On 1/2/2024 at 8:38 PM, Bonne61 said:

Haha, yes the ground clearance is one my wife has already mentioned.

I can do whatever I like for the looks, but if it feels like a race car on the road (ie: she needs a kidney belt for a trip up the road) or I need to take every speed hump at walking pace and 45 degree angle, she will slap me 😭

She's been down this road before 🤷‍♂️

I've been recommended the airbag route a few times, but tbh I can't be bothered with the cost, effort and the upgrades to the electrical system I'll have to do to install them. I am happy to just go down the "old school" route, & put up with the compromises that will come with that.

Hey, I know this is an old post but, what upgrade would need to be done for the air bag system?  This is something I would love to save up for (maybe) one day.

4 hours ago, Monroe64 said:

Hey, I know this is an old post but, what upgrade would need to be done for the air bag system?  This is something I would love to save up for (maybe) one day.

Hey mate,

I haven't taken the airbag route, neither am I planning to.
Two of my "classic" mates have done so-both love the look (as do I), both both have had their issues.

One has a Chevy Impala ('64), one a '60 Bonneville.

Issues are air leaks (common), sticking valves (if you're car is dropped and this happens, you will not be able to drive it or get it dragged onto a tilt tray), and sporadic control module issues.

Both have had different systems fitted to different cars, by different companies.

One has spent over $100k on his vehicle, the other is significantly more budget conscious.

Cost for kits seem to be around $5k fitted (give or take).

FYI these systems are not designed to make your car handle better, simply look cooler (which they certainly do, IMO).

Hope this helps?

 

17 hours ago, Bonne61 said:

Hey mate,

I haven't taken the airbag route, neither am I planning to.
Two of my "classic" mates have done so-both love the look (as do I), both both have had their issues.

One has a Chevy Impala ('64), one a '60 Bonneville.

Issues are air leaks (common), sticking valves (if you're car is dropped and this happens, you will not be able to drive it or get it dragged onto a tilt tray), and sporadic control module issues.

Both have had different systems fitted to different cars, by different companies.

One has spent over $100k on his vehicle, the other is significantly more budget conscious.

Cost for kits seem to be around $5k fitted (give or take).

FYI these systems are not designed to make your car handle better, simply look cooler (which they certainly do, IMO).

Hope this helps?

 

This does help. I was always under the impression that the air bags were the way to go for lowering. I thought the ride was actually pretty good and way better than hydraulics. Damn, that sucks!!  Maybe some spindles and a coil over kit?

gees Keith you can lower it a couple of inches justA by having the coil springs reset, which is wayyy cheap 

or go down the wayyy lowering way .. all it takes is money ! lots of money 

I lowered my GP and to be honest, cars don't like it! You're messing with geometry and of course clearance issues will always be present. Mine is only 2" front/1.5" rear and admittedly looks shit hot BUT if I were to have another go, 1" front/0.5" rear max using HD coils only.

Tread carefully. 

I personally love the look of anything lowered, Pontiacs, Fords, Chevys, hell id even check out a lowered Yugo if you had one! 

Corolla, Wrongway? Hmm...?

Prius?

Reliant Robin (a la Mr Bean?)

4 hours ago, Fitzy said:

Corolla, Wrongway? Hmm...?

Prius?

Reliant Robin (a la Mr Bean?)

Aw hell no!

Still trying to make the prius acceptable in a polite Pontiac society Fitzy? Sorry buddy, not going to happen.  Thats probably the one car that wouldn't gain any cool points even if it was lowered and had a metal flaked paint job, but yeah, I would still come check it out 

On 11/13/2024 at 8:04 PM, Bonne61 said:

Hey mate,

I haven't taken the airbag route, neither am I planning to.
Two of my "classic" mates have done so-both love the look (as do I), both both have had their issues.

One has a Chevy Impala ('64), one a '60 Bonneville.

Issues are air leaks (common), sticking valves (if you're car is dropped and this happens, you will not be able to drive it or get it dragged onto a tilt tray), and sporadic control module issues.

Both have had different systems fitted to different cars, by different companies.

One has spent over $100k on his vehicle, the other is significantly more budget conscious.

Cost for kits seem to be around $5k fitted (give or take).

FYI these systems are not designed to make your car handle better, simply look cooler (which they certainly do, IMO).

Hope this helps?

 

Hi Chris, I have admired the look of bagged cars for years, and have never heard anyone criticize the system. Perhaps they spend all that money, and when things go wrong they don't want to admit to buying lemons. They sure do look cool though, but so can a mechanically lowered car if done right.