online. I read good things about it and decided to get one when I found one for an unbeatable price at aircompressorsdirect.com - $10 off and shipped free, so the total cost was less than $20 if I recall correctly. This was last August or so. I noted at the time that their site indicated the model was no longer going to be carried and these were the last of them available; indeed I don't see them on Amazon anymore now.
Considering the condition in which the compressor arrived I should have returned it. The shipping box was in fine shape but the product box inside was very smashed on one corner. Opening it up and inspecting it I could see nothing wrong with the pump itself - but I could hear some rattling inside, and clearly something was broken internally. I did not plug it in, deciding instead to just open it up and see what I could I could find - worst case, I damage it further and either return it or keep it and write it off.
What I found were several of the molded plastic bosses on the inside of the case were broken from the impact; the metal parts they held in place moved too much with whatever impact the unit had sustained. I was up to the challenge and proceeded to completely disassemble the unit and repair it with liberal application of epoxy. When I was done the unit worked quite well, and has held up ever since. I like the built in pressure gauge, which has proven to be accurate.
I had been intending to install the compressor under the seat on Loretta in the location where the charcoal canister had been secured - this a suggestion I think I first saw mentioned by rjeffb (he of UFP fame!). Once I was reasonably sure the compressor was well repaired and reliable, and I had a little time, I set out to get this done.
First thing I did was take the original canister mounting bracket and modify it by cutting off the canister holding extensions and grinding the cut metal smooth. I reworked the rubber strap mounting hooks to wrap around the larger size of the compressor, and I cut the D-rings from the canister retaining rubber strap. Using deft hammer and plier skills I banged the hook ends onto the D-rings, making a bracket that would retain the compressor with a strap. This worked out well but a bit odd in function since the original strap was wrapped around the canister at an angle - but it works well with the compressor.
When I removed the canister I had to plug the two holes in the bottom shell under the seat where the fuel tank vent and intake suction tubes were; for this I had used heavy rubber stoppers. This now had the nice side benefit of providing a cushion for the bottom of the compressor when secured in the bracket.
I had bought a length of 2" wide double-sided Velcro from strapworks.com just for this project. I cut it to fit the D-rings and secure the compressor to the bracket when wrapped in place. The Velcro holds securely and is easily removable when needed.
This was a relatively simple project. Many on bikes and scooters carry an air compressor with their toolkit, especially when touring, and I have found it to be a valuable addition myself. I think this turned out well. I always know where the thing is and it rides securely.
Delivery damage
And the first bits that fell out...
When opened I see plenty of broken bits.
This was all I could find - now to determine where they go!
This big boss was easy to position and epoxy in place.
Here is the repaired case, with extra epoxy reinforcement.
The modified canister bracket, rear view.
And front view.
This is the velcro strap, cut to fit (sorry, kinda dark).
The bracket installed under the seat. Rubber stoppers are evident right below it. With the flash the bracket looks silver!
The air compressor in place.
A closer view of the installation - completed!