Mini Air Compressor

I finally got around to buying one of the $10 Campbell Hausfeld compressors that Wal-Mart sells. A popular item among motorcyclists, it is a bit bulky to take along. There are web sites explaining how to discard the housing and delete the switch to reduce its size. Two such sites are here (under Chassis|Tire Accessories) and here. (Most excellent sites, full of info.)

Some sort of bag or plastic container is normally used to store the stripped compressor on the bike. I got to looking at the newly discarded plastic Campbell Hausfeld housing and noticed that the compressor itself might fit inside the storage compartment at one end. Several hours later, the project was completed. These pictures show the process. Click on them to enlarge and read my description.

The advantage to having this compressor mounted in a case is that you aren't as likely to have a finger pinched while using it. Also, you don't have to hold the pump while it's in use. The disadvantage is that it is slightly more bulky than the bare pump.

One other approach: I know two people who have mounted the compressor under the bodywork of their bikes. Sorry, but I don't have pictures.