Videos: RideTech Testimonials from SEMA 2011

The annual Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) Show gives automotive companies a place to show off their products. This year, RideTech was out at the show in full force, showing off their suspension components on a variety of different platforms. The RideTech-equipped cars weren’t just limited to the RideTech booth, however. These cars were actually all over the SEMA show, being displayed with a number of different companies. Check out these testimonials from several individuals who used RideTech components on their project cars.

RideTech is not just in the business of making suspension components. Rather, they are a company dedicated to building hotrods, giving customers what they want and being passionate about what they do. And their products and wide customer base are proof of all three. Started as Air Ride Technologies, RideTech specializes in air suspension systems, but that’s not all they do. They also design, manufacture and sell other suspension components like the coilovers used on the ‘32 Ford in the video above.

George Packard’s ’32 Ford Coupe

The ‘32 Ford 5-Window was built by Alan Johnson and his crew at Johnson’s Hot Rod Shop in Gadsden, Alabama. Johnson is no stranger to RideTech, doing business with them since 1997, so he turned to the company for suspension solutions for this straight-axle Ford.

Although an air suspension system wasn’t possible for the Ford’s set up, RideTech was able to provide Johnson with front and rear coilovers that not only fit and functioned well, but looked good doing it.

Although RideTech’s products are excellent, that’s not the only reason why Johnson has done business with the company for almost 15 years. In his testimonial, Johnson explains that RideTech’s customer service is unbeatable.

Whether Johnson is in the beginning stages of a project and looking to do something different with the suspension, or completely finished with a project and dealing with a car that’s not acting exactly like he wants, Johnson says “the customer service is always there, and that’s what keeps us going back to RideTech.”

George Packard of Vintage Air also uses RideTech coil overs on his ‘32 Ford 5-Window Coupe. Before his RideTech suspension, Packard used to cringe going over bumps or bridges in his car because of the bad ride quality. Now, his Ford handles like a dream, even in the autocross event at his local Good Guys car show.

Packard stated in his testimonial that the difference the shocks made on his car is incredible. Being in the street rod industry since 1975, Packard has seen many new innovations, but none have made such a lasting impression on him. According to Packard, any future project cars will definitely be fitted with RideTech suspension components.

Carbon Kustoms’ ’70 Formula Firebird

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Johnson and Packard weren’t the only long-time customer of RideTech’s that were at SEMA this year. Some of the guys over at Carbon Kustoms as well as Vintage Racing & Performance was also there with their RideTech Triple-Adjustable Coil Over-equipped ‘70 Formula Firebird. “The quality of the ride with these shocks is absolutely phenomenal,” Albert Melchior, owner of Carbon Kustoms stated in his testimonial.

“You have the feeling of driving a car that is light, agile, and yet has a stance that is awesome and will take a corner absolutely flat.” Kevin Miller and Scott Mock from Vintage Racing & Performance also remarked on the quality of the ride. Miller especially liked the adjustability of the coil overs and what that meant for the car’s handling, consistency and performance, as did Mock, who added that the RideTech shocks were far superior to those made by other companies.

The Formula isn’t the only car that Carbon Kustoms has used RideTech products on. Melchior uses RideTech equipment almost exclusively for his company’s builds because of the ride quality that RideTech suspension components provide. If exclusive use of RideTech’s products isn’t a good enough testimony to how good they are, we don’t know what is.

RPM Hot Rod’s ’62 Chevy II

Curt Ukasik from RPM Hot Rods is just as enthused about RideTech’s coil overs as the guys from Carbon Kustoms and Vintage Racing & Performance. RPM Hot Rods was responsible for the RideTech-equipped ‘62 Chevy II that competed in the Optima Street Car Challenge this year. With a challenge like Optima’s, the suspension needs to work flawlessly and that’s what RPM and Gerry Kerna, owner of the Chevy II, found with the RideTech product.

Not only does RideTech’s suspension provide great handling, it also provides ride comfort that is unmatched. Both Ukasik and Kerna commented on the comfort of driving the Chevy II in their testimonials, as well as the unmatched support and service RideTech has provided them. As long-time customers of RideTech, we have feeling that both Ukasik and Kerna will be using more RideTech products on their cars in the future.

Mike Rife’s ’63 Corvette

Another Optima Street Car Challenge participant, Mark Rife, was also sporting RideTech suspension components at SEMA. As the owner of a ‘63 Corvette, Rife has been a customer of RideTech’s since 1999, commenting on the excellent service and products he has gotten along the way. When Rife decided to redo his Corvette a couple years ago, he decided he needed to try the new RideTech Triple-Adjustable shocks on his car and hasn’t looked back since.

The RideTech suspension gave the Corvette handling, performance, ride quality and adjustability that was superior to the other shocks Rife had used previously. The biggest benefit of using RideTech’s shocks for Rife? The ability to fine tune the car to every course and track he drives on.

George Poteet’s ’69 Blowfish

Troy Trepanier from Rad Rides by Troy is another RideTech-equipped vehicle owner that likes the performance RideTech suspension systems provide when racing. Trepanier was at SEMA this year with his ‘69 Barracuda blown fuel race car called “Blowfish.” Equipped with a custom Air Ride suspension system from RideTech, Blowfish went 319mph at the Bonneville Salt Flats this year. The major benefit that Blowfish gets from its RideTech suspension system is the fine tuning it offers.

When running at the Salt Flats, the course can be somewhat uneven and Trepanier found that with the custom Air Ride suspension on the car, he could get excellent ride quality regardless. The Air Ride suspension is so good at stabilizing the car apparently that Danny Bourrow, driver of Blowfish at the Salt Flats, finds the car easier to drive the faster it goes.

Jimi Day’s ’69 AMX

RideTech’s reputation and presence in automotive racing prompted Jimi Day from FM3 Performance Marketing to use the company‘s coil overs on his ‘69 AMX. Just like all the other RideTech enthusiasts, Day is a big fan of RideTech’s quality products, as well as the ride quality and handling they offer. Whether it’s being driven on the Las Vegas Strip or being raced at the track, the ‘69 AMX has the perfect suspension performance thanks to RideTech. That’s why Day would use RideTech suspension components on future projects.

From all the testimonials you’ve seen here, you can tell that RideTech not only provides a quality product that is well thought out and built to give customers the optimum ride quality and handling out of their suspension, but they also provide top-of-the-line customer service. Our congratulations goes out to RideTech for having such a wide range of satisfied customers, from Optima Ultimate Street Car Challenge competitors to blown fuel racers. We look forward to seeing more quality suspension components from RideTech and the rides they are used on in the future.

About the author

Lindsey Fisher

Lindsey is a freelance writer and lover of anything with a rumble. Hot rods, muscle cars, motorcycles - she's owned and driven it all. When she's not busy writing about them, she's out in her garage wrenching away. Who doesn't love a tech-savy gal that knows her way around a garage?
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