I just started on my friend's 91 convertible. I am bagging it with products from Suicide Doors, Innovative Air Suspension, and Air Ride.


S10 bag mount from SuicideDoors.com fit perfectly with no modifications.


To get the car as low as possible, the k member had to be trimmed to allow for control arm travel. The small "hump" is trimmed off. Here is the "before shot of the k member.


Here is the the k member after. Only about 1/2" had to be trimmed, it will not affect the integrity of the k member.


This shot shows the car aired out. The struts limit travel and must be raised, or drop spindles used to get this amount of drop. The tire is sitting on the inner fender. The rockers should be about 2" off the ground with an 18" rim.


It will get to at least stock height when aired up. I will update this thread as i go.

I am still waiting on the rear kit, so the compressor and tank install will be next.

 

What happens if you are on the freeway at speed and one side pops? Better have aone hell of a bumpstop on there to prevent full colapse or you're dead. Just a word of caution.

 

Wow, I never thought of that! What will happen if a line or bag blows on my bodydropped truck? I bet it will hit the ground too.

It's a risk you take. If installed properly, the chances are minimal.

 

sweet , deffy keep us updated on this.

 

maybe Jeff will chime in here. just I was just reading a tech article in CHP (i think) where they installed a AirRide system in a 4thGen.

but they mentioned somekind of safety systen if a bag pops or a line popes etc. that its doesnt drop all the way and slam to the ground or the wheels into the wells. They didnt go into any detail at all on how it worked though.

 

the chances of that happening to his car is alot less then the thousands upon thousands of fullsize tractor trailor trucks on the highway RIGHT NOW!

 

they're just bumpstops.

but also, every bag is on a seperate system with its own lines and valves.

so even if one failed, its like getting a flat. it dropps to the bumpstop, and you pull over to the side of the road.

 

how much is it going to cost for a complete kit to do this im very interested to know im wanting this for my 66 impala ....????

 

riding on air, you must assume the risk. A bag blowing, air leaking out of the tanks while in a parking lot, etc etc.

I had air on my s10 for 18 months, I never once had a problem I wasnt pre-paired for. The kid I sold it to, had it 3 weeks and had blown a line and couldnt get it home and was pissed at me. Assume the risk before you by or install.

I would like to see pics of that camaro outside after its all done, looks great to me.

 

Air Ride (ridetech.com) is very conservative with their kits. They recommend bumpstops for safety and all that. I would do that too if I were manufacturing bag brackets.

My customer wants maximum lowness when deflated, as do I. I am really not worried at all about blowing a bag or line. I only use DOT approved line and fittings and I take all precautions to avoid rubbing or heat near lines and bags. Notice the grommet where the line goes thru the k member and the convoluted tubing covering the line. These things, and periodic checkups will virtually eliminate the possibility of a problem.

I should have more pics up tonite of the tank and compressor mounted.

 

thegeneral, are you going to install a kit yourself, or do you want someone to do it for you?

 

i would install it myself ....

 

Call Air Ride. They are the best and I am sure they have a kit.

 

thanks ......

 

1)Tractor trailers have vevy heavy duty contured designs that roll the rubber material agaist a solid metal arch when compressed on a bump. Cars airbags do not.

2)Their bags design is uninhibited in its mounting process and are not tucked up into a spring cavity with edges to rub against under different geometry loads and increased/decreased infaltion.

3) trucks are a helper load design- with a max. travel stop built into the unit in the case of colapse

4) they have an automatic inflation system that keep them at the selected PSI "automatically". Not manually. Some car systems have incorperated a simular system with a 15psi min inflation gauge- Its best to try and install one of these and never go below this PSI ever.

5) Semi's never let the air out for show and drive around on minimal PSI causing distort and stress to the rubber airbags.

6) I had a cheaper set of "helper" airbags pop on me once. I run a much heavier duty system now as a result of what I have learned.

