[FC] RE: <VV> Airbags on rear of FC

[Louis Armer]

I am sharing this post that Ted Fahrenthold provided Joel as Ted is not on VV.

Chuck Armer
///////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

>From: <tedsauto at bellsouth.net>
>To: <westerncanadacorsa at shaw.ca>
>CC: <carmerjr at mindspring.com>
>Subject: Re: Re: [FC] RE: <VV> Airbags on rear of FC
>Date: Wed, 4 Jul 2007 11:59:18 -0500
>
>
>   Joel ,  I have examined the use of airbags abd air bag shock 
> combination units in the early car suspension (very similar to the 
> truck suspension.  I decided that such a setup could be done but 
> would require modification to the upper spring perch for clearance 
> as the airbag units as you noted are larger in diameter and MUST 
> have adequate clearance to ensure that the bags can not contact 
> anything during operation.  I also feel that the lower shock mount 
> must be strengthened as the stock setup is not designed to carry 
> the entire weight of the vehicle. A bag over shock assembly, given 
> enough clearance and strong enough mounting,  would be a good 
> choice for this application.  I would not be particulary concerned 
> about the max extended length (during operation you are not likely 
> to encounter a condition to make them extend fully...jacking 
> perhaps) of the unit but more the minimum compressed length.  These 
> units ride and operate best at a specific design ride height 
> (Ridetech can supply this parameter for their units).  Mounting 
> should be fabricated so that they can operate close to this design 
> parameter.  If they are operated close to their minimum length, 
> they will not have alot of air in them, and will tend to be 
> bouncy.  If they are operated close to their extended length they 
> will tend to be stiff.  Installation would likely involve cutting 
> away portions of the upper spring perch for clearance and welding 
> of steel into this area to regain strength lost from the 
> clearancing.  The lower mount would be easier with added 
> reinforcement of the lower arm at the stock shock mounting holes 
> (some large thick washers welded in to the bolt hole areas might be 
> sufficient) and fabrication or purchase of the proper large 
> diameter shock mounting stud.  Hope this helps.>

///////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

> > From: Louis Armer <carmerjr at mindspring.com>
> > Date: 2007/07/04 Wed AM 12:28:14 EST
> > To: westerncanadacorsa at shaw.ca
> > CC: tedsauto at bellsouth.net, aired_out at msn.com
> > Subject: Re: [FC] RE: <VV> Airbags on rear of FC
> >
> > Hi Joel, Ted and Dwight Fahrenthold formerly of Ted's Auto Body in
> > Tucker Ga. are both quite knowledgeable  about air bag
> > suspension and may share some valuable knowledge with you. They have
> > both used air bag suspension in vehicles for
> > quite awhile and both now have air bag suspended vehicle suspensions.
> > I am forwarding this email to them. Dwight is a VV member and
> > sometimes reads VV but Ted is not a member. Good luck with your
> > project. Ted, Dwight, share your knowledge with Joel
> >
> > Chuck Armer
> > //////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
> >
> >
> > At 11:58 PM 7/3/2007, you wrote:
> > >Thanks Matt.  After all these years on <VV> you'd think I'd know 
> to give as
> > >much info as possible.
> > >
> > >"Yes" my Rampy carries a Deluxe Scamper Camper.  And "Yes" I ALREADY have
> > >overload springs on the vehicle.  And "Yes" I am unhappy with 
> the rear sag.
> > >
> > >I've already investigated Monroe Ride Helper shocks, best I can tell, they
> > >don't have suitable substitute for the stock units.
> > >
> > >Knowing that any air suspension company was going to need as much
> > >information as possible I tried to gather all the specs I could.  Kent
> > >Sullivan and Bob Slusher came thorugh in spades.  Even with just 
> about every
> > >imaginable dimension at my finger tips the tech guy at ridetech basically
> > >came down to "buy something and see if it fits".
> > >
> > >I'm looking at the two systems below.  I'm hoping one of these 
> two may work
> > >as a bolt-in.  Although I'm open to suggestions, at this point I'm just
> > >exploring.  The advantage of these systems is that, (if they 
> work) the upper
> > >and lower shock attachments are interchangeable.
> > >
> > >This one would replace both the spring and shock.  My concern is
> > >interference with the upper spring perch and possibly the 
> driveshaft because
> > >of the larger o.d. of the airbag.  Other concerns are a total extended
> > >length of 14.5", as opposed to the recommended 13.25 for the 
> stock shock as
> > >per lclc in the Tech Guide.
> > >
> > >http://www.ridetech.com/productinfo/shockwave.asp
> > >
> > >This set up would be more of a helper, but the concern with this is
> > >interference between the bag as it expanded and the i.d. of the stock
> > >springs, which would remain in place. (The 7000s)
> > >
> > >http://www.ridetech.com/productinfo/shockwave79.asp
> > >
> > >This uncharted territory for me, having absolutely ZERO experience with
> > >air-bag suspensions of any kind.  If you've got thoughts, please 
> share them.
> > >
> > >Regards,
> > >Joel
>////////////////////////////////////////////////////

CORSA Tri-membership Chairman
CORSA Member
Corvanatics Member
Corvair Atlanta Director
SECC Member
1965 Corsa Coupe
1964 Greenbrier
1965 Corsa Autocross car 1/2 owner
http://carmerjr.home.mindspring.com/