[bobandpeni]

Hello group,

Our '72 has 4 bags on the rear axle, 2 forward and 2 aft.  Picture attached from last years brake overhaul.  One of the very few records that came with the coach was a receipt for 4 new bags in 1999.  The bags do not appear weathered and hold air just fine, however they are getting old and I'd like to carry a spare just in case.  (we'll be going to Lexington at the end of March for "Road to the Horse")

I cannot find many markings on the bags other than that they are Firestone AirRide bags, they have the letters AY and an H and one bag has a T200 stamped on it.

Does anyone know what bags were used on this vintage coach?  It sure would be nice to not have to tear it all apart just to get a part number....like just about every other system I've needed parts for

Anyone have any Newell documentation on their 70's vintage suspensions?

I'm curious what pressure was used for pressurizing the bags.

One of my summer projects will be to remove the compressor for rehab of the compartment, the wiring, the compressor and to replace the leveling valves.  I just finished replacing the reservoir air tank on Tuesday.

I threw in a picture of the cast iron compressor which was from the day we bought the coach.  Things are much cleaner now but I don't have a more recent picture.
       

Thanks for any help and advice!

[whatsnewell]

Bob, this is one of the most interesting Newell Classics having the chauffeur quarters.....so unique. I have really enjoyed watching your journey at rehabilitating this beautiful coach. I have no information on the air bag models unfortunately.

[whatsnewell]

Bob, this is one of the most interesting Newell Classics having the chauffeur quarters.....so unique. I have really enjoyed watching your journey at rehabilitating this beautiful coach. I have no information on the air bag models unfortunately. Hoping you can add some pictures of your coach to the gallery here.....I know you put some up on the old NewellClassic site.

[bobandpeni]

Sure, I'll post some pictures. Just let me know if there is anything in particular someone would like to see.

Bob

[bobandpeni]

I uploaded 29 pictures to our gallery.

Of course I'd still love to hear about air bags!

Enjoy,

Bob

[rheavn]

Bob,
In an unbelievable stroke of genius Firestone decided to put the part number on a paper label & place it on the top surface of the air springs where it can be damaged.  If no one knows which air springs fit your coach and you do not want to remove one & hope that the paper label is readable, your choice is to take measurements and do a comparison with the Firestone air spring catalog.  Pay close attention to mounting holes and inlet size.  If you look hard enough you will find it.   I removed mine to verify the numbers. Unfortunately one had a damaged label so I had to go to the catalog research method. Good luck..................................

http://firestoneip.com/-/media/www/fsip/..._smweb.pdf



 

[bobandpeni]

Thanks Steve,

This reminds me of another question.

Has anyone seen these go 20+ years?

Is there a recommended time for replacement?  If so, is this based on any science or just what feels good?

Our bags are 16 years old but look and work good.  Of course our tires were over 25 years old, looked and worked good but I still replaced those for safety reasons.

Thanks!!!

[Ozarkguy]

Thanks Steve,

This reminds me of another question.

Has anyone seen these go 20+ years?

Is there a recommended time for replacement?  If so, is this based on any science or just what feels good?

Our bags are 16 years old but look and work good.  Of course our tires were over 25 years old, looked and worked good but I still replaced those for safety reasons.

Thanks!!!

I replaced the bags on the 74' they appeared to be original and were holding air, but looked scary.. I'll look around to see if I have any receipt.  

[HoosierDaddy]

Hi Bob,
There are plenty of opinions about how long air bags should last. If there is no damage, abrasions, or rubber checking I would be comfortable running them. I would guess that there is a time limit that some would consider but if you are not sure how long they have been installed that is not helpful. Others have had bags blow that were not very old and looked fine. I plan to change all of mine after I get the restoration done and hopefully before they blow !

[encantotom]

bob, i had a grin on my face the whole time i looked at your pictures of the restoration.

it is so cool.....

thanks for sharing

tom