Tips for installing air bags in a '67 GTO/Chevelle/GM A-body?

[marolf101x]

What you are talking about is our Cool Ride kit:
http://www.ridetech.com/store/suspen...ar-system.html

You will notice we do not use the 2500lb air spring in this package. This is due to a few things (custom mounts are required to fit the stock packaging without cutting everything up, and a double convoluted air spring provides too much spring rate and will diminish ride quality.)

As posted above, if you want that thing to REALLY handle well you should take a look at the suspension package as a whole. We make quite a few parts for that car (if you've not seen our blue 66 you need to do some searching as we've thrashed on that car for years and is still one of the best in our fleet):
http://www.ridetech.com/store/muscle...tures_hash=V40

[Northcoastnovas]

I have air ride in a daily driver goin on 7 years.The valves get debris in them and stick open allowing 150psi to fill the effected bag.Moisture eventually damages the aluminum and they leak.Very irritating when you have some place to be and you have to deal with these problems.I've spoke with ride tech,their answer was just buy new valves at over 250 bucks a pop.I need 2 sets.My compressor burnt up,same thing we don't deal with them,you can buy a new one or call Viair maybe they can rebuild it for you.I don't think I'd put another system in a car knowing the problems I've dealt with or the support I received.I got the feeling unless I was spending 5 grand don't bother us.I'm sure every one's experience is different,mine was maybe a 4 out of 10.Did I mention the monroe shocks that wore out prematurely?

[bret]

Originally Posted by Northcoastnovas

I have air ride in a daily driver goin on 7 years.The valves get debris in them and stick open allowing 150psi to fill the effected bag.Moisture eventually damages the aluminum and they leak.Very irritating when you have some place to be and you have to deal with these problems.I've spoke with ride tech,their answer was just buy new valves at over 250 bucks a pop.I need 2 sets.My compressor burnt up,same thing we don't deal with them,you can buy a new one or call Viair maybe they can rebuild it for you.I don't think I'd put another system in a car knowing the problems I've dealt with or the support I received.I got the feeling unless I was spending 5 grand don't bother us.I'm sure every one's experience is different,mine was maybe a 4 out of 10.Did I mention the monroe shocks that wore out prematurely?

If you are experiencing debris in your sealed system, it has to be coming from an unfiltered compressor inlet. Over time the air compressor will undoubtedly ingest some dirt that will eventually cause both the compressor to work harder [and possibly burn up] and eventually gum up the airvalves. The solution is simple...clean out the system and put the air inlet filter back on the compressor.

I would sure like to know who you talked to for help. Your problems are NOT typical...IF you are using our equipment. I say that because we've experienced [and resolved] these kinds of problems with valves [and compressors] during development...that is why we made the neccessary refinements before releasing them to the public over 14 years ago. It is also why we carry rebuild parts for the valves for those who DO end up with dirt in the system.

What we DO find in many cases is that the air suspension in question is not actually our system, but a generic "air ride" system that has been assumed to be from Air Ride Technologies [now RideTech]. In those cases we still do as much as we can to help resolve problems. Sometimes that includes recommending that the customer buy new parts.

As far as encountering the lazy customer service attitude you have indicated at RideTech...well, you are simply mistaken about that.
My guys on the phone have been here anywhere from 6 to 14 years. They know exactly what they are doing and what they are talking about. They may not have given you the answer you were hoping for, but I can absolutely guarantee that it was delivered with courtesy and effeciency.
I also have 2 guys who are "in training"...meaning they have worked here for over a year and are now sitting right beside our more experienced tech guys learning exactly how to handle these kinds of problems in the most positive manner possible. They routinely deal with not only hotrodders, but military and industrial customers who have absolutely no tolerance for unsatisfactory service and who continually give us excellent grades on both product and service.

If you want your suspension done right...or fixed after it wasn't...we will gladly assist.

[Northcoastnovas]

Bret I appreciate your response and as mentioned every persons experience is different.I have never ran my compressor with out a filter.The compressor came with a replacement filter as well.I think the debris is more of an issue of moisture in the tank creating rust.Which eventually is blown through the system.My compressor is mounted in the trunk which is a pretty clean environment.

You imply my system was installed wrong which that's pretty tough to do.
Your last comment is similar to the response I received when calling for assistance.It implies you are right and I am wrong.

Quote:"If you want your suspension done right...or fixed after it wasn't...we will gladly assist."
So here you ASSume or imply my system was installed wrong.This is why I give your customer service a 4 out of 10.Not to mention I was told to just buy new valves.Not hey we might be able to rebuild them,let's see what we can do.
This system was purchased directly from ridetech(air ride technologies)not another company and assumed to be from ridetech.

[Northcoastnovas]

Bret,
I have had a number of years with this system in my 2001 mustang trouble free.The ride and handling I have no complaints about.I have just noticed over time the system does have it's draw backs.Nothing lasts forever and it could be as simple as age and use has caught up with my system.As far as the customer service I just felt like helping fix the problem was not priority,selling me new valves was.I could just go buy new valves but if I could get them rebuilt it sure would have been cheaper and easier.These systems are not cheap and if the answer is after 5 years your going to need to buy new valves then it's an expensive investment.I apologize if I offended you,that was not my intention.If my experience was different you can bet I would recommend the system.

[elitecustombody]

northcoast, did you drain the tank regularly? I'd probably invest in aluminum tank to minimize corrosion and drain tank as often as possible

[wmhjr]

Just a quick comment. I've never ended up buying anything from RideTech but I have talked to Bret and some of the guys there plenty of times. Nothing against their products whatsoever - just timing and a different direction on my part. What I will say that in each and every case, Bret and the folks at Ridetech were patient and helpful - even when it was pretty darned clear that the conversation would not lead to a sale. Everyone has their own experiences but I did want to step up and acknowledge that this is a vendor that IMHO isn't just looking for the next sale or the fast buck. Not contradicting any issue that may exist in this thread but I thought that Ridetech deserved a positive comment here as well.

Bret, I hope you're bringing the chevelle to RTTH. I've made a few tweaks to the Pontiac and am hoping to see how the changes stack up now.

[bret]

Originally Posted by Northcoastnovas

Bret,
I have had a number of years with this system in my 2001 mustang trouble free.The ride and handling I have no complaints about.I have just noticed over time the system does have it's draw backs.Nothing lasts forever and it could be as simple as age and use has caught up with my system.As far as the customer service I just felt like helping fix the problem was not priority,selling me new valves was.I could just go buy new valves but if I could get them rebuilt it sure would have been cheaper and easier.These systems are not cheap and if the answer is after 5 years your going to need to buy new valves then it's an expensive investment.I apologize if I offended you,that was not my intention.If my experience was different you can bet I would recommend the system.

We have again experienced the shortcomings of all things email and internet...the subtle nuances that transform a cold conversation into a warm one.
I am admittedly sensitive about the perception of our customer service because, to me, poor service is an indication of lazyness, arrogance, or worse...indifference. Nothing turns a human away quicker. Your apology [needed or not] is graciously accepted...and mine offered in the same vein.
And now I will shut up and allow the people I pay do a much better job of addressing these issues than I.