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  #1  
Old 08-20-2009, 06:11 PM
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Location: Oakbank, Manitoba, Canada
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Air suspension questions

So since being a young adult with a little extra money on the side. I would like to put air ride; or for the older generation "Airbag suspension" into my 1962 190c 4spd. Now basically here is the tough part finding the right universal kit for it. http://www.airbagit.com/product-p/fbs-lightning1a.htm would this work? Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

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  #2  
Old 08-20-2009, 07:40 PM
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stay away from airbagit first.

these cars are very easy to put air ride on as long as you have a welder and a torch or plasma .

with them being coil sprung it's just a matter of swapping a spring for a bag then making some plates to take up the extra space the bag doesn't fill.

run your lines and do an engine driven and your set.
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  #3  
Old 08-20-2009, 08:35 PM
GGR GGR is offline
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Well, why not going for a W112 300 then? They have an air suspendion from factory and it's a nice step up after having owned a 190.
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  #4  
Old 08-21-2009, 04:17 AM
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didn't know that the air suspension was came equipped in the 300 but it would probably be hard to find a full setup that is in good shape and someone willing to sell one. Thus, it would be nice to have a new kit that has some sort of warranty; no?
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  #5  
Old 08-23-2009, 10:29 AM
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There's a difference between the mercedes factory air suspension and a bolt in kit that provides "air shocks".

Smebody else here said the difference between the average vintage mercedes and one that has had its suspension maintained to spec is amazing. There are a dozen or so rubber parts on your 190 that are probably older than you. replace them.

You will notice the difference.

-CTH
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  #6  
Old 08-23-2009, 12:41 PM
Brian Ostosh
 
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CTH is correct,
Replace ALL rubber suspension first.
Subframe and motor suspension too.
Replace shocks with correct Bilstein's of Koni's.
New tires. (big variation with this choice hard to soft).
After that you will be able to feel the difference between steel and aluminum factory rims. (flex to stiff)

Even new seat pads contribute to overall suspension.

Only then, think about the air suspension.
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  #7  
Old 08-24-2009, 02:30 AM
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Brian, forget air suspension period
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Warren

Currently 1965 220Sb, 2002 FORD Crown Vic Police Interceptor

Had 1965 220SEb, 1967 230S, 280SE 4.5, 300SE (W126), 420SEL

ENTER > = (HP RPN)

Not part of the in-crowd since 1952.
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  #8  
Old 08-24-2009, 10:44 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by wbain5280 View Post
Brian, forget air suspension period
Indeed. Why would you want to wreck such a car?

- Peter.
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  #9  
Old 09-02-2009, 04:50 AM
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Not many fans of air suspension I see. I just want to do it for looks! Basically the fintail I have now is going to be a little tricked out. Flat black, with tinted windows, sound system, rechromed bumper and other pieces. Kinda make it like a one of a kind rod, cruiser, 'gangster' car.
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  #10  
Old 09-04-2009, 02:11 AM
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I'm a big fan of the MB air suspension. It's expensive to add it to a different model.
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Warren

Currently 1965 220Sb, 2002 FORD Crown Vic Police Interceptor

Had 1965 220SEb, 1967 230S, 280SE 4.5, 300SE (W126), 420SEL

ENTER > = (HP RPN)

Not part of the in-crowd since 1952.
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  #11  
Old 09-04-2009, 10:27 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by eclipse_22 View Post
Not many fans of air suspension I see. I just want to do it for looks! Basically the fintail I have now is going to be a little tricked out. Flat black, with tinted windows, sound system, rechromed bumper and other pieces. Kinda make it like a one of a kind rod, cruiser, 'gangster' car.
Yea, that camber change on the rear wheels is going to look great.

Jim
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  #12  
Old 09-14-2009, 10:09 PM
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Here's my w115 air ride build. Yours shouldn't be much different.

http://forums.vwvortex.com/zerothread?id=3884094

I brought it to this point in air ride for a little more than $1000 plus many hours of labour.

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  #13  
Old 09-15-2009, 04:37 AM
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You did a great job on that. How about a writeup on the parts used, custom mods etc etc.

BTW, I'm originally from Oakville.
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Warren

Currently 1965 220Sb, 2002 FORD Crown Vic Police Interceptor

Had 1965 220SEb, 1967 230S, 280SE 4.5, 300SE (W126), 420SEL

ENTER > = (HP RPN)

Not part of the in-crowd since 1952.
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  #14  
Old 09-15-2009, 07:56 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Dreamstate View Post
Here's my w115 air ride build. Yours shouldn't be much different.

http://forums.vwvortex.com/zerothread?id=3884094

I brought it to this point in air ride for a little more than $1000 plus many hours of labour.
Are you going to work on it more to fix the camber so that you get even tire wear, or are you going to leave it @ this point? Do you raise it up when riding around and just lower it for shows?
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  #15  
Old 09-15-2009, 10:12 AM
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wbain,
I will have to do a parts list on the build. The parts are all shown in pictures, but a comprehensive list would be helpful, you're right.
Oakville you say? I'm in Oakville every day, since my work is just on the border on the Mississauga side.

tomguy,
The camber wears the tires a lot, it's true. But being a show car, I'm not too worried about it. I normally drive about 2-3 inches higher than shown, so it's not too bad.. but I still wear out tires a lot faster than normal.

On a side note, I am off to buy a w109 4.5 in Ottawa this week. I'm very excited.

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