 longboard
"16th Year" Platinum Supporting Member
Posts: 1014
Loc: Grass Valley, CA
Reg: 09-20-04
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09-17-08 08:49 AM - Post#1524133
Well I'm finally getting to reassembly, but I have a bit of a problem. I can't compress the front springs small enough to fit into the a-arms. I'm using the 'hook' type spring compressor. I have dropped spindles and lowering springs. Is there a better compressor to use? Or a trick to try? It's on my 61 Impala Thanks!
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64 LT1 Impala
Newbie
Posts: 9
Reg: 02-26-07
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09-17-08 09:05 AM - Post#1524147
In response to longboard
It really helps to have weight on the front end of the car. I put drop spindles on my 64 when I had the motor/trans out. I had to have my 350lb buddy sit on some stacked up cinder blocks on the front cradle to keep the car from lifting up.
I used Mac Pherson style spring compressors and had to crank the piss out of them with an air gun. It was a little dicey only because the springs felt like a loaded gun.
Put the spring in the upper socket, jack under the lower control arm and a big pry bar to guide in the lower part of the spring in the control arm and bolt up the spindle. Usually take some cussing and a second attempt but it can be done.
Hope this helps.
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raycow
DECEASED
Posts: 27999
Loc: San Francisco, CA
Reg: 11-26-02
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09-17-08 09:22 AM - Post#1524161
In response to 64 LT1 Impala
If you are using a floor jack you can loop a chain over the frame and under the jack. That way, the frame can't go anywhere when you jack the control arm. It's still dangerous if the spring gets away from you though.
Ray
| Those who choose an automatic transmission want transportation. Those who choose a manual transmission want to drive. |
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BigDogSS
"17th Year" Silver Supporting Member
Posts: 5140
Loc: SoCal
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09-17-08 10:33 AM - Post#1524196
In response to 64 LT1 Impala
....I used Mac Pherson style spring compressors and had to crank the piss out of them with an air gun. .....
This is death waiting to happen. Do not use Mac Pherson strut spring compressors on non-Mac Pherson strut springs.
1967 Chevrolet Impala SS convertible 327 - Ermine White C1 - VCCA Senior Award
1967 Chevrolet Impala SS Sport Coupe 396 - Marina Blue FF - personal "barn-find" lol
1965 Chevrolet Malibu 4D Wagon |
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longboard
"16th Year" Platinum Supporting Member
Posts: 1014
Loc: Grass Valley, CA
Reg: 09-20-04
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09-17-08 10:42 AM - Post#1524202
In response to BigDogSS
I saw a differrent kind of compressor in one of the chevy catelogs, that was made for tri-fives according to the offering. Is there a better compressor than the 'hook' kind?
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BigDogSS
"17th Year" Silver Supporting Member
Posts: 5140
Loc: SoCal
Reg: 12-21-01
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09-17-08 11:06 AM - Post#1524213
In response to longboard
Yes, years ago I used a spring compressor from my friends auto repair shop. I think it was made by Moog. It uses two discs connected with very course threaded rod. Uses an impact or wrench to compress. I've seen home-made versions this style of spring compressor, but the threaded rod on the Moog tool is nothing like you can buy at a hardware store. It is at least 1�" in diameter.
1967 Chevrolet Impala SS convertible 327 - Ermine White C1 - VCCA Senior Award
1967 Chevrolet Impala SS Sport Coupe 396 - Marina Blue FF - personal "barn-find" lol
1965 Chevrolet Malibu 4D Wagon |
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64 LT1 Impala
Newbie
Posts: 9
Reg: 02-26-07
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09-17-08 11:34 AM - Post#1524232
In response to BigDogSS
....I used Mac Pherson style spring compressors and had to crank the piss out of them with an air gun. .....
This is death waiting to happen. Do not use Mac Pherson strut spring compressors on non-Mac Pherson strut springs.
I agree. That was the first time i put the springs in.
The second time didnt use a spring compressor just a jack and some big prybars. Same theory as before just no compressed spring and I also had the motor/trans and front end on that time.
