1970 Air grabber electronic conversion

[dgkirkman]

Hey has anyone converted their air grabber hood from vacuum to electric..
I've just heard a lot of horror stories about vacuum actuators going bad pretty quickly.. I've been looking at a 2" electric acuator n ther fairly cheap.. Any pics would b greatly appreciated.

 

[dgkirkman]

This is what I'm working with

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[70chall440]

Yes, I was researching the same thing and found someone on one of these forums that did it using a linear actuator which is what i am going to do on both of mine.

 

[dgkirkman]

Yep that's what I was thinking.. More the bottom pic.

 

[Mick70RR]

The bottom pic is my Road Runner. I did this a few years ago using a 2" actuator and home made bracket. I'd prefer the stock setup but the aftermarket vacuum actuators you can buy are junk, the one I bought lasted a month.

 

[dgkirkman]

I'll post some pics on what I did.. I used the stock location for the actuator and switch..
Here ya go..
The 2" actuator is from Windy Nation water proof for outdoor use.
The switch is IndusTec 10 AMP DC Motor Polarity - Reversing Maintained Toggle Switch Wired 12V also I put a toggle switch extension "RED" I cut the extension down a 1/4"

 

[BeepBeepRR]

I made a bracket for this today. Almost like the 70chall440 posted. I have some pictures it was a little trial and error but in the end I have a functional bracket.

This is the bracket roughed in and a little bigger than it needed to be. I have trimmed it down and reduced the length as well. I will post some more pictures as it progresses.

 

[70chall440]

Great job!!

 

[dgkirkman]

I made a bracket for this today. Almost like the 70chall440 posted. I have some pictures it was a little trial and error but in the end I have a functional bracket.

This is the bracket roughed in and a little bigger than it needed to be. I have trimmed it down and reduced the length as well. I will post some more pictures as it progresses.
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Looks good man post sum pics when yur done

 

[E-Body]

Wow, impressive. I have a 340 Six Pack air grabber hood that I'm going to be installing not to much longer from now. You live where? Lol

 

[BeepBeepRR]

Looks good man post sum pics when yur done

 

[F4R/T]

I have a good friend that did the conversion on another guys beeper and it seems good, it was done due to low quality repop vac actuators that were available and kept failing.

 

[Jeremy Schell]

I have been screwing around with the vacuum cannister and actuator for the last week; I love this idea for an electronic conversion. @dgkirkman that mounting plate is sharp; any chance you could be paid to make another one or I'm going to start fabricating.

 

[BeepBeepRR]

I have been screwing around with the vacuum cannister and actuator for the last week; I love this idea for an electronic conversion. @dgkirkman that mounting plate is sharp; any chance you could be paid to make another one or I'm going to start fabricating.

Are you asking me to make you a bracket? I can if need be. Lol never mind I forgot he had his own on here.

 

[Jeremy Schell]

Are you asking me to make you a bracket? I can if need be. Lol never mind I forgot he had his own on here.

Thanks! I am going to fabricate one out of carbon fiber instead; should be stronger and lighter

 

[Hemirunner]

Hey has anyone converted their air grabber hood from vacuum to electric..
I've just heard a lot of horror stories about vacuum actuators going bad pretty quickly.. I've been looking at a 2" electric acuator n ther fairly cheap.. Any pics would b greatly appreciated.

I’ve been running the same vacuum actuator for 30 plus years. It’s an original so I guess it’s been in operation for 52 years.

 

[smallsins]

I'll post some pics on what I did.. I used the stock location for the actuator and switch..
Here ya go..
The 2" actuator is from Windy Nation water proof for outdoor use.
The switch is IndusTec 10 AMP DC Motor Polarity - Reversing Maintained Toggle Switch Wired 12V also I put a toggle switch extension "RED" I cut the extension down a 1/4"View attachment 1060779 View attachment 1060780 View attachment 1060781 View attachment 1060782 View attachment 1060783 View attachment 1060784 View attachment 1060785 View attachment 1060786 View attachment 1060787 View attachment 1060792

I just ordered same actuator and reverse polarity module, going wth aluminated stainless switch. Curioous how well this actuator has worked and for how long?

 

[Hemirunner]

You guys are using some beefy actuators. I used those on my Superbird headlights. For the Air Grabber, I used the stock bracket and adapted a smaller linear actuator.