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Author
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Topic: Near death experience!!! Coil springs.
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Bloose
Gearhead Posts: 888
From: Milwaukee, WI
Registered: Dec 2001
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posted 06-14-2006 07:20 PM
 
So after the first coil spring on my wagon nearly took my finger off the car sat for a few months. I've needed to get the other spring out so I can finish up the front end but have been too sissy to do it. Last night I worked up the courage to give the other side a try. This time I paid close attention to how the internal compressor was positioned. I zip tied the hooks in place. I knew the zip ties wouldn't help contain the hooks but I thought it would at least keep them from slipping on the spring. Slowly and carefully I compressed the spring. I compressed it enough to get the spring out and glanced over the fender to see how it looked (I stood at the front of the car in case it did come apart). When I was sure everything looked good I started to reach for the compressed spring. Then I though, no, before I do that I better put on some heavy leather gloves. I stopped, took a breath, and thought about where the gloves were. While I was standing there thinking the whole shebang came flying out with a loud bang and a boinggggg. Sparks flew and the coil slid across the garage. Had I not stopped to think about my leather gloves that thing would have bulls eyed me in the chest! Someone was watching over me! So after all that how in the heck do I safely remove and more important at this point, install coil springs on my '68??? Thanks for any help that may save my life in the future. B-loose
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Scott H
Gearhead Posts: 1480
From: Chicago area
Registered: Mar 2005
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posted 06-14-2006 07:34 PM
Glad you're okay!Throw out that spring compressor with the stupid little hooks on it! Do you get to the Chicago are much? I have a compressor I can show you, its easy and inexpensive to make, guaranteed to work, and be safe about it also. It uses a huge threaded rod down thru the middle of the spring, an old shock absorber bottom piece welded to the rod, and it bolts onto the coil spring saddle. Up top there is a plate you tighten a nut against to draw the spring up into the shock tower.
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Rory McNeil
Gearhead Posts: 1889
From: Surrey, B.C. Canada
Registered: Nov 2000
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posted 06-14-2006 07:38 PM
I`ve changed a few sets of front coil springs in my 69&70 Mustangs, with no problems. Here is what I did;I got an old rear axle leaf spring U bolt and a standard internal coil spring compressor with 4 hooks. After removing the front shocks, and the 3 square shanked bolts that secure the upper shock mount to the shock tower, I drop the compressor down inside the coil spring from the top, but instead of dropping all the hooks into the spring, I only drop the bottom 2 hooks. I take the U bolt, and lay it flat on the top of the shock tower. I hook the 2 upper compressor hooks over the U bolt, and put the lower hooks as far down the coil spring as possible, and also hook them onto the spring. Now, working thru the shock towers shock hole, from the top, you can tighten the compressor enough to raise the bottom of the spring away from the upper control arm, 1' is sufficent. now remove the 2 upper control arm nuts from studs that go thru the shock tower, pull the arm away from the shock tower, and swivel the control arm outward from the inner fender, by allowing the upper ball joint to act as the pivot. Once the control arm is out of the way, unwind the spring compressor, until the spring is loose.Make certain that the compressors lower hook mount still has sufficent thread engagment so it doesn`t fly apart. Installation is basically the reverse procedure.------------------
78 Fairmont 428 4 speed [email protected] 1.32 60 foot
80 Fairmont 302 5 speed 12.8@105mph
85 Mustang NHRA M/Stock 302 5speed. [email protected] 1.63 60 foot
59 Meteor (Canadian Ford) 2 dr sedan 332, auto
74 F350 ramp truck 390 4spd
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Bloose
Gearhead Posts: 888
From: Milwaukee, WI
Registered: Dec 2001
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posted 06-14-2006 07:39 PM
I do get to Chi town every so often but I don't have any plans to be down there soon. I have an idea of what your talking about. Is there any way for you to send me some pictures?I've used external spring compressors on my Jeep several times with no problems. This internal deal though, 2 fer 2! I will never use it again!!! And I even went through the trouble and cost of getting one made in the US. This is the one time I wish I'd have cheaped out. But then again I would have thought the problem was the tool's quality and the style. Any pictures would be appriciated. Thanks,
B-loose
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afret
Gearhead Posts: 243
From: Lancaster, CA
Registered: Feb 2003
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posted 06-14-2006 08:37 PM
Glad you didn't get hurt. I can't believe the problems you are having. I've used an internal spring compressor on my 69 a whole bunch of times. In fact I just took the springs out this morning to adjust the height a bit with a poly spacer on the top of the spring. The whole procedure takes me less than an hour including shock R+R. I've used the same compressor which has a big threaded rod and 4 hooks on it on a 68 Torino and 66 Fairlane with no problems.
