Which Model Shoebox Did I End Up With?

[Hangtown-Shooter]

 I just pulled the cover off a used Shoebox I purchased about a month ago and I think I may have got the shaft... I was told it was the Freedom 8 version, but I assume it must be a earlier model. It has a “cogged belt drive”, but no pressure switch or cooling fan 

I need to go re-read how to post a pic I’m having technical difficulties lol

[Frank in Fairfield]

Looks like original Shoebox to me.
3000psi or 4500psi?
I would give Shoebox a call?

[Hangtown-Shooter]

That’s what I feared. Boy am I disappointed!

[Chris USA]

I got a 10, but they sent an 8 as they were in transition at the time with the parts and stickers. Mine has the fan and pressure switch. I called Shoebox to figure out what was what,.. and the they said I had a 10 and sent me a bigger pulley and belt. Free. They said that was the only difference between the 8 and 10.

I would for sure get a fan and leave the cover on (air flow is better when temp. checked) For now, you could leave the cover off and put a strong fan on it. Maybe there is a serial # too? 5/2/16 is when I got mine.

[FuzzyGrub]

It is not a F8 or F10.   It has the "clacker" shut-off.  It is a Max or Original SB post chain drive. 

[FuzzyGrub]

Go ahead and test it it out.  See if you have a 3k or a 4.5K shut-off point.  You do need to regulate the input to 85psi so the shut-off trips at the right point. 

Tom and Carol and team have been excellent in support, so don't be afraid to contact them.   And there are allot of very experienced SB owners here on GTA to help too. 

[Back_Roads]

 Pictures show what I think may be cylinder upgrade? There were upgrade kits at one time, some of the options may have been added to yours, IIR there was a cylinder upgrade the improved pistons have cooling groves in them. Correct me if mistaken.

[AlanMcD]

As others have said, it is not an F8, but it is not an original either.  It has some upgrades on it that look like it might be around the time of the Max, but whoever ordered it did not opt for the fan - but it was clearly in the time frame where that was available.  Hopefully it has the polished piston rods, and if so you have the basis of a solid compressor there.  Don't know what you paid, but it probably was still a good buy - I am sure you are into it for far less than John and I paid for our Shoebox Max units when new.

I would get the serial number off it - located on the center aluminum air block - and contact Tom and Carol to find out about it.

Not having the fan is not an issue, as you can point one at it with the cover off (that is what I do with my Max), and it should work well, assuming it does not need new o-rings in the cylinders (but it is easy to do it they need replaced).  The only true downside of not being an F* is that the clanking mechanical shut off is loud and can be annoying.

[Hangtown-Shooter]

Thanks for the clarification guys, I appreciate it!

 Alan, thanks for the info regarding serial # location. I thought I had looked it over closely but I had missed that.

Looks like it is inscribed with “4500 B/A” ? after the S# so that is good, at least it’s not a 3000 psi max.

[larspawn]

SN is engraved on the aluminum manifold.  I believe on my OSB it was on back.  On my F10 it is at top front.

I ordered my original OSB at 3000 PSI.  Later I converted it to 4500 by changing out the burst disk for a 6 or 7k disk.  Then just changed the length of the "clacker" spring.  Worked perfect.  Once I replaced with the hardened pistons it ran forever albeit slower than my F10.

[Hangtown-Shooter]

 I just emailed Tom and he replied within 2 min. wow that is fast! He confirmed my serial # to coincide with being a MAX version.

[larspawn]

I just emailed Tom and he replied within 2 min. wow that is fast! He confirmed my serial # to coincide with being a MAX version.

Still a great compressor.  You can make your own auto luber for the pistons.  Let's face it even the F10 isn't a fast compressor.  Slow and steady but they are very durable. 

[bnowlin]

The original was chain driven.  I had one of the first made.  This one is very loud as it gets closer to shutting off as it hits the shut off switch..
Bob

[larspawn]

The original was chain driven.  I had one of the first made.  This one is very loud as it gets closer to shutting off as it hits the shut off switch..
Bob

"Clacker" is right.  The struggles we put up with "back in the day!"  hahaha