How do you guy's Install front spring!

[jasonL78]

Ok I am putting the front suspension back together on the 67 chevelle I am restoring. Everything is painted. How do you guy's install the front springs without scratching the paint! What is the secret!. I have one side in and I plan on doing the other side this weekend. I borrowed a nice snap on spring compressor becausee I broke my spring compressor the last time I took one out. Man what a feeling compressing that spring with an impact. I just don't feel safe! I spent most of the night with my eye's closed just waiting for the explosion!

Jason

[John Brown]

All thread through the shock hole. Pipe sleeve on the top, 2x4 on the bottom. It's just too easy.

[RamAirDave]

I use a spring compressor. Tape up the arms to not scratch the spring. Also put a few layers of tape around the spring pocket in the LCA. If you need to give the spring a pry into the LCA, wrap up the pry bar as well.

It's not one of my favorite tasks, but Ive never had any problems and I install them without a scratch.

[GeorgeLyons]

DO NOT use an impact on a spring compressor !!!!! Smooth ratchet operation only. I only saw one pop out on a '67 Corvette 25 years ago using an impact wrench. I will never witness another, I assure you. I you think you may want to use an impact to make it easier, call the Suicide Prevention Hotline in your town first and try to talk it out.

[Bill Rose]

I agree, don't use an impact wrench. I just did this a few weeks ago on my 69 ElCamino. I used a 2 foot long breaker bar on the spring compressor, and used long smooth strokes. It is a little scary, but it has to be done. The spring has to be compressed to 13 inches long in order to install it in a 69. I would imagine 67 is the same. If it's compressed to 13 inches, you can stick it up into the frame and raise the lower control arm, and get the nut on the lower ball joint, without scratching anything.

[njsteve]

An old safety trick they used to teach us in auto-tech school was to get a section of small chain and feed it through the coil spring and then make a loop and use a padlock and lock the end around the frame somewhere. This way if it ever lets go, there is a safety chain holding it from ricochetting across the room, or into your chest. Kind of like the same theory on why there is that little section of safety wire that is attached to any hanging lamp in your house. It keeps it from crashing down on your head if the mounting bolts goes south.

[x Baldwin Motion]

[ QUOTE ]
DO NOT use an impact on a spring compressor !!!!! .... If you think you may want to use an impact to make it easier, call the Suicide Prevention Hotline in your town first and try to talk it out.

[/ QUOTE ]

[bkhpah]

The best tool I know of is by OTC. It has two heavy plates that go between the coil. Then an all thread type center section uses a bearing and a heavy nut to compress the spring. I have never had a safer tool, and I have used many different types. They cost between 3 to 5 hundred dollars depending on vendor...BKH