Hi folks, I have the frame pulled out from under my 65. I want to remove the old coil springs from the front-end. The engine is out of the frame. No weight. I cant jack up the lowers to take apart. Since I am no longer going to need the old springs, can I cut them in a few places with the torch to take out or am I looking for a dent in the brain-cage from a flying spring. Thanks

You may dent your cage. I would just use a spring compressor.

How good are you with a cutting torch? if you just recently learned to use one I would say don't do it.If you're comfortable using a torch i'd say go for it.One or two cuts with the torch and all the springs energy is gone.I've cut them out using this method and found it to be relatively safe.Just watch where you shoot your sparks and don't burn yourself.The heat from the torch just kills the springs tension making the remaining pieces very weak.Make sure to remove the shock,shocks don't like open flames.And don't burn up your bushings or light your ball joint boots on fire.
Be safe,stay cool,have fun.

here's another way with a bare frame...
http://216.178.81.108/forums/showthread.php?t=386527&highlight=coil+spring+install

david

Anytime I'm going to throw away old springs anyway, I always cut them with a torch a few times first.
The only thing is, naturally you need to watch the sparks but that goes without saying.

I just did this yesterday when stripping my old frame of anything useable.

I left the springs in-tact while I broke the ball-joints loose (used springs tension to help)
When all 4 ball-joints were loose, I cut the springs, and everything came apart nicely and best of all, SAFE.

Hi Guys, I tried Derek69's method and it worked great. I turned the nuts out on the ball joints about 1/2" I then smacked the ball joint nut a few times with the hamer and it popped loose. The springs helped to push the joint loose. I then cut the springs in two places with the torch.Took the nuts all the way off, a little prying with the bar and everything fell right out. Thanks to all who responded to my post. Gottem apart. Now time to clean up, re-bush and paint. Thanks again all.

For extra safety you could slip a piece of threaded rod thought the shock holes.

i usually run a chain through the springs, and secure with a bolt for safety when removing or installing.

never had any luck with spring compressors getting in the - no clearance.

a good tip for removing OR installing springs with no weight on the frame is what i have done:

i back my truck up to the frame, and use a chain to hold the frame down by way of my rear bumper and/or trailer hitch.

this is something that you may need to do to get it back together with the new springs.

BTW, shame on you guys that cut perfectly good springs LOL

Thanks INJUNTOM, I will try your way when I install my new springs, good idea with the truck. Thanks Bud.

Thanks INJUNTOM, I will try your way when I install my new springs, good idea with the truck. Thanks Bud.
hope you don't have a minitruck :D

dunno what the big deal is. i did mine a couple weeks ago on my '65 with no engine or trans. all i did was chain the frame to the floor jack so it couldn't lift up. jacked her up and put the compressor in the already compressed spring. then unjacked the lower arm (ball joints were already separated using springs for assist like mentioned above) and pulled the spring right out. piece of cake. only scary part was unscrewing the compressor with the spring out of the car. pretty good pop when i hit the end of the threads on the compessor.

sounds dangerous :D