UPDATED 8/26 : PICS BELOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Original:

I just got a free 68' two wheel drive straight six. It has an on board air system, tank under the bed and fitting at the rear bumper. Is this factory? Is this rare? Is this valuable?

 

Never heard of ford offering that factory. So yes very rare! Haha. Valuable if you have use for it. Big air horns, air tools.

One of the older guys will be along shortly to confirm.

 

I don't know if they were an option, but I have seen them mounted where the Onan generator would be.

 

A free truck is always valuable.

Others know a lot more than I do, but I believe A/C was a dealer-installed option. Tank location varied depending on the trim package.

What type of fitting?

 

OK, I'm an idiot. THAT kind of air system.

Sweet. Your truck can power all kinds of work on itself, as long as the engine runs.

 

Not sure what specific fitting, but I think I could take my airline off my garage compressor and plug it in.

 

Now you need train horns!

 

...and we need pics!

 

Ive never heard of a factory ford "on board air system". I doubt very seriously that its factory.

Factory AC in 1968 is rare enough.

 

 

That's a Bendix Westinghouse air brake compressor off a Big truck. Adapted on by some PO. I think the fitting in the back was to GET air pressure, not put it in the tank.

 

Question of curiosity, does the compressor have a shut-off, either manual or automatic? If automatic, then the tank is always pressured up?

 

There is a solid pulley on the compressor. Not a clutch. So the compressor would work as long as the engine is running. I believe there is a release valve in the system to release some pressure when the tank(s) get full to make room for what the compressor is still puting out. That's got to be why every once in a while you hear a PPSSSSTTTTT come from under a Big Truck. I am not 100% positive on this as I know little about air brakes. Anybody please feel free to correct me if I'm wrong.

 

Maybe it was once a service truck for a tire shop or something.

 

It would definitely operate as a big truck air brake system would. Always
pressurized. Anyone want the air system? It looks as if I am putting this beauty to sleep. Too many electrical issues plus I have a monster I'm working on. I have some people that need a few things but Im not sure on the antique air yet.