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Bloose
Gearhead Posts: 888
From: Milwaukee, WI
Registered: Dec 2001
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posted 06-14-2006 08:49 PM
Ya that's the type of compressor I have. I also have an external but it doesn't fit in the wheel well. There is no way I am going to use the internal again, Except I may use the screw part to make a compressor like the one mentioned above.B-loose
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Scott H
Gearhead Posts: 1480
From: Chicago area
Registered: Mar 2005
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posted 06-14-2006 09:28 PM
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/65-73-Mustang-Shelby-Falcon-Coil-Spring-Compressor_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQcategoryZ33582QQihZ019QQitemZ8074201086QQrdZ1If this link works...
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Bloose
Gearhead Posts: 888
From: Milwaukee, WI
Registered: Dec 2001
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posted 06-14-2006 10:51 PM
That's the compressor I should have bought in the first place. I was afraid to buy a hame fabbed one. Looking back it couldn't have been any worse. Thanks guys, B-loose
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68 Coop
Gearhead Posts: 5847
From: Mesquite, NV. 89027
Registered: Oct 2004
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posted 06-15-2006 12:31 AM
I just bought one from Mustangs Plus. I hope it don't come to what happened here, I don't have the good luck you do.  Is there a safe way to manually cut these out without getting injured? Thanks for any info.------------------
William
The easiest way to find something lost, is to buy a replacement. 68 Coupe
289
C4
3:55's/Trac-Lok
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68mustang351w
Gearhead Posts: 558
From: San Jose, Ca
Registered: Sep 2004
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posted 06-15-2006 01:31 AM
I fortunately havent had to redo my front end yet but am planning on doing it relatively soon. The only thing that might help if you are using an internal compressor is maybe get a thick chain and lock it in place when you finally get it all tightened down. That way if the compressor does slip a bit, it limits the travel and (hopefully) wont be as dangerous... David F.
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indyphil
Gearhead Posts: 3394
From: Senoia, G.A. USA
Registered: Jul 2002
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posted 06-15-2006 07:37 AM
Bloose
I used external compressors on my 68, no problems. You do need to take off the little covers. check the front suspension page of my website.------------------
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sodi
Gearhead Posts: 286
From: Kenosha Wi. USA
Registered: Dec 2002
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posted 06-15-2006 07:56 AM
I also have used the internal compressor and for a buffer I put a chain thru the coil that way if it came apart the chain would slow the eplosion down to a minimum. I can tell you like the instructions say DO NOT use an impact gun to the spring compressor, By the time I finished the big threaded rod thru the middle, the threads were about gone. Potentially dangerous.Good luck Be careful.I know It was like defuseing a a bomb, do I cut the red wire or the blue wire.Anyway take your'e time and becareful
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Bloose
Gearhead Posts: 888
From: Milwaukee, WI
Registered: Dec 2001
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posted 06-15-2006 04:55 PM
The external compressor I have is just too big and clunky to work. I know there are other outside compressors that should work. As a note. I wasn't touching the spring or compressor at all when it came apart this time. So the thought of being anywhere near it when compressed gives me the willies. That means I don't think I'd even want to get near it to put the chain around it. Good luck to anyone who uses one, and please be as safe as possible if you do. Safter glasses, gloves, bullet proof vest etc. I am going to either buy the one listed on e-bay or fashion one up as described above. B-loose
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smblk t-bolt
Gearhead Posts: 102
From: port alberni BC Canada
Registered: Apr 2002
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posted 06-20-2006 02:09 AM
great that you dodged that bullet(spring)the power stored in a spring is unbelievable... when i was younger and stupider i had compressed a spring with 2 compressors, one on each side. well in the process of getting the spring out one compressor slipped around the spring so that both were on the same side.... spring was bent in a slinky kinda shape. so i put it out on the lawn so i could veeeery carefully put my 1/2" ratchet to work unwinding the compressors. i stopped for a sec to get something in the shop, leaving the ratchet on one of the compressors when all of a sudden TWANG! no ratchet.. and only one compressor on the spring. i was actually looking at it when it happened but i didnt see a thing. about 5 seconds later i hear something metal land across the street and 2 houses down.. it was the ratchet! since then, i have a very healthy respect for springs
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Rustang
Gearhead Posts: 880
From: Clarion PA
Registered: Nov 2000
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posted 06-21-2006 01:03 PM
quote:
Originally posted by Scott H:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymo tors/65-73-Mustang-Shelby-Falcon-Coil-Spring-Compressor_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQcategoryZ33582QQihZ019QQitemZ8074201086QQrdZ1
If this link works...
