I am in the process of buying an air management system for my 49 chevy fleetline(all the bags are in) but I am curious which route to go. I would like a self leveling system(something that can keep it at ride height no matter the numbers of p***engers). I have heard nothing but good things about accuair but I am curious if anyone has tried to price the parts needed to copy their system or kit. If so, what is the ballpark figure on the price and or the items needed for a homemade kit. I have heard about airlift being similar to accuair and cheaper but I looked up prices and it looks about the same. Why does accuair have 2 compressors? What size tank should I get? This is my first time airbagging so I am looking for some help. Thank you guys you have been a help in the past.
Why not just get an Accuair system? You may not be able to duplicate one for cheaper. Many parts are system specific or custom. Even those that are not are purchased by Accuair, in volume, so they can sell it to you for cheaper. You can use the system with existing valves, if you already have them. I install these all day long. My shop is a dealer. I'd be happy to answer any questions. Post em. Two compressors are to fill the tank faster. 5-8 gallons should be a good tank for your application.
I think the other way to have self leveling is to use the sensors out of a big truck, but.....3 pre-sets are handy, and its all very nice. next air stuff i buy will be Accu. Air lifts is another thing, i know i have it, its a digi system too, but it doesnt have height sensors, it has a ride height feature that is based on psi, if you leave the auto pilot on (thats how its called) it will try to level the car after loading it basing itself on the original psi setting. its not that accurate, trust me, i have it off all the time and level it manual. For some reason 40psi in the mornin is never the same in the evening! plus, i drive below 30psi in the back most of the time and it doesnt save the settings if it isnt over 30 psi.......im not saying its bad, the valve blocks are awesome, and everything is quality, its just not he same thing. About the compressors, Gimpy's replied already, but the more compressors the fastest the tank will fill and the longest your play time will be. Trust me, i thought i dindt care about it a single bit....but i was wrong, play time is sweet
the systems with hight and pressure sensors are the way to go if you want auto leveling. Accuair and ridetech seem to be very similar and the most advanced that I have seen. My ridetech has worked flawlessly so far (1 year). cost about 2500 with out the bags. I don't know houw you can copy their systems because of the computer that controls the suspension. I tried to piece it together to save cash but ended up about the same as if I would have just ordered a package from ridetech. I have a 5 gal tank and 1 comp but as said before not much playing just enough to raise the car quickly and drive away. oh and if you order the whole kit I think it come with the push in connectors,,, epensive by themselves but beats chasing leaks in compression fittings. hope this helps you and enjoy
Gimpy thank you for your help. I am thinking about buying accuair its just that I am on a budget and the air management system from accuair and ridetech are so expensive. I know with hot rodding everyone draws the line somewhere on their budget. I wanted to weigh my options to see what I can save and put that money elsewhere in the car. I am sending you a pm for your number so I can call you for further pricing options and other questions.. Thank you
If you want a system that is automatic and controls ride height copy the simple mechanical system that trucks and buses use. GM had been doing this since 1953. One leveling valve in the front. One on each corner in the rear. The linkages are somewhat adjustable to dial in the setting. The leveling valves control the volume of air in the bags. You can add in solenoid valves if you want to over-ride and dump. Valves used to be about 75$. don't know what they are now. You'd want valves that were used in the 1960 to 1980's era. Simple and dependable. Check this out...http://www.anythingtruck.com/commercial/susp-levelingvalves.mv I used to buy these; a lot cheaper now...http://www.mohawkmfg.com/news/leveling.html Frank
Thank you Frank. That is great info. I am curious if anyone has used one on a hot rod setup. I am aware that the biggest pain in the balls is mounting the sensors. Seeing that these sensors vary I am curious If anyone has used one like you specify. If anyone has info about this please let me know. Has anyone used the sensors from a newer caddillac air ride system???
My Bel Air is still in the mid-build stage, but after looking at [and talking to various manufacturers, dealers, builders] have decided on & already purchased, Accuair. They were, I found, the ones with what seemed to be the most well considered responses to my inquiries, as well as being very willing to take the time to talk at length. Also offered [w/o prompting I might add] to allow me to buy & then contact them at the point in time that it's finally on the road before starting my warranty coverage.
Go ACCUAIR. Their system has worked flawlessly in my Riviera since day one, and I put more miles on my bagged vehicles than most people do. (I think anyways)
Well I just bought accuair. After thinking about ways to alleviate costs I thought that in the end I would only be fing myself. Thanks for all the help guys. Now the next thread will be about the install. How difficult has it been for everyone to install?
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