Weight on the front end helps alot.
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Dave_Neiling
"18th Year" Silver Supporting Member
Posts: 1653
Loc: Custar, Ohio United State...
Reg: 12-10-01
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09-17-08 12:51 PM - Post#1524274
In response to 64 LT1 Impala
Some spring shops will band them for you and you can put the spring in and conect everything then cut the bands, safer that way
Dave N.
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Fossil_Fuel
Frequent Contributor
Posts: 1047
Age: 66
Loc: Minnesota
Reg: 09-11-07
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09-17-08 02:24 PM - Post#1524323
In response to longboard
Has anyone tried one of these yet?
http://www.lategreatchevy.com/product.asp?pf%5Fid=...
I ordered one and will be trying it out in the next week or so. I'll report on how it works.
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mac1
Senior Member
Posts: 1469
Loc: Long Beach, Ca.
Reg: 08-26-02
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09-17-08 03:06 PM - Post#1524346
In response to Fossil_Fuel
Yes, let us know. Looks like its easy to use. I'd like to know how hard it is to turn that barrel nut on top. All the ones I have used, the threaded rod threads take a real beating and only last couple of times.
Mac
1962 Impala SS Convertible
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Edited by mac1 on 09-17-08 03:08 PM. Reason for edit: senelity
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Mikes61Belair
Contributor
Posts: 507
Loc: Reisterstown, MD
Reg: 01-01-04
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09-17-08 04:41 PM - Post#1524397
In response to longboard
longboard,
Go grab a few hundred pounds (300-400) of sand from your local home improvement store and stack them on the cross member. The sand comes in 50 or 80 pound bags. When you compress the springs only use a quality made internal spring compressor (American made)designed for coils. DO NOT use an air gun/rachet to compress the coil. The threads on the rod come under a heck of a load and trying to run the rod at high speed can cause the threads to fails.
I bought one of these from Eastwood and it worked very well. Be careful. Playing with coil springs always give me the heebeejeebees. I have a lot of respect for the energy they hold and always take my time and plan what I'm going to do before jumping in.
Mike
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doubleE
Valued Contributor
Posts: 3935
Loc: Eagan MN
Reg: 06-02-03
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09-17-08 05:11 PM - Post#1524416
In response to Mikes61Belair
One safety precaution I always take is to take a length of chain, run it through the center of the spring and also through or around the frame. Secure the two ends with a nut and bolt. So if something does go wrong, the spring can't travel far (and injure or kill someone).
Eric
| Proud owner of
My Blue 62
Impala SS |
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Mikes61Belair
Contributor
Posts: 507
Loc: Reisterstown, MD
Reg: 01-01-04
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09-17-08 05:15 PM - Post#1524419
In response to doubleE
One safety precaution I always take is to take a length of chain, run it through the center of the spring and also through or around the frame. Secure the two ends with a nut and bolt. So if something does go wrong, the spring can't travel far (and injure or kill someone).
Eric
Forgot to mention that important part! Thanks for catching it.
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macpeppers
Contributor
Posts: 163
Age: 79
Loc: Alabama
Reg: 09-13-07
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09-17-08 05:55 PM - Post#1524453
In response to longboard
autozone has a good one in their loan-a-tool program. it works great and you can't beat the price.
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LongIsland63SS09
Senior Member
Posts: 601
Loc: Long Island, N.Y.
Reg: 11-08-03
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09-17-08 06:00 PM - Post#1524459
In response to Dave_Neiling
Have had great success banding the spring like Dave describes. Costs about $10 per spring.
Mike
1963 Impala SS 409/340HP (Original Engine)
Saddle Tan/Saddle Tan, Tilt Steering Wheel, Factory Black Vinyl Top, 3:36 Posi, 4-Speed.
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VintageCarryall
Valued Contributor
Posts: 2634
Loc: Arizona
Reg: 10-08-06
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09-17-08 06:11 PM - Post#1524471
In response to LongIsland63SS09
As the others stated here: respect that spring----------and, I am a front end man by trade.
