Mike, the concept is pretty old- - - -lots of Model A's got converted into jackhammer compressors by cutting the frame off just behind the cowling, and mounting a tank where the front floorboards would normally be. The hood, radiator, and cowl-mounted gas tank stayed put, while the engine ran on cylinders 1 and 4, and 2 and 3 did the air compressing. The front axle got welded into a straight-ahead position, and a tow bar replaced the front bumper.
More recently, I saw a Ford 302 V-8 converted into a compressor when a construction crew replaced the fuel storage tanks at a truck stop where I managed the Diesel shop and wrecker service.
Jerry