Tips for drilling holes in frame for air bags - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

Deuce26 · 11-02-2011, 01:20 PM

I just ordered Dominator 2600 air bags for the rear of my 72. Any tips or tricks that will help me this weekend install these? I am going to just replace the coil with the bag and plan on drilling the 2 mounting holes and fitting hole in the frame. I have the bed off but that is it..What is the easiest way to drill/cut the holes since they are on the underside of the frame..?

Ackattack · 11-02-2011, 01:35 PM

Start working out

I mounted my bags the same way and the big hole for the air line took quite awhile to drill out. I used a LARGE drill bit. A hole saw would probably be better.

big_al_71 · 11-02-2011, 01:46 PM

We installed bag plates and by my calculations I lost about 1/4 inch or so on how low it can go and there was zero drilling just saying..

Deuce26 · 11-02-2011, 05:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ackattack

Start working out

I mounted my bags the same way and the big hole for the air line took quite awhile to drill out. I used a LARGE drill bit. A hole saw would probably be better.

After you jack it up, you can gain enough clearance between the frame and trailing arm to get a drill in?

62 Bowtie · 11-03-2011, 12:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Deuce26

After you jack it up, you can gain enough clearance between the frame and trailing arm to get a drill in?

Yup thats what I did also unbolted shocks for more clearance and use a good brand step bit mine cost like $50 but worth it. I killed a few platinum bits

hotrodhomi · 11-03-2011, 01:56 AM

I did mine with the body on (blazer). I used a right angle drill and a hole saw bit.

VA72C10 · 11-03-2011, 03:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by big_al_71

We installed bag plates and by my calculations I lost about 1/4 inch or so on how low it can go and there was zero drilling just saying..

This is a good option for those not going super low since most with bags and 2" blocks in the rear hit the bed floor anyways so a short bag hat works fine and saves you the pain

mixermike · 11-03-2011, 08:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by big_al_71

We installed bag plates and by my calculations I lost about 1/4 inch or so on how low it can go and there was zero drilling just saying..

note to self....remember this for use at a later date

blime81 · 11-03-2011, 10:05 PM

Plasma cutter works real nice! What you don't have one? Well neither do I...

I think it took me two days to get them all done on the thorbecke bag plates. Something like 30 holes. A couple GOOD quality bits, lots of lube, go slow and a drill doctor FTW!

71swb4x4 · 11-03-2011, 10:13 PM

I used a step bit and it was worth every penny.

11-02-2011, 01:20 PM	#1
Deuce26 Registered User Join Date: May 2011 Location: Norfolk, NE Posts: 10	Tips for drilling holes in frame for air bags I just ordered Dominator 2600 air bags for the rear of my 72. Any tips or tricks that will help me this weekend install these? I am going to just replace the coil with the bag and plan on drilling the 2 mounting holes and fitting hole in the frame. I have the bed off but that is it..What is the easiest way to drill/cut the holes since they are on the underside of the frame..?

11-02-2011, 01:35 PM	#2
Ackattack Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Valley Center KS Posts: 3,524	Re: Tips for drilling holes in frame for air bags Start working out I mounted my bags the same way and the big hole for the air line took quite awhile to drill out. I used a LARGE drill bit. A hole saw would probably be better. __________________ Project Bruiser: 68 Pro-Touring C-10 5.3L / 4L60E Project Ironhide: 97 GMC Crew Cab 4x4 Cummins SOLD: '69 GMC 1/2T SWB TBI'd: Project No Buck Assembly Manual Index Sign up Thread!!! Factory Service Manual Index

11-02-2011, 01:46 PM	#3
big_al_71 Registered User Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: South Florida Posts: 11,375	Re: Tips for drilling holes in frame for air bags We installed bag plates and by my calculations I lost about 1/4 inch or so on how low it can go and there was zero drilling just saying.. __________________ Get your facts first, and then you can distort them as much as you please!!!!!. Sylvester's build thread >>>http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...ht=big+rebuild

11-03-2011, 01:56 AM	#6
hotrodhomi Registered User Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Sacramento Posts: 3,737	Re: Tips for drilling holes in frame for air bags I did mine with the body on (blazer). I used a right angle drill and a hole saw bit. __________________ '72 2wd blazer, bagged w/ watts link & EDC '72 C10 "Lowered Farm Truck" STOLEN 5-18-11 '66 impala ht

11-03-2011, 10:05 PM	#9
blime81 Laid Lo Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Oceanside CA Posts: 277	Re: Tips for drilling holes in frame for air bags Plasma cutter works real nice! What you don't have one? Well neither do I... I think it took me two days to get them all done on the thorbecke bag plates. Something like 30 holes. A couple GOOD quality bits, lots of lube, go slow and a drill doctor FTW! __________________ Semper Fi, Jeff '72 C10 - lays frame '07 Sand Rail - ecotec powered '05 2500HD - tows stuff '67 VW Bug - gas saver '01 Jeep TJ - rock crawler

11-03-2011, 10:13 PM	#10
71swb4x4 Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Brookings, SD Posts: 10,497	Re: Tips for drilling holes in frame for air bags I used a step bit and it was worth every penny. __________________ Some people are like slinkies, they aren't good for anything, but you can't help but smile when you see one tumble down the stairs.

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