I just ordered one of these bad boys  I'll let you know how it works...maybe 
------------------
'68 mustang 351 clevor- 10.92@124
'67 Stang, 351W -11.18@118
'69 351C Torino-14.90@100
'78 Pickup 351W-15.56@88
'79 Pickup 460 ET=??
[This message has been edited by Rustang (edited 06-21-2006).]
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Bloose
Gearhead Posts: 888
From: Milwaukee, WI
Registered: Dec 2001
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posted 06-21-2006 05:34 PM
That's the route I should have gone. It is the route I'm going now, sort of. Basically I made one myself. I had access to everything I needed and with the descriptions above and the picture I made one up. Turned out very good and I have a spring compressed in the car right now. There is no way for the spring to come out with this setup. Very nice indeed. If you don't have the steel laying around and a welder, the ebay one is a great way to go. Mine wound up being basically free, because I had everything I needed laying around. So far mine is working out great. Let me know how your setup works. B-loose
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Moneymaker
Administrator Posts: 29200
From: Lyons, IL, USA
Registered: May 99
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posted 06-21-2006 05:40 PM
http://www.kd-tools.com/3450.htm------------------
Alex Denysenko
Co-Administrator and Moderator NHRA/SRA member and licensed Superstock driver
NHRA and IHRA SS/LA & SS/MA National Record Holder '00,'01,'02,'03,'04 &'05
First NHRA & IHRA 289 automatic Superstock Mustang in the TENS 06-99
First SS/MA in the TENS 04-03
IHRA division 5 Superstock Champion
Fleet of FoMoCo products including 88 ASC McLaren Mustang #28 The Barry of BarrysGrrl Quote #1: "I never met a magazine mechanic I liked."
Quote #2: "Make sure brain is in gear before engaging mouth!"
Quote #3: "If you can't run with the big dogs, stay on the porch!"
www.moneymakerracing.com
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Moneymaker
Administrator Posts: 29200
From: Lyons, IL, USA
Registered: May 99
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posted 06-21-2006 06:12 PM
By the way, this is the one that we have and have used for about 25 or so years. 
http://www.etoolcart.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=3038
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Alex Denysenko
Co-Administrator and Moderator NHRA/SRA member and licensed Superstock driver
NHRA and IHRA SS/LA & SS/MA National Record Holder '00,'01,'02,'03,'04 &'05
First NHRA & IHRA 289 automatic Superstock Mustang in the TENS 06-99
First SS/MA in the TENS 04-03
IHRA division 5 Superstock Champion
Fleet of FoMoCo products including 88 ASC McLaren Mustang #28 The Barry of BarrysGrrl Quote #1: "I never met a magazine mechanic I liked."
Quote #2: "Make sure brain is in gear before engaging mouth!"
Quote #3: "If you can't run with the big dogs, stay on the porch!"
