any body run an airbar
 

Is there any one that runs an air bar I would like to hear about your experience. Thinking of putting on in my 68 fire bird convertible.

I would like to hear any opinions as well.

I saw your other thread on the same subject JS.

I'm about to take my decision on the same dilema. I was really convinced that Air was for me as i love my cars real low, but i'm getting to think that all the added weight and complexcity of the air tank, air lines, electric system to build and extra costs for the management system etc etc....Might be more than i need for what i intend to do. I mean, its not like i'm going to be going up and down all the time! It ain't a lowrider!

So the G-Bar is starting to sound interesting.

I was also discussing this with a good buddy that has a Drag car and since we raced together previously, he asked how hard a shock those bags could handle off the starting line before EXPLODING! You know, that got me thinking, coilovers are proven on that part and perform safely on HARD launch's.

The ease of installation is a cool factor and a big plus on either system, taking into consideration my car is all #'s matching and still mostly returnable to original, i tought that a system that simple could also be easily taken out if the next owner wanted to buy a (Altought tubbed) original Car, it would be easily returned to stock (Not so with the DSE shock crossmember hacking your floor) and parts resold or used in my next Camaro project :rolleyes: .

Anyway, just my 2¢'s here, but i really start to think that the Alston kit is looking like its going to be my next buy! I should do that before end of the week, i just need to find who has the best deal now.....:D :unibrow:

I'll post pics of the parts and try to document the install with pics too when i do.

I figured i'd do a coil over conversion front too next. Still more economical than the air system. To me The Air kit was the drop at a flick of a switch that was appealing.

Oh yeah, my only concern is HOW LOW the G-Bar lets you drop/ Ride. I'd like to be like 3-4" lower than stock....Any ideas on this guy's? I read someone had to relocate the upper shock mount higher to drop the car?????????????

Lead.

Interesting info guys. Lead I was just looking at that G-Bar rear setup. It looks pretty nice. How much fab work is involved with it's install?

Mario, Mario, Mario? When will you ever learn? You did not check with me yet!

It is a bolt in. BTW, the G bar is made by Air Ride. It is a Air Bar without the Shockwaves.

Hahaha!!! You know Frank, i knew you we're going to come to me! I was just testing my psychic powers!!!!!!!!!!!!! :P LOL!!! That Grin Smilie up there was for you!

Seriously, i read today (in another thread) that you are now dealers of Chassisworks so i figured i'd ring your bell. I tested the tires on the car today (thats all i got to do before my back called me back in the house) and they are soooooo close.... ON THE OUTSIDE! i have about 1/2" of clearance to the 1/4 panel... Inside i have like 1.3" and the leafs are in stock location still!! It would work if the car sat still all the time...'will have to cut :mad: .
And thats why i've been looking at suspension system all afternoon.

Hey, PM or e-mail me a Prodigy Custom deal when you have a sec.


Rybar, the G-Bar is all bolt on but i think i would at least do a pass here and there...You know, safety.

Looks like i'm putting the brakes on but not the Hydroboost....might order the A-arms and tall b-joint (SC&c) but not the ATS spindle.... Will be running manual steering...because no money for the PS conversion (no PS= No HB)and new 12:1 box (well...that one i might have to do!) All that 'cause of an inch! Money will go to the suspension and housing cut + axles.

At least its gonna be looking MEAN!!!

Now, if only someone did group purchases.....

Lead. :lateral:

not sure how low
 

I've been told the gbar will lower your car a minimum of 2" and more if you adjust the suspension......

We have done a couple air bars......I think I have pics on my lap top. I will try and post them tomorrow

how did the car ride
 

Hod did the car drive / ride / perform?

Oh, i wanted to say that if i had the cash to do everything at once (well, without having to sleep in the garage for doing so i mean;) ) i would definetely go with the AirRide system and do what's needed for the tanks and wiring.

I figured i can alway's upgrade next year and sell off the c-o's if i want to.

Just to be clear.


Lead.

I'd like to see some installed pics if any of you guys had a chance. How is the rear located? I know it replaces the leafs with LCA's and either coilovers or airbags but is there a panhard bar or a 3rd link somehwere?

Leadfoot1,
If you don't want to install the compressor kit right away you could just install a schrader valve and fill them up manually.

Rybar,
It is a triangulated 4 link, so it has two upper bars mounted at an angle. There are some pretty good pics in this article.
http://www.ridetech.com/techarticles/GEN1AIRBAR.pdf

The G-Bar has turned out to be a really neat system. AirRide has proven the performance of the AirBar/G Bar with their Track Challenge cars. As noted the AirBar and G Bar are the result of a joint effort between Air Ride and Chassis Works. Super simple install and I like the fact that the tubular upper structure adds a lot of triangulation and rigidity to the unibody structure too. It`s easy to see a LOT of thought and engineering went into the package. The nice thing is if you decide down the road you`re ready to try AirRide,just swap out the coilovers for Shockwaves and away you go. The geometry works out really well with our Street Comp Stage 1-2Plus and AFX tall spindle systems too. 2"-3" of drop is no problem,ride quality is a function of spring rate and especially shock adj. so that`s all up to you. The adj. range of the Varishocks runs from very soft to VERY firm so you have your choice. Mark SC&C

Darren, Mark, Thanks.

One more question if i may, since this is going so well now.

One thing i'm wondering and maybe you can help. I asked once before and would like your opinion regarding the lower bar front attachement. It's attaching in the front leaf spring pocket, the only thing i don't understand is why both systems (G and Air) are built with centered bushings, that takes space that we could use to put rubber!!! The Q-Linq uses a very nice Offset system that gives us the most useable space and thats really interressing for me since i have more than 14" of rubber on each side and am planning on more (355) next.