I still run "helper' airbags on my truck to maitain load capacity like they are designed for- not for show or lowering reasons. This truck will still handle 140mph speeds and performance cornering (for a truck) and then handle a 4000+ load in the bed. Why?- the suspension is built properly without airbags (actually setup to 15psi bag height, but plenty of clearance if ever a drop failure- It sits only 3/8" higher with 15psi), and the airbags just assist only when a heavier load is placed in.

 

which S10 bags did you use?

ANy part #'s so I could look into this setup would be great.

I can fab up any mis stuff that may be needed.

 

The bags are 255c firestones. Specify that you want 1/4 inch ports. I didn't think of it and had to use bushings.

 

thanks.

deff post more pic's when you have em.

 

setup is looking good...

in this picture have you relocated the struts yet or used a modified set. you still have quite a bit to go if you haven't as i had to use a shorter strut to get it just a bit lower then that. i've had to change my exhaust completely now so i can set the fender down over the rim.

i would like to see that car in person some time.

 

That is with the tops of the struts ubolted from the strut towers. The tire is on the inner fender/strut tower. How did you get yours lower than that?

Next time you are in the south GR area, PM me, I will give you directions. Of course, I won't have this car more than another week or two. I will be doing Roxie's car with the money that I am making on this one. Maybe you can see that one if you don't make it over here to see the convertible.

 

I've got a couple more pics. The valve manifold is done, just have to mount it and run the air lines to it.

 

what size tank is that...i have a 5 gallon and it's way to large to put the valves over top of the tank. the valves themselves take up that whole area where you mounted those valves?

as far as the struts...i used qa1 billet struts. the mounting is the same but the shaft and otherwise is almost 2" shorter then normal which allows for the lower stance as it is.

what did you decide to do for the electronics. just simple rocker switches?

the one thing i plan to do in the near future is to change my tank as 5 gallon just isn't enough so i either have to find a way to hide a second or jump up in size to at least a 7.

 

how the heck did you mount QA1s to your 3rdgen?

or is this kandid91z under a diffrent username?

 

that name was locked out. i can login but i can't post...

if you want qa1's call airride, it's the only way your going to get them.

 

Bump,, any finished pictures?

 

So did you guys modify the fenderwell yet? I got done installing my 2 inch drop spindles, short springs, and weight jacks on the front of my 91 Z and I'm still playing with the ride height. I can get the fenderwells to rest on the tires with the ability to go another inch down, but of course, its undriveable at that point so I raised it up a bit. I'm considering removing the fenderwells to get more clearance, but if you guys have already done it then I'd like to hear your results. You're right about the rocker being about 2 inches off the ground at that height with 18's (245/40/18 front). The lower airdam (under the front of the car) almost scrapes while driving down a flat road! LOL!! (and I'm running static height!! woohoo!! hahaha)

 

Kandied, It is a 5 gallon tank from Suicidedoors.com I have a five gallon on my truck and it is fine for me. Wait a while unitil the novelty wears off before you buy anything. I only adust mine to get it off the ground at work. I don't lay it out every time I go somewhere, so my comp only runs once a day while I am driving.

My customer just wants rocker switches for now, but damn is that primitive! Pushing switches and trying to get the pressure just right, pfff, what a pain.

How many presets does the ride pro e offer? Mine has 4 with the "ride height at start" thing. It also has a deal where it empties all the bags if you press a button. Does the ride pro e do that? I am thinking about getting the "e" for roxie's car and it is only half the price of my dakota digital unit, so I may be able to convince the guy whose car I have now to upgrade to that next year.

I didn't really modify the inner fender other than changing the splash shield mounting a little. I may get a little more involved on my wife's car, but she has mandrel bent exhaust that is not possible to get tucked up as high as the stock exhaust on this car. It only hangs 1.25 inches lower than stock, but it may be on the ground without any serious front fender mods.

I took some update pics this morning, check the next post.

 

Air Ride rocker switches. One switch per bag.



Two dual needle Airlift guages were installed in an A-pillar pod that was already there. The guages were
too deep for the pods, so they had to be spaced out about 3/16" with aluminum spacers that I made. The
spacers blend in with the pods and are hardly visible.




