Rob Magnano

The back end of my 1965 coupe sits a little low. I have old air shocks that need replacing. Before I do that can anyone give me some advise on what I should do? Before I buy new air shocks. Any suggestions on what air shocks to get.
Thanks.
Rob.

Powershift

Unless you raised the front, you should not need air shocks on these cars. The rear spring or the rubber bushings may be shot, or someone may have installed a longer rear spring bolt than original.

Check the condition of the rubber parts. A spring rebuild or replacement many be needed.

Larry

Ron Miller

You can raise it with air shocks, true enough. But it may be time for a new rear spring . . . . .

Vet65te

Rob - I'd have to agree with Larry, good chance your rear spring is 'kaput'. Can you post up a pic of your rear spring? If it's flat with no arch noticeable, time to replace it. Sounds like the air shocks were there as a substitute for a decent rear spring, unless you are running big tires on the back.
Mike T - Prescott AZ

Rob Magnano

Thanks Larry I will look into the springs. The car had a non original 396 in it when we bought it. We have replaced that with the original 327. Maybe the previous owner added big block springs ? I'm not sure how to determine what front springs I have.
Thanks. Rob

Rob Magnano

Thanks Mike. Car is at resto shop I will try to get a pic of the rear spring.

Powershift

Count the number of coils and measure (mic) the spring wire diameter. It may still have an ID tag on the springs.

Count the rear spring leaves also, and let us know what you have. Either nine (9) or seven (7)…….unless you have a fiberglass one piece aftermarket spring.

Larry

Rob Magnano

I will do that when I get to the resto shop. Thank you guys for the input I appreciate your knowledge.
Thanks
Rob.

Mike67nv

Air shocks remind me of something I did on my first ’67 circa 1969. I pulled a boat with it and installed air shocks to compensate for the tongue weight. Mine were the old AC/Delco variety with white plastic air lines. I believe they stopped making them years ago. Does your car have a trailer hitch on it by chance?

I can’t think of a reason why you would want to put new air shocks on it. As the others have said, check out your rear spring and suspension components. Your AIM will give you the methodology and dimensions to check your suspension height. It’s UPC 4, sheet B5 in the ’67 AIM.

Rob Magnano

Thanks Mike looking into it.

Rob Magnano

I just checked. And nope. No trailer hitch.

Gary's '66

Someone (Bubba) had used air shocks on my car at some point too. It had hydro shocks when I bought but when doing a carpet kit I found the little plastic hoses and hidden valve. Never had a trailer hitch either.

Gary

Rob Magnano

I guess losing the air shocks are crucial. I'm looking at ride tech rears. Anyone ever use them?

Nowhere Man

Why not buy a new OEM rear spring made by Eaton Along with new shocks and bushings. Once done the car will have the proper ride height And ride better.

5thvet

Same with my 65. I found the little valve in the jack storage area and the tubing through drilled holes!!

Rob Magnano

My valve was in the jack storage compartment also. It looks like returning to OEM will be in my future. Thanks for all the input guys. Here are some before and after shots of my build. I have had the car for 30 years and after the accident in the rain. It has sat in the garage for the past 20 years. And I finally am getting it back on the road!!!!

Powershift

Air shocks likely if a trailer was pulled.

Also back in the mid-1960's the factory SuperStock guys had their cars set up higher than normal. Many people liked this look and did likewise to their daily drivers and hotrods. Air shocks was one easy way to lift the back. Different springs or spring spacers were used on the front.

The MOPAR guys had it easy for the front, and just tightened the bolts up on the front torsion bars.

FWIW

Larry

Rob Magnano

Thanks Larry. I appreciate the help

Gary's '66

Very nice job Rob!

Gary

BTW, you, me and 5thvet must have had the same installer, as mine were placed in exact the same areas.

Rob Magnano

Thanks Gary. It's time for me to upgrade!!!!!