Owner Rebuilds 1970 Pontiac Ambulance With Air Suspension

A 56-year-old Pontiac ambulance wagon rescued from an Arkansas field has been restored with a new engine setup, exhaust and air suspension.

Updated on Nov. 2, 2026 in Car Maintenance

Side three-quarter view of a restored mid-century station wagon sitting low on air suspension with 20-inch wheels, parked in a gravel yard beside a weathered barn wall. — A 1970 Pontiac ambulance wagon pulled from an Arkansas pasture around 1984 has been rebuilt by its owner with new brakes, fuel system, exhaust and air suspension. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

An owner has rebuilt a 1970 Pontiac ambulance that was rescued from a field in Arkansas and purchased at auction around 1984. The restoration included new brakes, fuel system and exhaust, along with an air suspension system installed in the wagon.

Why it matters

The project shows how an older vehicle that sat unused for decades can be brought back to working condition through mechanical repairs and modern upgrades. It also highlights the appeal of classic wagons among owners who modify them for both performance and ride quality.

The 1970 wagon's original 455-cubic-inch V8 ran rough until its carbon-covered spark plugs were cleaned and then replaced with new plugs and wires. The air suspension uses a five-gallon tank and twin compressors, while the exhaust uses three-inch piping with Flowmaster 40 Series mufflers.

The details

After being parked in a pasture around 1984 or 1985, the wagon received new floor pans, brakes, brake lines and fuel system, plus a rebuilt transmission. The owner also dismantled and lubricated the emergency-light motors and fitted Firestone airbags and adjustable RideTech shocks on 20-inch wheels.

Around 1984: the ambulance was purchased at auction.
Around 1984 or 1985: the ambulance was parked in a pasture.

Roadmap

Aftermarket air suspension kits from Firestone and adjustable dampers from RideTech have become common upgrades on older vehicles seeking a modern ride. This restoration follows that pattern by pairing such systems with a classic 1970 Pontiac wagon.

Owners looking to modernize an older wagon can see how air suspension and exhaust work is typically added in stages. The project illustrates that rebuilding brakes, fuel system and transmission often comes before performance or ride upgrades.

The takeaway

Restoring an older vehicle usually starts with safety and drivetrain basics before aesthetic or ride-quality upgrades. Working through brakes, fuel and transmission first can make later additions more reliable.