First off, I know that estimating costs over the interwebs can be a futile mission. I am currently looking at a sweet 55 belair 2dr that really needs to get slammed in my opinion. Since I do not have the garage space or ability myself I am curious to hear from other HAMBers that have had their rides c-notched and bagged professionally about how much cash was involved in getting it all done. I know this will vary depending on who did it, what car, etc but I am just trying to get a rough estimate from HAMBers before I approach shops in town and get bent over a stump.
one big factor is do you how you want your suspension.... 2 link 3 link 4 link (parallel or triangulated) or mono leaf the price can change drastically tdepending on that. personally i suggest a triangulated 4 link. another factory is going to be what bags you use. what valves. how many(2 if you just want up and down, 4 if you want front and back, 8 if you want fbss) but the cheapest ive ever bagged a car for was 2k. Your probably looking at 2k and up, up can be as high as you want it depending on how crazy youd like to get.
4 link is probably the best way to go and I know that. I will definitely use high quality components as I would rather invest up front than fix anything that breaks. I also care about tire wear so it will have to be setup 100% correct. I do want fbss. I have a magic price point in my head of 5k. If I can get the frame notched and full setup done for that I will be just fine however I am thinking that it might push that budget when all is said in done. I am just trying to see what others have done and paid so I can get a more realistic idea.
i dont think your going to have any trouble getting it bagged for 5k. that should get you a real nice set up
but, don't expect it to get done overnite-may take months depending how busy shop is, etc. plus, excpect the unexpected shit happens and cost go up.
Brandon and JK- did you have yours done professionally, done yourself, or by a friend? Jalopy- I don't imagine it will be a quick project but it should definitely not take months to complete. Maybe a couple/few weeks max depending on the shop.
Switch, I think you have the right idea money and time wise. Now the trick is to find a shop you can trust that will turn out good work on time. I wouldn't tell them you have 5k to spend either, it should cost less than that. Another factor nobody mentioned is your air source. Compressors and tanks, lines and fittings can add up quick. I recommend a belt driven compressor like a York, assuming you have a V8 that can handle it. Check out onboardair.com.
Gambino's Kit is awesome...he can also set you up with the system too. I think I am at 1600 or so just in parts, including the taildragger kit. then it depends on who you have do it for you on cost..anywhere from 2000 and up. Good luck
If tire wear is a major concern you might want to look in to an air management system. We put Accuair's setup on my wifes 54 Chevy. It places it within 1/16" of our predetermined ride height every time. It also still allows full manual control of the bags. Other things to factor in to the cost are like, What about the frontend? Are you just wanting to replace the stock coils with bags, bags and drop spindles, or are you wanting an entirely new crossmember with rack & pinion steering? Also, How low is "slammed"? Are you trying to lay it on the frame? the rockers? Or do you just want to go as low as you can without hacking up the car and having it taken apart for months? It might be a good idea to scope out some other tri-fives with a stance you'd like to re-create and talk to the owners about their modifications and components. Find out what they liked and disliked and if there is anything they'd do differently if they had it to do over again.
I think 4 grand should cover it, but set aside 5k just in case, because shit happens! I feel you are being realistic in your estimate.
dont forget if your front suspension is wore out it needs to all be replaced.no sense on spending that kind of money when the front end is all out of wack and your rollin down the street lookin all kool and got your oldies playing and your ball joints break while hitting switches at all the pretty girls walking by
Aceuh- what kind of setup are you running? I am not 100% sure about how to handle the front end yet. As for 'slammed' I don't necessarily want to lay frame or rockers. I want a margin of error available so that if for some reason I lost pressure I would be able to get home with a couple inches of clearance. The stance I am after is something similar to what was just finished by Austin Speed Shop with the Skullcracker '55. That stance is just about perfect in my eyes. http://www.austinspeedshop.com/gallery/skullcracker-55/
I had a friend in Ark City, KS knock mine out. It did take a few months, the guy works a full time job. It rides like a dream and looks really good, too.
air suspension is what i do most of the time. Ive done quite a few cars/trucks. Price varies a lot on each vehicle, what your using it for how nice you want to build it so on and so fourth. everything costs money and theres a lot of stuff that go into it like someone else was saying theres just a ton of stuff that can make the price change a lot. i like to run slam bags (re7s most of the time) vair compressors or an engine driven compressor smc or blitzlift valves. SMCs are cheaper and ive had good luck with them, plus they warranty them. 1/2 stainless hardline(this adds quite a bit to my cost) all my link bars/control arms are built out of chromolly (again a big cost) derlin bushings(Rather than polyurethane, way better...) chromolly heims (instead of steel) plus i build most everything adjustable. atleast 1 arm and my upper link bars usally(a really big cost of threaded studs/bungs/jam nuts) you pay for what you get, but you might get lucky, business is slow for a lot of people, Ive dropped my prices before when i needed to make money to pay the bills.
you should be able to get the kit and be bagged for 5k and have a really nice quaility of ride and be very happy with it..as long as you find a shop that does good quaility not quanity...just remember that cause it is a big factor
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