Sparkplug compressors

["George Graham" <georgergraham@zzzzzzzzzzz>]

I like the idea of the sparkplug compressor being handy for emergencies, but
not for long term use. As Bob H. pointed out there are a lot of problems
that come up. But this subject allows me to brag about my compressor, and
maybe someone on the list can tell me more about it.

I have a 1976 factory converted ford 302 engine that  runs off the four
cylinders on one side of the block while the cylinders on the other side
pump air. It puts out about 80cfm with 90psi. It only has a 25 gallon air
tank and was designed to rapidly load up repeatedly and be used for field
work. It became very popular in the monument industry with the guys who did
onsite lettering, carving and sandblasting. Unfortunately Ford Motor Co.
changed the 302 block around 1978, and made it much more difficult for
independent machine companies to do conversions. At some point the
manufacturing of these kind of compressors  disappeared. I've been told that
in the near future I won't be able to get parts anymore. The only company I
know of that still stocks parts is Iowa. I think its the Iowa Molding Co.
I basically was given this compressor in 2000 by an old german gentlemen who
was getting out of the cemetery lettering business. I had it completely
rebuilt and installed into my van by a real mechanic, which I am not! It's a
great machine and I hope to use it for a long time . Does anyone on the list
know of other sources for parts? Seems to me that there has got to be more
then one company left that works with this kind of compressor.

George Graham