Awhile back, there were a number of requests for help with front end disassembly. Some advised the use of a spring compresser while others (myself included) advised using a floor jack with a heavy chain through the spring for safety. Today, while thumbing through a '67 Chevrolet shop manual, I found the procedure they recommended: Fabricate a tool from 1-1/2" wide x 3/4" thick steel bar. It should be 14" long with a 1/4" deep notch that is 1-1/2" long and 1/2" in from one end.
This forms a hook so that when the tool is inserted through the (empty) shock absorber hole in the lower control arm, it jams up against the lowest spring coil, keeping the spring from flying out. The floor jack is then used to lift the end of the bar (which now extends to the outboard side of the car) instead of lifting the control arm directly. Has anyone ever used this method? I plan to try it since I have another car needing front end work soon.If anyone is interested, get a copy of the manual (later years should have it also) instead of relying on my description, and I would also still use the heavy chain through the coils just for extra safety.
Rich

RT

I had a friend of mine(a machinist) make me the bar you are describing. I did not use it, but what I did find out I was able to remove the springs with out a spring compressor. When reinstalling the new springs I was able to install one, but the other required a trip to the neighborhood auto store to rent a compressor. I think the bar could help to remove the spring, but when reinstalling it is another story. If you try the bar let me know how it works. Good luck.

Jim

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I learned the hard way last summer on '71. Let me start with this: to re-install a new spring it must be compressed much tighter than it takes to remove. I can't imagine this being possible without an internal spring compressor.

If the spring is not compressed enough it won't allow you to bring the lower A-arm back to re-bolt . . . the details escape me without looking at it again.

The tool is made exactly for this purpose and is very safe. It was basically a threaded steel shaft with flat plates on each end.

Good luck. Once you get into it, its not that difficult.

Thanks for the replies, guys.
I personally do not like using a spring comresser since I had one slip off (Long and short curved steel tabs that hook over coils). I had no problem reinstalling BB springs in my '69 last year using a floor jack and a large hammer to persuade the spring to seat into the lower control arm. The heavy chain I first threaded around the coils and the chassis gave me much more peace of mind than I ever got with the compresser. My .02,
Rich

I had a spring compressor pull the threads out on me once, it was not a situation I would like to repeat, but, I have no trouble using a spring compressor tool again, as long as it's not 50 years old and used about 1000 times like the one that broke on me.

There's only one thing that scares me more than changing a front spring.----------------------------------Changing the other side!

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hate it! hate it! but what an rush when you get those control arms bolted up! already seem them go through a wall, think safety, chains and compressors! the lowered springs are not to bad, but full length bb springs are a bitc!#%