Do-It-Yourself Sandblaster

Do-It-Yourself Sandblaster FARM SHOP Tools 28-2-39 Why haul a sandblaster and motor to a work site when you can drive it there? Dunn-Right, Inc. lets you do just that with their Volks-Air air compressor that turns a VW engine into an air compressor that produces 58 cfm at up to 120 psi. "Our kits are a real economical way to have a powerful sandblaster that would otherwise be hard to justify," says Larry Dunn, owner of Dunn-Right. "Restoration people like them because they are large enough to do big jobs." Some people do install the kit on a working VW so two of the car's cylinders are used for air compression and two to power the car. Most people, however, mount a VW engine on a cart with a sand blaster next to it. Installing the kit is straightforward, says Dunn, who provides detailed do-it-yourself instructions. "You do need to be comfortable working with an engine, as you have to take it apart and swap out the cam shaft," says Dunn. "If you're not skilled, there are plenty of mechanics experienced with air-cooled VW engines who can do the job." Conversion involves replacing the stock camshaft, installing compression boosters on the pumping pistons, replacing the outlet valve spring retainer, and modifying the intake manifolds. Air flanges are then bolted to the old exhaust port on the head. Spark plugs no longer in use are grounded, and the clutch housing from the old transaxle and mount starter is cut. If one is needed, a new engine and starter mounting housing costs $46.50. Dunn also sells a sandblaster for $319.50. "The concept of buying a kit and doing the work is what a lot of people like. They end up with a unit worth more than what they have invested," says Dunn. "Avoid the rental of an equivalent compressor/sandblaster for a week, and you've paid for building one." The kit sells for $489.50 with airlines and air tank assembly, or $299.50 for just the engine kit. Fits any dual part type I or type III VW engine. Complete setup is $5,695. Contact: FARM SHOW Followup, Larry Dunn, Dunn-Right, Inc., 3672 Abbeville Hwy, Anderson, S.C. 29624 (ph 864 296-9316; e-mail: dunnright@carol.net).

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