My coil spring compressor is an OTC; had it for about 15 years and still works well 
1994 Dodge Caravan SWB 3.3L V6
1962 Studebaker Lark 4 door 350 Chevy/TH350
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BigDogSS
"17th Year" Silver Supporting Member
Posts: 5140
Loc: SoCal
Reg: 12-21-01
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09-18-08 11:06 AM - Post#1524828
In response to VintageCarryall
.....My coil spring compressor is an OTC;....
What is OTC? Over-The-Counter?
1967 Chevrolet Impala SS convertible 327 - Ermine White C1 - VCCA Senior Award
1967 Chevrolet Impala SS Sport Coupe 396 - Marina Blue FF - personal "barn-find" lol
1965 Chevrolet Malibu 4D Wagon |
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Z28Doug
Member
Posts: 45
Loc: Westland Mi
Reg: 04-23-04
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09-18-08 03:07 PM - Post#1524939
In response to BigDogSS
OTC is a automotive tool supplier. This may be what he is using: http://www.otctools.com/products/detail.php?id=178...
64 2dr Bel Air
1970 RS Z28, Stock Restored |
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VintageCarryall
Valued Contributor
Posts: 2634
Loc: Arizona
Reg: 10-08-06
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09-18-08 05:36 PM - Post#1525034
In response to Z28Doug
My bad: my spring compressor is a Snap-On tool..........it has been many moons ago since I bought it.
1994 Dodge Caravan SWB 3.3L V6
1962 Studebaker Lark 4 door 350 Chevy/TH350
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leon phelps
Valued Contributor
Posts: 4162
Loc: Croydon Manor, PA
Reg: 06-04-05
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09-19-08 06:47 PM - Post#1525677
In response to VintageCarryall
I recently had the same drama with my 65. I was too much of a pansy to tighten down on the spring completely. After I had to remove my spindles the second time, I learned not to be shy and to let the impact tighten down until I get some slack on the spring then remove the spindle and then replacing it was way easier. Good luck.
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KoolKustom
Senior Member
Posts: 2169
Loc: Sacramento, CA
Reg: 07-11-04
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09-19-08 10:02 PM - Post#1525775
In response to leon phelps
Changing springs are a piece of cake. I just installed drop springs in a 59 2dr HT two weeks ago. I had the front clip completely off and no engine and trans in the car either. Matter of fact, the car was on jackstands. I used my spring compressor with my air gun, tighten it until I thought it was enough to slide in, and put it in.
I've never had any problems installing or removing springs. Removed and installed tons of them over the years and never had a slip up either. I guess its all in the technique.
Here's a quick and easy tip for removal. Remove the inside upper A-arm bolts, the ones that bolt the A-arm to the frame, not the outer ones that bolt the A-arm to the 'dogbone'. Pry the 'dogbone' over the frame perch and viola, it's off. No hassles, no worries about the spring flying out, no floorjack under the lower A-arm. The tire absorbs most of the tension as the frame lifts up a couple inches. You can do it with the body mounted (front clip removed obviously for easier access) or a bare frame. Just did it on a bare frame last week so I could get the frame to the powdercoaters.
Don't get me wrong, I too respect the energy stored in a compressed piece of metal. I've watched others do it improperly and shake my head sometimes. I've got a spring compressor like the one Mike posted, but the threads on mine look a lot more heavier duty. When using an air gun, I run it at a good speed until the tension builds and just keep tightening. I have my air compressor set at 120psi too.
Kool
1931 3W coupe (project)
1953 2dr 210 (full custom, 2/3 done)
1959 El Camino (restoration, 3/4 done)
1959 Sedan Delivery (project)
1959 2dr Biscayne (restoration, 1/3 done)
1960 Sedan Delivery (full custom, 3/4 done) |
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VintageCarryall
Valued Contributor
Posts: 2634
Loc: Arizona
Reg: 10-08-06
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09-20-08 08:54 AM - Post#1525913
In response to leon phelps
I recently had the same drama with my 65. I was too much of a pansy to tighten down on the spring completely. After I had to remove my spindles the second time, I learned not to be shy and to let the impact tighten down until I get some slack on the spring then remove the spindle and then replacing it was way easier. Good luck.
