In dash Compressor/air bag install

Couple of years after installing Air Lift bags-decided to go for in dash controls. We were camping at Big Basin and got hit with major rain storm. The camp site we were in had a lil bridge that went over a culvert. By the time I got the air bags filled not only was I soaked and freezing the water was up to the wheels. Enough of that.

I purchased compressor kit w/ 2 gal.air tank, dual control. Bolted compressor on an alum plate and mounted up in between the bed walls. Air tank I was able to bolt directly to frame. That took us one day, next day we ran the air lines. Air lines to switches run up in front in the pass door piliar, the quick connect hose coupler and air intake filter is installed back of pass seat. I figured air intake would be better inside getting drier air to tank.

Not having any "under dash" on our 01 Ford I decided to remove guages and switch from supplied mount and install on dash. Looks and works great. Some of you may have factory installed acc. in the location i used.

I used mount plate that gauge and switches came in for template for the hole sizes. I modified the relative locations a little bit-cant move them much with the stock tubing configuration of the switch setup. I also added a main switch that feeds power to the compressor. I didn't want it powered all the time (or not have the ability to easily turn off the compressor should a problem arise.) VERY carefully used dremel to cut it out dash-figured the worst could happen is having to make a plate to mount switches on then cover up dash mess 0r worst case Id have to buy a new plastic dash cover.

But it all worked-I like it. Its nice , I can get pretty level just using the air bags. Its nice to adjust the air to road conditions, though I dont while driving. A word-the dual needle gauges are fairly deep- kinda hard to read. A bezel that angled gage up would be the ticket. Maybe next time. Ford dash panel pops off pretty easy for access (with a bit of persuasion).

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