airbag install/ 52 special
- Thread starter LONG
- Start date
nice 2 door, and thanks. here are a few more pix.
#2 and #4 Speedway took the pic at Vintage Torque Fest 2014. #3 is from Bourbon Blitzkrieg Run 2013/ Rod Authority took the pic. #5 is From Ol' Skool Rodz. this is factory drivetrain. to drop to the ground you'll need dropped uprights and notch the frame.
Attachments
I plan on notching rear but prob need more info on front (newbie here).
What at system did you go with. ? Any leaks etc?? I'm trying to get input on which set up to do or just get a kit with everything in one package.
What at system did you go with. ? Any leaks etc?? I'm trying to get input on which set up to do or just get a kit with everything in one package.
Matt Pendleton
Newbie
Awesome job man. It looks sick. I may wanna bag mine now after seeing yours!!!
thank you. some people hate bags, some don't.
jmillsUT28
Member
Man that looks sick! :thumbsup:
Could you give a list of what you had to buy for the kit? Around about how much you spent on it?
Would this be close to the same how-to for my 52 hardtop super?
Could you give a list of what you had to buy for the kit? Around about how much you spent on it?
Would this be close to the same how-to for my 52 hardtop super?
1956century
Newbie
Great thread. I installed air bags on my '56 a few years ago and my bag brackets are almost identical to yours. The rear on mine is very bouncy as well - I've been trying to remedy this for quite some time. The '56 Buicks came with tube shocks, and I'm currently running stiffer monotube truck shocks, but that hasn't really fixed it. I had Air Lift Dominator bags in there and switched to Slam Specialties - still not great. I wonder if this is just the nature of the beast...
not sure about tube shocks. are the truck shocks too long? maybe use some that have a shorter throw. find a lowrider site and see if ones from a caprice will work. I think sites like airbagit have shortened tube shocks.
1956century
Newbie
I spec'd them out to be in the middle of their travel when at ride height, so I don't think that's an issue. I'm thinking it's just has to do with the bag placement over the axle.
chopper york
Member
Nice job there,i have just done the rear on mine and finally got it leak free,looking at my front set up and there isn't a lot of room for a bag unless i get one to fit inside the spring pocket,i noticed that you open'd your frame out,if i done this would it allow the bag to sit up inside and get the front on the bump stops??
I did open each pocket up, one thing I did not specify is that I then rewelded around the cut out area to strengthen. I don't think you could fit a bag up in the pocket. that's why I made the top hat. plus you would have to find a bag with a huge amount of travel to not require any type of riser. I could only use a 6" bag.
chopper york
Member
I have 7" dia bags that collapse to 2 1/2" and I'm not sure if that's enough to fit between the bottom A arm and the frame,that's why I asked about the opening of the spring pocket,i was going to use a top hat affair anyway,im just hoping i can get the clearance on it,what length was your top hat??
3"? can't recall. I think 7" bag will be too big though. unless shorter top hat and make a plate for the top of the lower A arm?
chopper york
Member
Yeah should have gone with 6" really though it does work,the whole system works well and bleeds down over a week so i'm happy with that for now,good to catch up with you on facemuck fella 
thanks
thanksIllmatic505
Member
Does your ride have the torque tube? If so how's the ride when lowerd?
yup, still stock drive train. rides fine. could really benefit adding tube shocks.
if it has 4 coil springs it should be very close.