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

[Northcoastnovas]

marolf101x,
Your response pretty much sums it up.Thanks for your time spent explaining.
I like the way you "break it down a bit". Let me start by saying,I get it,The issues I have had I understand and the service I received coupled with these issues is why I feel the way I do about air ride systems.This is not held to just ride tech.I personally would not do it over again in a daily driven vehicle.Front tire wear comes in to play as well.Now that being said,changing to aluminum tanks and the ability to get rebuild kits for the valves has resolved or minimized some of the issues I have dealt with.Maybe the system operates for a longer period of time trouble free.
I have enjoyed my air ride suspension and people comment on the ride height of the vehicle.I liked the system until more and more I had issues with leaking valves and the car being my daily driver meant at 5:30 in the morning headed to work it was an issue dealing with a valve that stuck open and would not reseal.
So the topics at hand.
1.Debris/Tanks:This is the first I've heard of ridetech switching to aluminum tanks.Like I mentioned I never allowed my compressor to run with out the provided filter.Nor did I mount the compressor in an area that it would be exposed to moisture or road debris.The system is not cheap and to allow it to be exposed to adverse environments is asking for trouble from day one.
2.Valves:At this point mine are worn out.I have one set completely removed and hoses capped off because I could not resolve the continual leak.This falls on my shoulders 1.Because I'm too lazy to send them back and 2 I'm pissed I will probably have to buy new valves(they're not cheap) at this stage in the game and refuse to,and 2.This car is my daily driver so I would have to take it out of service or buy parts to cap and be able to fill the bags individually while I have the valves repaired or replaced.
Ultimately to get my system to work properly again,trouble free,I would need to remove my old steel tank and replace/repair my valves.So basically I have ended up buying 2 compressors 2 sets of valves and an aluminum tank to replace my rusted steel tank.
I hope you can understand where I'm coming from.
It bothers me that it is assumed the system has been installed wrong.I will call today to speak with Darren.In the end I appreciate ridetech and it's employees doing there best to resolve the issues I have had.This may have been an isolated incident and possibly a timing issue (no rebuild kits,steel tank versus aluminum)that caused me to have an undesirable experience with air ride suspensions.Thanks again for your more than professional response.

[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.