The factory struts were bottoming out and limiting the drop, so I made extensions for the upper strut mounts.
I cut each mount apart and added 1.5" to it with some 4.5" tubing. I was going to space them up, but this is
much better, you still get all of the alignment adjustment, and they look almost stock.






I installed the rear kit from Air Ride last nite, so after I fix two small leaks, I should be able to take it
off the stands and get some pics in the driveway.

 

cool.

and nice job on lengthing the stock strut mounts.

 

yeah it looks very good i cant wait to see it on the ground ....

 

yeah i understand about the 5 gallon but i use it for shows and i'm constantly playing so for that reason alone i'd like a larger reserve for air.

the ride pro e has only 3 presets. preset up, preset down and ride start. while the presets are nice that's not why i like the setup. the ease of install, clean look and function are what's nice. check out chassis tech's 7" digital touch screen application. only another $150 more then the ride pro-e and then you have a full color display that can also be used as a monitor for other uses. i thought about using that for my setup but i don't particularly care for the way chassis tech does business. most of the electrical parts don't seem to last long on this side of town. if you have presets then i assume you have senders as well, what type of senders are you using? the ART senders are very sensative to Ma voltage so it's important to route them far from any problematic areas in order to work right but when it's done correctly it works very well.

touch screen
http://www.truckn-store.com/product....t.asp&ID=72010

if your really into presets jump up to the 24 function remote. a bit much for me but it seems to work well. problem is size, the ride pro-e is very tiny and fits in your pocket where as this type of remote is way to large.
http://www.truckn-store.com/product....t.asp&ID=73183

do you have a link to the dakota digital unit? i'd like to see what it looks like..?

i had to completely mold a new frot plastic fender guard because the wheel will go through it, i cracked the stock one playing not knowing any better. that was the only thing i needed to do in the front but it will depend on the width of your wheels and your offset.

the rears again didn't take much, exhaust obviously has to be small and tucked well or you'll crush it, i didn't do anything with the quarters but i did have to smooth the inner rear quarters and relocate my bumpstops so i could go as low as possible.


these setups take a little work but it isn't brain surgery...however if you don't take the right precautions while your installing it could have some serious effects.

 

I can understand about needing more air for shows. I didn't think of that because don't really go to shows.

Here is a link the system that I have. Dakota digital bag controller I think ART and Dakota digital use VDO senders, I have not had any trouble with mine except that the tank sender reads around 10-16 psi low. No big deal, but kind of annoying.

I like the presets because I can have one that is really low, but you can't turn, my normal one, a "full tank of gas" preset, and one set high for unknown roads. You didn't say if it has a bag dump feature. Does the "e" come with the remote, or is that an option? It is an extra $150 with the DD unit. I might get that this winter. I can see my truck when I am at work and it would be kind of fun to hit a switch while someone is staring.

I would recommend that you stay away from Chassis Tech and all other AIM companies. Everything I have heard has been negative. From outrageous shipping charges to screwed up orders, to restocking fees on items they miss-shipped. Stay with reputable companies. (I think you already knew that, just wanted to point it out for anyone who didn't)

I removed the bumpstop completely and trimmed the bracket that it bolted to for axle clearance. It has stock exhaust, so that is not a problem.

All precautions are being taken to ensure there are no bag or line failures. It has been two full seasons on mine with zero problems, so I am pretty confident in this one.

 

yeah nothing i stated in the last one was directed mainly towards you, just points for others interested to note.

yes the ride pro has a feature that will dump the bags. i do not use this feature because of not having bumpstops in the rear for fear of crushing my exhaust. i'm still trying to figure out an optimal location for the rear bumpstops. the remote is 150 extra and comes with 2 remotes and a antenna. the box is already prewired for it so if you know enough you could possibly make your own remote. i chose just to pick up the remotes and i'm quite happy with it. while it's mainly a novelty it is fun to watch people when they are looking or getting to close. definately gains attention.

the art kits do not come with a 5th sender for the tanks...i never really worried to much about this aspect since the ride pro only has 4 guages anyhow and i didn't want to add a fifth. i could see where this could be a downside for some though but i haven't thought about needing one.

yeah bag failure really isn't a concern, i've seen some hack jobs though where people haven't clearenced the bag for full travel which in case caused them to rupture....again was just pointing it out, not aimed towards your project. if the bags are clear of obstruction and the lines are tight, secure and free of any rubbing the setup should outlast the car.

now get to work and finish it...i want to see some pictures.

