For more than thirty years, Heidts has provided automotive enthusiasts with the highest quality suspension parts for their cars. Looking at what they do, and how important it is to have good suspension on your build, we had a conversation with the people behind the products, and dug deep for information on what they are all about. So we contacted Wallace Leyshon, who happens to have been the owner of Heidts, for the last decade.

“Gary Heidt started by making dental instruments,” Wallace told us while recounting a little of his company’s history. “He began the company over 30 years ago to meet the demand for more modern and safer suspensions for street rods. Gary also wanted to offer a better alternative for cars designed before 1948 that don’t deliver much in the area of suspension.”

Although Heidts still manufactures the same quality parts for street rods, Wallace’s interests have brought the company into a more modern period of musclecars. He continued, “Heidts has steadily become the largest player in developing, manufacturing, and supplying high-performance suspension systems and components for the late-model muscle and performance car markets, and has the only patented, bolt-in independent rear suspension (IRS) available in the automotive aftermarket.”

As the market progresses and the demand changes for products, Heidts isn’t willing to get left in the dust. They work hard to stay at the forefront of the performance aftermarket, and do all of their design and manufacture work out of their plant in Lake Zurich, Illinois. Almost everything that comes out of the Heidts manufacturing plant first entered as a steel bar, plate, or piece of tubing. From there it is cut, bent, and welded to create the products Heidts delivers. Wallace adds, “For important components complementing our systems, like brakes, selected gearing, and special materials, we spec and enjoy long-term partnerships with trusted suppliers like Wilwood brakes, Currie Enterprises, and others.”

Heidts offers a complete line of independent front and rear suspensions in their lineup, and according to Wallace, “Includes three levels of front suspensions based on both price point and performance requirements.” Wallace also told us, “We also have independent rear suspensions for virtually every car and truck model from pre-1948 through the Tri-Five era, and first-, second-, and third-gen musclecars.”

Going back to their commitment to staying on top of the market, Heidts targets the launch of two or three new product platforms each year. “Last year we launched a complete front IFS and a four-link rear suspension system for the 1967 through 1987 Chevy C10 trucks,” Wallace explained. This year, they have already released new products for the first-gen Mustang lineup, and a new front suspension and IRS for the third-gen Camaro.

When it comes down to working with Heidts, Wallace has one major piece of advice for prospective clients, “Let us work with you to clearly understand your expectations for your vehicle. This includes street or performance requirements, as well as value.” It’s important to Heidts that you get the best possible suspension for your needs. Working with you to achieve your goals is something they are eager to do.

When it comes to putting together a car, don’t settle for suspension parts that can’t handle the pressure. Wallace finished with, “Heidts builds high-quality, reliable suspension systems for the performance and vintage car owner, so they can fully and safely enjoy driving them.” There is no room to cut corners when it comes to the safety of your classic car.

Have you ever worked with Heidts before? What kind of build were you working on? Tell us about that, as well as any future plans with Heidts, in the comments section below.