Trust me: I will never call anybody a 'pansy' (unless in a teasing sort of a way) if they are squeamish about dealing with coil springs----------I have a very healthy respect (and a little fear) of 'em as well.
1994 Dodge Caravan SWB 3.3L V6
1962 Studebaker Lark 4 door 350 Chevy/TH350
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longboard
"16th Year" Platinum Supporting Member
Posts: 1014
Loc: Grass Valley, CA
Reg: 09-20-04
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09-20-08 09:10 AM - Post#1525924
In response to Mikes61Belair
longboard,
Mike
This type won't compress the srping enough as I am using lowering springs which have a higher/stronger spring rate
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slo
Frequent Contributor
Posts: 2201
Age: 43
Loc: Houston Tx and Sydney Aus...
Reg: 03-16-08
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09-20-08 11:25 AM - Post#1525986
In response to longboard
impact gun on air comp should do the trick carefull if you have plated or powdercoated springs
1964 Impala SS
1964 Impala station wagon
1953 chevy 210
2005 Silverado |
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longboard
"16th Year" Platinum Supporting Member
Posts: 1014
Loc: Grass Valley, CA
Reg: 09-20-04
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09-20-08 11:42 AM - Post#1525995
In response to slo
carefull if you have plated or powdercoated springs
And therein lies the problem. I don't want any stinkin scratches, but that seems impossible
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leon phelps
Valued Contributor
Posts: 4162
Loc: Croydon Manor, PA
Reg: 06-04-05
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09-21-08 05:13 AM - Post#1526349
In response to longboard
Sorry to hurt your feelings here, buy you are plain wrong. I just did all four of my springs with one of these. No engine in the care and no body either. I used an impact (which the manufacturer said not to) and it worked fine. I was just too timid to keep tightening until there was enough looseness in the spring to move it before taking ball joints off.
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longboard
"16th Year" Platinum Supporting Member
Posts: 1014
Loc: Grass Valley, CA
Reg: 09-20-04
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09-21-08 04:20 PM - Post#1526645
In response to leon phelps
Sorry to hurt your feelings here, buy you are plain wrong.
Gee, thanks for caring about my feelings so much, however, it doesn't work and I'm not alone in trying. Are you sure you used lowering springs? And why the heck did you have to use a compressor on the back springs?
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fifty5er
Forum Newbie
Posts: 27
Age: 79
Loc: California Central Valley
Reg: 09-02-08
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09-23-08 08:54 AM - Post#1527660
In response to longboard
We bought a 5/8-11 threaded rod from the local hardware store w/ coresponding nuts, and large washers. Stuck it thru the coil spring and used an even larger piece of flat steel to ensure the out-side dia. was covered, double-nuted the rod-ends and used box-end wrenches on either side. Safety chain precaution and floorjack underneath indeed! Safety first, good luck and keep it safe.
55 Bel air 2 door hardtop
383
auto
Modified class |
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leon phelps
Valued Contributor
Posts: 4162
Loc: Croydon Manor, PA
Reg: 06-04-05
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09-23-08 03:33 PM - Post#1527968
In response to longboard
Frame off, so no body or no engine to help with weight for the rear.
As for lowering springs....yep.
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threeimpalas
Senior Member
Posts: 1199
Loc: Central Iowa
Reg: 02-21-02
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09-24-08 08:52 AM - Post#1528452
In response to longboard
longboard,
This type won't compress the srping enough as I am using lowering springs which have a higher/stronger spring rate
This type will work for lowering springs. You will need to stack washers between the nut and non-threaded hook to shorten the distance between hooks and reduce the amount of rod that gets exposed (and subsequently wants to jam in the upper spring pocket) when tightened. I've used this type of many lowering spring installations, including ones that use shorter/stiffer springs than what you'd use on a '58-64.
Mike
'58-62s and 348/409s |
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