 

Okay. I thought you were talking to me

I looked at the remote kit for my DD unit, but , like you said, it is mainly a novelty thing. I don't think I am going to get it. I can always add it later, the remote receiver just plugs into the main box.

I actually finished the car last nite. It is on the ground in my garage right now. I have it most of the way up checking for leaks. There may be one in the left front, but other than that last detail, I am done. I will be able to get it outside tommorrow and take some good pics.

It looks pretty badass in my garage though. The rockers are level at 3" off the ground aired out. the rearend won't go up any further without serious cutting and the front tires are on the metal of the inner fenders.

 

if you drop it that far and the wheels arnt pointed perfectly straight, will bad things happen? like tweeked fenders, ect?

i mean just a slight turn on the wheels, not turned to lock, but a reasonable amount of turn

 

if he is touching the fenders yes...that's alot of weight no doubt.

 

this can be a big problem with most cars and a very important reason why it's vital to have the proper offset/backspacing setup. especially for cars with custom wheels.

if it's hitting on the lip of the fender you might suggest rolling the lip unless the owner plans on getting new wheels. if it's hitting the upper crease of the fender as shown in this picture then your offsets right on and your in the same boat i am...time to massage the fenders. it isn't too much work and you can do it so your tires won't touch and you'll never notice from the outside. this way gives you a little bit of leway as well if your wheels aren't perfectly straight. all it takes is one time to not have them lined up and you'll easily take out a fender if you dump the setup.

 

The wheels tuck better than that. They are hitting the metal that the strut mounts bolt to or the pinch weld in the same area. I folded the pinch weld over so the tire wouldn't hit it, so I think it is as low as it goes without cutting the inner fender out, and I am not doing that.

 

either narrow wheels or 2.5" or smaller struts then. you would not be able to run bilsteins or strutbags with that setup with a wide wheel. if you are that far in then there should be no worries of taking out a fender at any height unless your wheels were really turned. you should be good to go then.

 

I took it for a ride today and it rides great. Not too stiff, not too sloppy.

I got some pics of the finished product, as promised.





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I am excited to do roxie's car next. It will probably be a few months before I start on that one, but I will post pics again. It won't be much different, but I will post them anyway.

 

Nice....... do you have any Hi res pic's? I'll gladly host them for you if so.......

chris@cecoatings.com

 

I'll go take some. It looks so much better in bigger pics

Thanks

 

shoot it at another angle...it's hard to see the lines with the way the sun is and the black car. lookin good.

 

i like this view of the car...

 

I just took some high res pics for chris to host. Hopefully he will post them soon.

It is later in the day now, so the sun does not create shadows as bad.

That last pic is my favorite also. The sun makes it look a little bit lower than it actually is.

 

looks good, now you just need to get the guy to spend some in the engine and interior compartment. as long as the hood isn't open it looks great in the pictures.

 

Here they are for ya..

http://s89724942.onlinehome.us/image...0on%20Airbags/

 

looks good, perfect example why black is one of the worst colors for cover vehicles and sponsorships....the light just doesn't work well with it. looks terrific though, good job.

 

I'll dissagree there.. If you take care of a Good Black job from the get go with 3m products you can keep it swirl free..

If he took a weekend and wetsanded that and used some 3M swirl remover and Perfect it. I bet it would look 100% better

 

406 S10 Man...looks really good! Looks like you did a really top notch job there

I would love to feel how the car rides with that set-up....I might convince myself to do that in the future.

James