would it be possible to use the hydrolastic displacement units as 'air bags' rather than buy new bags? would they operate with only air in them or do they need a vore viscous solution in them to operate? thanx ben,

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lookin for another clubby

What are you trying to do? Why use air, not fluid? If they won't hold fluid they won't hold air, either.....

I have seen them on a trailer running as air bags,

I've seen them used in back of a Mini-Matic with rubber cones in the front..

I've seen them on a MinSuki running fluid, but separated...

I like using 'em as Mr Moulton and Alex Issy designed them, but with a pair of front shocks to help the 34 year-old damping.

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DrMini- 1970 wasaMatic 1360, Mk1S crank, 86.6HP (ATW) =~125 @ crank, 45 Dellorto (38 chokes), RE282 sprint cam, 1.5 rockers, 11.0:1 C/R.

Dr, I'm thinking he's talking about an "air-bag" suspension system.....
Think american "hoppers" and I think we're getting close.......

I've considered it, but from a slightly different angle....adding an electric motor to the top of each of my Hi-Los so i can change ride hight at will !!

Nahh, too much like hard work.....

Good luck
J

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i was thinking 'air bags' as in ones with wired body sensors and inflate on impact upon the car.
then i thought "with a car full of Lucas Electrics ..."

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Inconspicuously Conspicuous
Appreciation without Depreciation
forever chasing clearer skies...

Hmmm... James, you could be right- if so, here's my take on it-

while it may look a bit like one, a hydro bag is NOT built like an industrial or truck suspension air bag.
Think of it as a hollow rubber cone with fluid in, connected to another hollow rubber cone.- it is not a rubber pneumatic cylinder.

(Dr. puts on Engineer's hat- yes I is one.. )-

point 1. Normal pressure of 250psi approx (air or fluid) will only raise it to normal ride height. Getting it real high would take lots more pressure. And I doubt you will find a mobile source of air at 300psi..
Forget so-called 250psi air compressors from Supercrap or others..

point 2. Damper valves are built into the fluid lines inside the bags, these would seriously slow down motion by restricting airflow.

If you want RAPID up and down jig-a-jig motion, I'd do it with hydraulics as the Yanks do.

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DrMini- 1970 wasaMatic 1360, Mk1S crank, 86.6HP (ATW) =~125 @ crank, 45 Dellorto (38 chokes), RE282 sprint cam, 1.5 rockers, 11.0:1 C/R.

i dont want it to hop, just controll the ride height with the flick of a switch, so will hydro units hold air or not? thanx guys

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lookin for another clubby

You will have NO damping if you use air, also the ride height will change heaps on hot days, and you won't get to create anything like 250psi on the road with air, anyway. No way, Jose..

The works rally cars used a hand pump to put fluid in or out. These days I would use a 12V power trim pump from an outboard motor. They have reversing, and blocking valves built in, and are rated for 1000psi..
They're designed to run on Dexron ATF, but both that and hydrolastic fluid are glycol based.

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DrMini- 1970 wasaMatic 1360, Mk1S crank, 86.6HP (ATW) =~125 @ crank, 45 Dellorto (38 chokes), RE282 sprint cam, 1.5 rockers, 11.0:1 C/R.