Quick double-check on fork rebuilds

[Heavy Armor]

OK, so I got my front forks out (much thanks for the how-to in the Tech section, it was a breeze). I just have a few questions about converting over to the Progressive springs that I haven't been able to clarify just yet.

1.) I found the part number for the Progressive springs themselves. When I order a fork rebuild kit, I'm still looking for all the normal factory seals, right? There's nothing special or different I need to be looking for in relation to parts?

2.) Should I replace rubber seals around the air tube? Is that part of the rebuild kit?

3.) OR since I'm doing the Progressive springs, should I just do away with the air system altogether? What would be the recommended way to handle that?

4.) Nails mentioned adding a pressure relief valve someplace. Should I seriously be looking into that, and if so, what would the part be?

Many thanks! I think this is the last thing I need to deal with before FINALLY getting this thing back on the road. What a slow project.

[Nails]

I'm still looking for all the normal factory seals, right?

And bushings.

Should I replace rubber seals around the air tube? Is that part of the rebuild kit?

I don't know about a "kit". Just order the parts you need. See below.

should I just do away with the air system altogether? What would be the recommended way to handle that?

With the Progressives, I plugged the fork air holes with JB Weld and ditched the air manifold. If I had it to do again, I'd keep the manifold and rig a bleed-off valve. (I might drill out the JB Weld.) I think it's best to minimize the internal volume of this plumbing.

Nails mentioned adding a pressure relief valve someplace.

Got the idea from Don. It's all his fault.

[Heavy Armor]

I discovered there's a local shop the next town over that specializes in fork rebuilds (how convenient!). I asked about the cost, and I actually think my jaw dropped. $800 NOT including bushing or seals! And I told them the forks are already off the bike! Color me crazy, but this seems steeeep, to put it mildly.

Am I wrong?

[Nails]

That's ridiculous. I don't remember now, but I'm pretty sure my local shop charged $75 or less. That's labor only (I brought in the parts -- not MaKa -- and oil), but included buffing out a scratch on an inner tube. They also had to fuss with the air holes (keeping the shock upright).

[Heavy Armor]

OK yeah I thought that was a bit extreme. He quickly mentioned something about my bike using cartridges and yadda yadda, so I can only guess that he was pricing that, but I think we've talked before about converting to cartridges, so maybe he's just mistaken. I don't know enough about forks to be able to talk shop.

[buzzcut]

for what its worth, I definitely prefer having air with the progressives. Took a long time to figure that out though. No air and I was quite unhappy with the front end feel. You might want to keep it in case. Just don't use it but if removed there is no option.