63 bug on bags

[imholdinout]

Hey I just picked up a 63 which has bags on the rear and air shocks in the front. I have no experience with air systems and I have a couple of questions. First the PO said that the front air shocks that are installed now are junk, they leak and barely raise the car up. My purchase also came with air cylinders and air bags as well. What is the best course of action for the front?

Also when I air up the system after awhile it loses pressure, is this normal or is it because of the leaky air shocks or a leak somewhere else? The compressor kicks off at 150psi then if I dont touch it and hour or so later its at 120psi.

Also any advice you can give me about the system I have and some do's and dont's? The rear quarter panels have been cut because the tires would rub if they werent, so I will need to fab up some quarter panels.

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[1bad66vw]

I would recommend new air shocks (~$150 from airkewld.com)

http://store.airkewld.com/e-shop-online/suspension/miscellaneous/link-pin-air-sleeve-shocks.html

and a good check the of lines too - would not hurt at all to replace IMO. The leaks could come from the shocks, lines, or connections...just have to check each out I think....

I had a tank that leaked slowly - I think most lose air over time.

I would go over the entire setup before driving....to far....

[zeroclearance]

Or you can get the exact same shocks (monroes) for around 80...

The only way anything leaks is when there are crooked lines in push locks, crooked lines in compression fittings, or kinked lines. Any fitting needs to have the air line put straight inside the fitting, not at an angle, especially on a compression fitting. I found it best using the push locks and compression fittings that have an insert inside the fitting, to go inside the air line, which helps keeping the line straight, as well as providing more leak protection.

Also another thing to do is getting rid of any extra connections or splices. And another trick i recommend, use pipe dope on any connections that will be permanent for a good while (it sometimes can be difficult to loosen fitting after it sets). Just be sure after you thread the fitting in, to wipe off any excess pipe dope.

I hope it all helps...
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Zero Clearance Auto Werks..
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[imholdinout]

thank you all for the info. which monroe shocks would you recommend? Im also assuming that the air system should hold pressure for more than an hour? hopefully until something is bled off right?

The rear was fabbed with some very interesting adjusters, I will have to take a picture tomorrow and see if you guys can shed some light on how to adjust it. The passenger side rear sags a little more than the drivers side.

[zeroclearance]

Uhm, I cant remember the exact number, but if you go to their website, they have a shock chart with all the numbers of their gas shocks, air, and numerous others. Then when you scroll down to the air shock section you will want to find the lowest compressed length(10" i think) and with the two eyelet holes.

and it should not leak at all. My car holds for days at a time, hell all my trucks and cars do! the only reason you should ever have for leaking is when the tank pressure becomes lower then the bag pressure.

About it sagging, are both bags getting th same pressure? i assume not, im sure there its a kinked line, or one like is gettting more pressure as the other. At this point, im glad they even used actually airline, and not water line!

But pics would help for determining the back.
_________________
Zero Clearance Auto Werks..
drop it here..drag it home.

[imholdinout]

heres pics of the back

[ereks007]

take the exact air shocks to pep boys they can match the numbers off
the shock this way u use the exact style that the trashed shocks are that were origibally design by the fabricator and they price match stuff to so
somtimes u can get em for like $50 u should never lose air tighten all your fittings i would take apart the whole air tank/compressor and retighten everything useing only liquid teflon $1.99 at ace hardware
no leaks into new air shocks at only 150psi bulletproof and you get a decent ride

or if your lookin to clown air cylinders they require like 40psi to lift the car and the more psi the faster they lift trust me they're fast dont forget the 1/2" line and it takes a welder and sum 1/4" plate and they dont pop or break but horrible ride but tons of fun