Spring Installation
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 895
Likes: 4
From: whitman massachusetts
Spring Installation
After to much time prepping I am finally into the reassembly phase of a frame off on a 1971 roadster. This is a first time car project for me so I am in need of some advice on spring installation. I am replacing the stock GM springs with a set of 460 lb. VBP coils(383cu.in.,auto,no a.c.). Frame is naked of parts, and I am starting front suspension reassembly with the rebushed upper and lower control arms. What is the easiest way to install the shorter VBP 460 springs. Any info is appreciated.
Willem
Willem
Tech Contributor
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 14,379
Likes: 6,390
From: At my Bar drinking and wrenching in Lafayette Colorado
Without the weight of the car to work with, you will have to use a spring compressor. If you had a complete car with engine, you could get by without a compressor using the weight of the car to bring the lower arm up. But with a bare frame, you'll have to use the spring tool.
Tech Contributor
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 15,173
Likes: 3,982
From: Connecticut, USA
I made a compressor out of acme threaded rod and nuts. I welded one end on the rod to use as the cranking end. Thread it through the shock hole and the spring and use a 5/8 -3/4 steel plate with a hole in it to lock under the control arm and compress the spring.
The acme thread is what is used on jacks and will be more then enough, I think I used about a 3/4 diameter. www.mcmaster.com will have it online.
Got the idea from Chuck over in c2 and changed from all thread to acme rod.
The acme thread is what is used on jacks and will be more then enough, I think I used about a 3/4 diameter. www.mcmaster.com will have it online.
Got the idea from Chuck over in c2 and changed from all thread to acme rod.
Racer
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 417
Likes: 40
From: Swansea IL
Front Springs - no motor
For front spring without a motor - first do you have a floor jack? How about a piece of stout chain (about a 3/8" will do).
You can put the chain under the floor jack axle, loop the chain up over the frame. You have now made a tool to compress your spring.
Tip: Run the chain through the spring and keep it taught. This will make the floor jack compress the spring sooner and contain the spring.
Not the most elegant solution but works just fine.
Bob
You can put the chain under the floor jack axle, loop the chain up over the frame. You have now made a tool to compress your spring.
Tip: Run the chain through the spring and keep it taught. This will make the floor jack compress the spring sooner and contain the spring.
Not the most elegant solution but works just fine.
Bob
