1. Here's the vast array of...
1. Here's the vast array of Air Ride Technologies components set out to transform Dana's '67 shortbed into a low, smooth, comfortable cruising street-rod hauler. Notice the two air tanks Tony welded together.
Loyal CCT readers will remember a House of Kolor Green Pearl '67 Chevy shortbed on our Nov. '03 cover. Owned by Dana Rogalski, the Bow Tie had Belltech drop spindles in the front, while the rear framerails were C-notched with cut coil springs to achieve a pavement-sniffing ride height. Unfortunately, pavement scraper is a term that has literal meaning when speed bumps, steep-angle driveways, and road surface irregularities are encountered by the gallant green machine.
Once Dana scraped up sufficient green, he decided to replace the roughshod ride of his bouncing Bow Tie by 'bagging it. He selected Air Ride Technologies (ART) of Jasper, Indiana, for the components to make his hauler a rolling magic carpet ride. As the name implies, the ARF11800 front airspring/bracket/shock kit for '63-'87 GM C10 trucks includes everything required for 'bagging the frontend. To replace his worn shock absorbers in the back, he purchased a set of rear ART gas shocks. The airbag kit for the caboose -- the ARC21800 system -- is for '63-'72 C10s. For filling and deflating the system, an ARC4700 Big Red compressor kit, which includes a Viair 400c compressor, a 5-gallon tank, and 3/8-inch air lines and fittings (with complete installation instructions), rounded out Dana's equipment procurement.
Since our Chevy-crazy pal still had cash burning a hole in his wallet, he did some research to discover a nearby professional shop to perform the installation. Phase II Autotrends, located in Lakewood, California, was selected from a reliable recommendation. This was CCT's first opportunity to meet the crew at Phase II and see them in action. Phase II's owners, Adam Roland and Jay Nieto, both have a retail store that markets billet wheels, tires, A/V systems, body kits, and suspension systems, and has an impressive shop staffed by master technicians. There's a family and team atmosphere at Phase II Autotrends. Adam, Jay, Omar, Tony, Carlos, Rondel, and Adam's teenage cousin Reggie comprise the enthusiastic and knowledgeable crew at Phase II. Follow along as the shop's talented technician, Tony, took command of the ART airbag install. CCT
2. Rather than go with a single...
2. Rather than go with a single 5-gallon air tank -- the truck was so low in the rear from previous C-notching -- 3-gallon tanks were used instead. After cutting and removing the rear frame brace, Tony created two metal brackets, which he welded to the bed floor's metal substructure to hang the two tanks. Before installing the tanks, he painted the brackets black.
3. On the driver side, after...
3. On the driver side, after removing the front wheels, Tony loosened the steering arm nut with an air-operated impact wrench and removed the nut.
4. Since the A-arm is under...
4. Since the A-arm is under spring tension, in order to remove the driver-side front shock, Tony located a floor to A-arm support clamp for safety.
5. With the clamp in place,...
5. With the clamp in place, Tony detached the A-arm bolts and the driver-side shock absorber bottom bolt.
6. The lower A-arm bolts (fastened...
6. The lower A-arm bolts (fastened to the Belltech spindle) were loosened, the left-side sway bar bolt was removed from the A-arm, and the old shocks were removed. Tony carefully removed the driver-side coil spring and spread the upper and lower A-arms apart.
7. Tony drilled four holes...
7. Tony drilled four holes using a 27/64-inch drill bit in the front crossmember to attach the supplied A069 front crossmember plate.