my pics of a 57, 61 and repro spring

 

What is the best way to install the "gorilla"?

 

No special tool is required other than a large Crescent Wrench (12" or so).

Assemble the spring at the bottom, then assemble it onto upper bracket (the bracket that bolts to the cross shaft), then assemble the bracket to the cross shaft using the bottom bolt only (leave this bolt loose so that the bracket can pivot in relation to the cross shaft).

Then attach the Crescent wrench to the top of the bracket (across the upper end of the bracket - about a 1" gap at the Crescent wrench) and pivot the bracket into place and insert the top bolt.

Adjust the bracket via the Crescent wrench (in relation to the cross shaft) so that the specified effort is obtained at the pedal, and then tighten the 2 bolts (see the ST-12 for adjustment procedure).

See post #16 in the below old forum thread, to see proper location of Crescent wrench.

https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...rn-spring.html

Plasticman

 

Thanks for spring offer.
I ordered a new one already.
Let's see what else did I have to fix:
replace brand new phillips headtail light screws with slot head
They charged him $2500 for a rebuilt four speed with a 60 main case, 61 tail case, and 62 shift cover
$2500 for a rebuilt open rear end
$150 for AutoZone plastic horns
$150 for the wrong bellhousing
$100 for the new but wrong water pump
$100 for a new 62 style front motor mount support
$150 for a cheap 57 style FI air cleaner
$150 for a new passenger oil pan
$125 for new but wrong 61 style draft tube
$75 for new but wrong 59 style four speed shift plate
$350 for very nice but wrong 59 hubcaps
and this is just the beginning but you get the idea.
What is so crazy is that for the same money they could have supplied and installed the correct parts.
I know a few items like the oil pan, air cleaner, diff and the early 58 transmission may have been a cost savings compromise but I could list ten times more examples of lazy and unprofessional work by this big time Southern California restoration shop.
Now that I have whined about the parts, the body work was fine, same for most of the suspension work.
This has made for a fun and easy project to correct easy to change parts.
In a few months I hope to have it on the road again.
I REALLY appreciate the instruction on gorilla spring installation.
I had no idea how to do that and the solution is so easy.

 

Your experience is far too typical I'm afraid....half *** restoration shops who deliver shiny paint and chrome, charge too much, take too long and dick up everything else that matters....