Listers,

Well, I finally received and rounded up all my parts and have assembled them into a working C02 On-Board Air system for my 'Cruisers! I used the basic design of the PowerTank and with some help from another lister -- Jim Brantley -- put together a system for 1/2 the cost of a PowerTank. Here's the parts list:

10 lb. C02 tank(Catalina) from Marine Depot http://www.marinedepot.com (look under C02 Regulator Kits then C02 accessories)
$89 + $10 shipping = $99

Model "150 Male" C02 regulator with a 150 lb. spring from Williams Balloons & Helium in Santa Maria, CA 1.800.235.4112
(you must specify 150 lb. spring *or whatever you want* when ordering, the model number & spring rate is a coincidence here)
$26 + 6$ shipping = $32

20' (125 lb. rated) polyurethane coiled hose with swivel ends from Steve's Wholesale Tools here in OKC, OK
(pressure at the hose will be about 80% of the regulators spring rating, so approx. 120 lbs.)
(these can be found at most any wholesale tools outlet I'm sure but the one at Harbor Freight was junk compared to this one)
2 Milton quick connects
1 Milton female connector
1 Milton male connector
1 Air chuck.......................Total for fittings & polyurethane hose was approx. $20 (the hose was only $9.88!!)

So, 99+32+20 = $151 for all brand new parts shipped to my door tax and all. I think I did good :o)

Here's what you don't get when compared to the PowerTank: No gauges -- but these are not useful anyhow. The pressure in the tank is constant until you run out of liquid C02 and the pressure at the hose is meaningless with at static regulator. To determine how much C02 is left you just weigh the tank. Besides, ~120 lbs. of pressure will do everything I want it to do, inflate tires, run air tools and re-seat tires on the rim -- what C02 does best!!! And the other thing you don't get is an adjustable regulator. And I really can't see any reason for it if you aren't running an ARB air locker that requires a lower pressure or some other tool that can't take 125 lbs. of line pressure. Of course this is my opinion of what I think I will be needing on the trail :o)

I know there are other ways to do this, with a used & converted fire extinguisher is one, but I wanted a purpose-built tank and a high flow purpose-built for air tools regulator. I haven't used it in the field yet, but I'll have my chance the last weekend in September at Clayton, OK & the Sam's Off-Road Novice Run.

I have pics of my C02 tank and all the parts on my PhotoPoint account I just set up this weekend. Also took some pics of our cruisers and other stuff. Take a look...

http://albums.photopoint.com/j/AlbumList?u=1191689

I hope my parts & suppliers list will help y'all out if you want to do this. Holler if you have any questions. Take care folks...