69 Z/28 Day II Project (Air Force Brat)

[DW31S]

Graeme, there were long square bars, too. The set that were on the rear that was included in the package I sold to Mike were the longer style and had NOS hardware and shims. Not sure what he did with everything, but it was a killer set-up. I've been wondering about those air bags....you mentioned you might need/use air shocks to fine tune the ride height? My guess is that the air shocks would "trump" the bags if the body separation is due to higher pressure in the shocks than the bags. I remember you fabbing some different length shackles, and while I've never been a fan of longer than stock shackles, I think they would be more compatible with the bags if you intend to use the bags for traction devices. The only other option I can think of, where the bags could/would be used for preload would be re-arching or changing the rear leaf springs. If the bags are only along for the "cool factor", or if you plan to use THEM to adjust ride height, then my comments and thoughts are out the window! IIRC, the original intended use of the bags was for stability in situations as trailering or carrying heavy loads, but not for high level inflation for everyday use. I used them in an A-Body drag car back in the day and they worked like a champ, but we never inflated them for ride height, only to tune the launch. I seem to remember to left side was 7lbs., and the right was 14.
BTW, the car looks fantastic!!!

[Ryan1969Chevelle]

Originally Posted by DW31S

Graeme, there were long square bars, too. The set that were on the rear that was included in the package I sold to Mike were the longer style and had NOS hardware and shims. Not sure what he did with everything, but it was a killer set-up. I've been wondering about those air bags....you mentioned you might need/use air shocks to fine tune the ride height? My guess is that the air shocks would "trump" the bags if the body separation is due to higher pressure in the shocks than the bags. I remember you fabbing some different length shackles, and while I've never been a fan of longer than stock shackles, I think they would be more compatible with the bags if you intend to use the bags for traction devices. The only other option I can think of, where the bags could/would be used for preload would be re-arching or changing the rear leaf springs. If the bags are only along for the "cool factor", or if you plan to use THEM to adjust ride height, then my comments and thoughts are out the window! IIRC, the original intended use of the bags was for stability in situations as trailering or carrying heavy loads, but not for high level inflation for everyday use. I used them in an A-Body drag car back in the day and they worked like a champ, but we never inflated them for ride height, only to tune the launch. I seem to remember to left side was 7lbs., and the right was 14.
BTW, the car looks fantastic!!!

I plan to make use of those air bags in future.

Safe and awaiting for time. :-)

Ryan W31

[NorCam]

Originally Posted by DW31S

Graeme, there were long square bars, too. The set that were on the rear that was included in the package I sold to Mike were the longer style and had NOS hardware and shims. Not sure what he did with everything, but it was a killer set-up. I've been wondering about those air bags....you mentioned you might need/use air shocks to fine tune the ride height? My guess is that the air shocks would "trump" the bags if the body separation is due to higher pressure in the shocks than the bags. I remember you fabbing some different length shackles, and while I've never been a fan of longer than stock shackles, I think they would be more compatible with the bags if you intend to use the bags for traction devices. The only other option I can think of, where the bags could/would be used for preload would be re-arching or changing the rear leaf springs. If the bags are only along for the "cool factor", or if you plan to use THEM to adjust ride height, then my comments and thoughts are out the window! IIRC, the original intended use of the bags was for stability in situations as trailering or carrying heavy loads, but not for high level inflation for everyday use. I used them in an A-Body drag car back in the day and they worked like a champ, but we never inflated them for ride height, only to tune the launch. I seem to remember to left side was 7lbs., and the right was 14.
BTW, the car looks fantastic!!!

Hello Dave...

I've seen some longer versions of the square bars but I think they are still an inch or two shorter than these bars at 33" in overall length? IIRC the square bars always seemed to be an inch further back of the front spring perches? Be curious to know what those measured in at forward and overall length? I do think Mike ended up selling those ones he had.

As for the airbags, I bought them more as a day II accessory and a period-correct bolt-on. Since I'm building it as a streetcar, they would seldom be used as a traction device although I presently have them set at 7 pounds and 12 pounds. I figured if I left them in there they'd have low pressure just to keep them expanded correctly. I was hoping I could use them to support some rear height and run a set of drag shocks but unless I pump them up higher they just don't lift the car enough to support these tires.

Whether or not I add the shackle extensions to the rear is yet to be seen. In either case, I may need air shocks just to get the right height to run the 50's but still have to play with that combination. The airbags may end up being removed with added ride height since it also creates too much strain on the coils and the upper mounts due to extension. Either that or I may fab some taller mounting brackets for the top mounts (easy to do).

If they do end up coming off, I will keep them for a time where I decide to drop the rear and run a smaller set of tires c/w drag shocks. They would work much better in that scenario and that's a very real possibility if I ever decide to take this down to the supercar reunion to play around at the track. Whatever route I end up choosing...it will all work itself out.