[justincampbell]

I am considering purchasing a 1969 GTO but I am told it has air ride. Personally, I very much dislike any modifications that are not traditional and returning the suspension to stock would be a priority.
My question is this: What sort of difficulties might I encounter in doing this? How many original components are likely to have been butchered when the air ride was installed? I haven't seen the car in person yet(the car is several states away) so I don't know how the install was done exactly. Hoping somebody here has some experience with this.
Thanks
Justin

[b-man]

Usually quite a bit of cutting of the spring pockets in the front will need to be done to get the bags to clear. So the frame is probably butchered up pretty good in front.

If 'Shockwaves' were not used in the front (shocks are built into the bags themselves) then there will be shock brackets welded to the frame and lower A-arms as well. Aftermarket lower A-arms may be used here too, depends on the kit used.

In the rear there should not be any frame mods, those bags are an easy bolt-in with no clearance issues and the rear shocks remain in the stock locations.

Good chance you'll need to replace the frame if originality is your goal.

[justincampbell]

Originally Posted by b-man

Usually quite a bit of cutting of the spring pockets in the front will need to be done to get the bags to clear. So the frame is probably butchered up pretty good in front.

Good chance you'll need to replace the frame if originality is your goal.

I was afraid of that. I am certainly not wanting a show car, but I don't want it to be cobbled together when I'm done either.

[69goatboy]

Originally Posted by justincampbell

I am considering purchasing a 1969 GTO but I am told it has air ride.

Air ride shocks, or air bags?
I would get clarification. Big difference between the two.

[justincampbell]

Originally Posted by 69goatboy

Air ride shocks, or air bags?
I would get clarification. Big difference between the two.

I thought of this after my initial post. I'll have to get some clarification when I talk to him again. If it is just air bags that wouldn't be a big deal.

[69goatboy]

Originally Posted by justincampbell

I thought of this after my initial post. I'll have to get some clarification when I talk to him again. If it is just air bags that wouldn't be a big deal.

These cars came with air shocks in the rear, so he could be referring to those.
If so, there would be air lines from each rear shock coming together near the gas fill point with what looks like a tire valve.

Also, many people will but air bags in the rear only for launching purposes, so the fronts may be unaffected. Or they could have gone as far as b-man has suggested. There are many different possibilities and levels under the guise of "I am told it has air ride.".

[justincampbell]

Originally Posted by 69goatboy

These cars came with air shocks in the rear, so he could be referring to those.
If so, there would be air lines from each rear shock coming together near the gas fill point with what looks like a tire valve.

.".

I had totally forgotten/failed to consider the air shocks. I must be slipping. I am hoping to speak with the owner this evening and get some further info.

If the car still seems as good after speaking with him as it does in the ad and subsequent e-mails, then I am hoping I can find a member nearby who can take a look at the car on my behalf since it is approximately 1,050 miles from me.

[cuz68]

I dont think the 69s Came with air shocks.

[justincampbell]

I talked to the owner last night. The owner didn't have much info other than what the previous owner told her. I am guessing it is just air bags rather than air ride after talking to her. She is supposed to be getting some additional information for me, so we'll see.
I got the impression that she was ready to write me off once she found out how far away I am. Any members near Salisbury, NC?