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SUBTLY SLICED
Subtle is a term that doesn’t describe many hot rods, as most of them use bright paint and loud engines to stand out in the crowd. The new wave of high-end hot rods, however, often use softer colors and more elegant themes to make an outstanding statement. Doug Hoppe’s ’35 Ford coupe is a fine example of a subtle yet radical rod, and the crew at Lakeside Rods and Rides did an amazing job with the extensive metalwork, paint and final assembly. Lakeside Rods and Rides is notorious for elegant street rods, including this year’s America’s Most Beautiful Roadster, and the guys in the shop know exactly what it takes to build a jaw-dropping car.

Inversely Proporsional
One of the most misunderstood performance components on any engine has to be the camshaft, or camshafts in the case of our overhead-cam 4.6-liter Ford engine. The difficulty is only compounded when you add forced induction to the mix. From an anatomical standpoint, the camshaft can be likened to the brain, as the cam profile determines how effectively (when and where) breathing takes place.

PUMP THE POWER: PART 2
Auto manufacturers are constantly working to develop trucks that safely tow and haul more weight. However, the byproduct of high load capabilities is a rough unloaded ride. On a recent visit to J&D Performance, we found the crew beginning work on an Air Ride system for the owner of a 1999 F-350 two-wheel-drive dually. The owner of the truck was happy with its ability to tow and haul, thanks to Part-1’s addition of a full Banks Power Pack, but extremely unhappy with the truck’s ride when unloaded.
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PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT: AirSafe Emergency Support Kit TM by R.S. Restorations
The Safety Net Every C10 Air Ride Owner Needs
Author
The Auto Builder Staff
Photography Courtesy of R.S. Restorations
If you’ve ever rolled your 1963-1987 C10 truck onto air suspension, you know the thrill of the slammed stance and the smooth ride. But air ride comes with its own quirks, and when an unexpected failure happens—like a leak or compressor issue—it can leave your ride stranded, scraping pavement, or even worse, causing damage to your truck. That’s where the AirSafe Emergency Support Kit™ by R.S. Restorations comes in to save the day.
This patent-pending solution is engineered specifically for C10 trucks running air ride suspensions with factory lower control arms and cut inner fenders, though it can adapt to some tubular control arms with light mods. It’s not just an accessory—it’s peace of mind for anyone cruising with an air suspension setup.
Why the AirSafe Kit is a Game-Changer
AirSafe’s main mission is simple but critical: it keeps your truck at a drivable ride height when your air suspension system decides to check out. That means you can avoid dragging frame, wrecking your suspension, or sitting helplessly on the side of the road. Whether it’s a long-haul road trip or just a weekend cruise to the local car show, AirSafe ensures you can keep rolling—or at least make it safely to the next stop.
But it’s not just about emergencies. R.S. Restorations thought ahead to make the AirSafe™ kit modular, practical, and easy to use. The kit includes forged 1040 steel quick-remove bump stops that give you the flexibility to adjust based on your driving needs. For local cruising, you can opt for the longer bump stops for added clearance, while the shorter stops are perfect for extended tours. Got a jack in your truck? Even better—you can swap these supports in minutes when needed.
Bulletproof Design for Real-World Conditions
Every piece of the AirSafe kit is built to take a beating. The 1/4-inch steel brackets mount directly under your existing upper bag mount and are tough enough to handle the full weight of your C10 in the event of a complete air-out failure. Meanwhile, the rubber-cushioned bump stops provide a smooth interface that won’t leave your front end rigid or harshly grounded.
Whether you’re parking it low at a show or hauling it high for a road trip, the modular design means you can easily stash the stops in your cab and install them only when needed. And thanks to durable R-clips, the quick-remove feature makes installation and removal a no-brainer.
Built with C10 Enthusiasts in Mind
This isn’t just a generic fix-all solution—it’s a tailored kit for 1963-1987 C10s. From the factory lower control arms to tubular setups with slight fabrication, R.S. Restorations made sure this kit fits like a glove for real-world C10 setups. And because every kit is fabricated to order, you’re getting a product that’s as fresh and carefully crafted as your truck build..
What’s in the Box?
Here’s what you get with every AirSafe Emergency Support Kit™:
- Two 1/4-inch Steel Brackets: Designed for multiple bolt positions, so you can dial in the perfect fit for your truck.
- Two Forged 1040 Steel Bump Stops: These feature a rubber-cushioned bottom to prevent jarring impacts and provide reliable support.
- Two Durable R-Clips: For quick and secure installation and removal.
- Installation Instructions: Easy-to-follow guidance so you can install and hit the road with confidence.
Designed for the front suspension of C10s, this kit is a simple, reliable solution to a problem no air ride owner wants to face.
***The AirSafe™ Kit is currently made for the front only and may not provide full support in a full system failure event.
Installing the AirSafe Emergency Support Kit™: Watch and Learn
Forget the guesswork—this step-by-step install video shows you exactly how to bolt up the AirSafe Emergency Support Kit™ to your 1963-1987 C10. It’s simple, it’s solid, and it’s the peace of mind every air ride truck needs.
Get Yours Today
Don’t wait until you’re stuck on the side of the road— CLICK HERE to head over to the R.S. Restorations website, to learn more, and grab your AirSafe Emergency Support Kit™. Protect your C10 and keep cruising with confidence.




