Date:         Tue, 15 Sep 2015 21:25:22 -0400
Reply-To:     Eric Caron <ecaron1@COMCAST.NET>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Eric Caron <ecaron1@COMCAST.NET>
Subject:      Re: Air lift best rear spring bags
In-Reply-To:  <3FFCBF67-DB88-4CF1-9ECC-C76F78AA628F@comcast.net>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=utf-8

Hi folks,

        small update on air lift project.

        The replacement air lifts with the new model number arrived.  They are significantly smaller and look like a much better fit for my van.  Also, though my Optical character recognition on the directions left a lot to be desired it did mention VW vans and placing the bag in sideways for them.

        I’m planning to have a bit of work done on the van so I will wait on this install until I am done with that.

I’m now much more optimistic it will be a good fit.

Thanks everyone for the kind directions, info, and support.

eric Caron 
85 GL Auto Westfalia 



> On Sep 9, 2015, at 4:45 PM, Eric Caron <ecaron1@comcast.net> wrote:
> 
> Thanks tom and Jim for the important tip about it being ok to place the air bag in sideways.  I’m posting this info on the original thread so that if anyone in the future has the same questions they will know that though the picture shows the valve pointing down clever vanagon owners found it will work just fine sideways pointing out between the springs!
> 
> I’m looking forward to getting the  air bags you folks have used and giving it a try.
> 
> Final report comes after the install.
> 
> Eric Caron 
> 85 GL Auto Westfalia 
> 
> 
> 
> 
>> On Sep 8, 2015, at 9:42 AM, Tom Buese <tantonbz@GMAIL.COM> wrote:
>> 
>> It appears to moi that the bags air connections may leak right out of the
>> package, mine did, but were easily fixed w/ another new Schrader valve &
>> making sure your connections to the bags & valve are done properly. Once
>> corrected my bags held pressure all Winter & until just recently, I didn't
>> even add air.  Now that I am going to pull the Titanic out of drydock & set
>> sail for Buses By The Buoy & Transporter Fest next month, I will be
>> fiddling w/ the bags as needed to adjust the ride. BTW, the instructions
>> come w/ warnings on making sure the connections don't leak & to keep a
>> minimum pressure of 5 psi in the bags at all times or the bags will get
>> damaged-YMMV
>> For Eric, the bags look like the connection is on the bottom or top, but in
>> reality, the bag is installed w/ the seam facing up/ down, not
>> horizontally, so the connection to the hose goes out the side between the
>> coils.  The bags are very tough & will expand up & down to fill the coil
>> space even though it looks like the seams should be perpendicular to the
>> major direction of inflation.  YMMV
>> 
>> On Mon, Sep 7, 2015 at 11:11 PM, Jim Arnott <jrasite@eoni.com> wrote:
>> 
>>> According to my post on the samba, mine have been in place for 5 years.
>>> Still holding the 15# I put in them when I installed.
>>> 
>>> Ji m
>>> 
>>> 
>>>> On Sep 7, 2015, at 3:51 PM, Jeff Palmer <jpalmer@MYMTS.NET> wrote:
>>>> 
>>>> Mine didn't last particularly long on my 85. I appreciated the firmer
>>> ride but for some reason they lost pressure and by the time I noticed they
>>> had gotten chewed up. Hopefully others had a better experience.
>>>> 
>>>> Jeff
>>> 
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> --
>> Tom Buese