Hello. I'm new here and figured I'd ask here as I'm trying to figure my first thing which is an air compressor. Actually, I'm new to this whole thing. What I'm looking at painting is the frame and suspension components to my vintage truck. I would also like to or aim to spray the inner fenders, radiator support, bed wood (varnish) and back fenders (stepside) if possible. I would probably use single stage paint as the truck was repainted 20+ years ago in single stage paint. As much as I would like to purchase a top notch compressor it's not in the cards for me right now because of a few constraints.

The biggest one being, is I don't have access to 230 volt or 240 volt rated outlet. I would upgrade but, I'm not sure if I will be at this property within the next few years much less living in the same state. Right now I'm confined to 110/120 volts. I'm not sure if there is an air compressor that will do what I need to do. I believe for my situation I could use a LVLP Gun or an older Gravity Feed Gun? I've read of stories of guys that used pancake compressor to spray single stage years ago.

I want to do a decent job but, I'm not building a show vehicle here. My truck is a driver type vehicle. Any help or information would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

TheWraithsGarage wrote:...The biggest one being, is I don't have access to 230 volt or 240 volt rated outlet. I would upgrade but, I'm not sure if I will be at this property within the next few years much less living in the same state. Right now I'm confined to 110/120 volts...

Running 240V is not that difficult. If your electrical panel has room for extra breakers, you just add a double pole and the correct size wiring for what size breaker you need.

If your panel is filled up you can move to thinline breakers and then add a new double pole breaker.

Hire an electrician and hopefully it is not a Zinsco panel.

If you have to use a smaller compressor consider using a conventional
gun, like one of the Binks copies.
They can spray pretty good at a much lower pressure than what
is called for and it will reduce the CFM requirements to half
of the specification.
I used a Astro for years with a Sears 3hp compressor and it kept
up with no problem. I sprayed at 35 psi with a Astro AS7SP
I still have one that I use for metal flake. Gravity guns tend to have metal flake
settle out in the neck but a siphon cup lets you keep shaking the cup
as you spray keeping it mixed.

https://www.summitracing.com/parts/apt-as7sp

Here's some specs I found.
7 W x 12 H in.Avg. Air Consumption - 7- 12 cfmAir Inlet Thread NPT - 1/4 in.Required Compressor - 3hpMax. Pattern at 8 in.Distance - 11 in. (280 mm)Fluid Inlet Thread NPT - 3/8 in.Air Hose I.D.Size - 6-8 mmCFM @ 50-60 PSI

The Compressor Battle

All i can say is Buy the Biggest baddest one you can afford!!!!! It will never be big enough.

Painting is only a small fraction of what is involved in restoration work.
Blasting is more important as is Sanding both of witch will kill any compressor.

Your Air compressor is the heart of your shop don't be stingy!