I've been told that unwelding the bar and rewelding it "Offset" was not a good idea (to gain clearance) because it would bind and cause stress on the bushing. How about a solid aluminum unit?

Hey Darren, Why don't you build it like DSE's set up! Talk to your Boss man! :lol: I will consider throwing my car in for tests! (and your idea on the ??? valve).

Thats the only downpoint i can see (for me at least)

Also, 2-3" drop from what? Original height? What is 69 Camaro original height?

I've got both prices from Frank...And DSE's too. Now decision has to be taken.

Thanks guy's!

Lead.

Mark, i'm going to call you next week (engine won't show up finally :( ) so its A-arms time! :woot:

Darren, thanks for the link. Any idea of exhaust clearance or routing with this system?

Rybar,
Here are a couple pics of how we routed the exhaust on our 67. Stainless Works is working on producing these tail pipes.

Leadfoot1,
It would be possible to offset the front bar on the bushing sleeve, but you would also have to move the rear link in as well so that it doesn't bind the bushing. This would only gain about a 1/2" of extra tire clearance. Keep in mind that it is already gaining about 5/8" clearance over the leafs.
On the amount of drop at rideheight I have posted a pic of a spacer that we tack weld between the axle and floor pan, just to the outside of the rail. This spacer is obviously just temporary to set ride height, pinion angle and axle center while welding in the upper tabs. At ride height this spacer is 8.5" tall. But the lower mount is also adjustable, depending on weather your pad is for monoleaf or multileaf.

I will probably install a regular, universal, "mono" pad. I saw that your lower mount is adjustable (3 right?) and just hope it will drop enough, it should as i don't want it on the ground, but want to ride it so the rim (20 x 13") is about 1/2 to 1" in the fender, tire is about 26.5 high (345-25-20).

And FYI........I AM NOW ONE OF YOURS!!! Yep, i ordered it today.

Can't wait to get it, its gonna be so freakin' cool!!!!!! :woot: :woot:

I went to bed last night and was set on getting the G-bar, but your comment about runnin' shop air remembered me that that's what i wanted to do in the first place, and you know what they say about first toughts (yeah, send a copy of this to Bret instead of the bushing idea, he owes this sale in part to you!) So i decided to go ahead and do it.

On top of that i really wash't picturing myself under the car upping and dropping the car with a wrench all the time + i've never ridden in an air suspended car before, but my Dualie is equipped with helper springs and it REALLY does a difference in the ride comfort, if the bags are empty, it rides really rough (like a truck), put in as little as 30 pounds and its another truck, so i figured the 3 girls in my life might like that too.

I might even steal the compressor in the truck and make the truck manual if i'm that broke by then! (being home sick for a few weeks is not really a good idea for me $$$:unibrow: But it sure makes the project progress!)

Do you really think i should only bolt it in or if a few passes here and there are a good idea while i have the welder in my hands....? My thinking is that bolts tend to move some under load, welds wont, so to add rigidity (remember its a 'vert) i'm thinking of welding it in.

Thanks,

Lead.

I've got one on order too. Should be here any day. We have been known to spend three or four hours in our favorite Italian restaurants. Adjustable suspension will be good to have around.

"Yo!"
"Wha?"
"You wanna go eat?"
"Yeah"

I would probably go ahead and lay a couple beads, but it is not necessary. We have 275/40/17's on our Red Camaro and the rear fender is about 2" above the rubber at ride height. Here are some good photo's.
http://www.ridetech.com/companyprojects/67camaro.asp

Wow!

The dropped pics are awesome! The rocker height might be more relevant since our fender lips are not the same but i get it.

The ride height is a little on the high side looking at it that way (Rocker height- but then again its on a road course/leaning some showing high side) but i suppose i can install it to run lower if clearance is no issue?(ie using a pipe shorther than your 8" for example) The car is built to completely swallow the tires with room to spare and the front tires are yet to be bought as i want to make sure i can drop it and clear everything before forking out.

I read the other thread (Jody) and its interesting too. I was thinking that just changing the installed height by changing hole location would solve the equation....The front would be another thing tough.

Oh man! I really can't wait now!

Can you tell me the approximate amount ($) difference between single and double adjustable shocks...I had no idea of that and it could be interesting while i'm at it. (i gotta call NOW as the order i got my order confirmation in)

Thanks Darren, :cheers:

Lead.

We can get the front lower, but you have to watch out for fender well to tire clearance. The limiting factor on the rear is the pinion to floor pan.

Extra $220 per end for the DA's.

Well look what showed up today!!!
 

http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q...9/DSC06059.jpg


http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q...9/DSC06061.jpg


:woot:

I'm sooooo tired of that bad back!!! Even my wife is getting tired of seeing cool parts coming in and not making it to the garage (its detached from the house...)

Well, at least its moving along that way... I have an opening for a complete 6.0L (less starter, alt, and computer) for 500$. I'm going to pick it up as 500$ is nothing, even an old school Sb is going for that used and stock. But i'm worried of the price of an aftermarket management system....I never looked into those but now that i have the Twins;

http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q...9/DSC06041.jpg

(Garrett TO4B's)

I have a little voice in my head SCREAMING at me to get going!!!

The Air bar kit is Killer! No regrets so far. Welds are top notch, hardware is clean and compllete...

So much to do and Summer right 'round the corner....

Lead.

hey! you got the turbos... :thumbsup: wellcome to the club...

Hey guys, New to the Block
my buddy has two turbos from a 7.3L diesel. Would that be too big for a daily driver?

I have a 72 Duster that I'm plannin on get moving:unibrow:

...thanx