www.moneymakerracing.com
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DidgeyTrucker
Gearhead Posts: 1813
From: Greenbrier, TN USA
Registered: Oct 99
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posted 06-21-2006 07:41 PM
Exactly how did the compressor fail? Did the jaws break? Did the coils slip out of the jaws? Did the threads on the screw strip? I've used the internal type several times on a 1969 Mercury Cyclone.Tracy
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68 S-code GT
Gearhead Posts: 3835
From: Sayreville, NJ, US
Registered: Mar 2000
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posted 06-22-2006 08:14 AM
quote:
Originally posted by Moneymaker:
http://www.kd-tools.com/3450.htm
That?s the one I?ve been using for about 25 years and haven?t had a problem. As long as the hooks don?t move there shouldn?t be a problem. ------------------
Ed S. 68 S-code FB GT 4spd(now C6)/3.25 PS PDB
68 J-code(now 289) Cp Sprint"B" C4/3L00-9" PDB PS AC Bla-Bla-Bla
99 F150 XLT Ext/cab, 4X4, 5.4L, 3L55
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ackjlo
Journeyman Posts: 86
From: fort myers, fl. usa
Registered: Nov 2004
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posted 06-22-2006 08:52 AM
I use one that I got from NPD. Inexpensive and works great. I've used it several times. twice just yesterday while wearing a heart monitor, lol. Works great. Use a floor jack and the weight of the car as much as possible IE: set the tool in place then compress the suspension with a floor jack, tighened the tool, let the jack down and remove the spring. When compressing the spring to install, make sure the tool is centered in the spring and compress it slowly. I work from the opposite side, on top of the car as much as possible instead of standing in front of the wheel well
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Bloose
Gearhead Posts: 888
From: Milwaukee, WI
Registered: Dec 2001
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posted 06-22-2006 05:08 PM
That KD tools type is the one I used. The jaws didn't break or bend and the screw didn't strip. The hooks slipped on the spring. Like I said, on the second one I took my time, and made sure everything was correct. I had the spring compressed and it looked good. I didn't even touch it I was just standing and thinking when, BOINGGGGGG, the spring came out. I've heard this is somewhat common. I made my own like the one for sale on e-bay. The springs went in quickly and smoothly. With that setup barring a bad weld there is really no way for the spring to let loose. I would highly recommend one, or an outside compressor. My outside compressor is too big to fit though. I'm glad I made one though. Now I have a good tool that works and is safe and I can pull the springs on the FB now and cut a coil out of each spring. I've needed to do that for a while and have been putting it off. Thanks again,
B-loose
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KULTULZ
Gearhead Posts: 959
From: Rockville, MD
Registered: Oct 2002
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posted 06-22-2006 09:58 PM
quote:
Originally posted by Moneymaker:By the way, this is the one that we have and have used for about 25 or so years. http://www.etoolcart.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=3038
I hate to start an argument...well, not really...but the 204-076 is made for thin wire strut springs... This is the type needed on spring over upper control arm; http://www.etoolcart.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=4631 FORD used to make a special tool similiar, but was discontinued years ago. There is a company still making one similiar. Let me see if I can find it. [This message has been edited by KULTULZ (edited 06-22-2006).]
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Bloose
Gearhead Posts: 888
From: Milwaukee, WI
Registered: Dec 2001
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posted 06-22-2006 10:34 PM
Wow $450!!! That'd be a nice tool for a shop that does Ford restorations. For the occasional user and maybe even heavy user the E-bay deal is a good bet. With the one on e-bay, other than the tool breaking the spring is captive. That $450 one is the next step above and again in a shop situation where the shop owner is liable I'd spend the big money. For my own use, the e-bay style works good.When I compressed the pass side for some reason the spring bowed to one side. The thing looked really messed up but it didn't (couldn't) pop out. I gave it a shove to one side and it straightened out. I trusted it enough to stick my hands in there. Not that I wasn't nervous but after staring at it for a while I couldn't see any way for it to pop out, and it didn't. That spring bowing may be the reason for that standard inner compressor poping off, I'm not sure. BTW, I think this is a pretty good discussion as I am sure many have or need to remove thier coils. I'm hoping my double near miss can help save someone the danger I went through. I say to anyone that needs to pull their springs either make yourself one or buy the one on e-bay, it's worth the money or time. B-loose [This message has been edited by Bloose (edited 06-22-2006).] [This message has been edited by Bloose (edited 06-22-2006).]
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Moneymaker
Administrator Posts: 29200
From: Lyons, IL, USA
Registered: May 99
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posted 06-22-2006 10:37 PM
Mine is still in the old 25 or 30 year old Rotunda box.
(shhhh, don't tell anyone where it came from)
 ------------------
Alex Denysenko
Co-Administrator and Moderator NHRA/SRA member and licensed Superstock driver
NHRA and IHRA SS/LA & SS/MA National Record Holder '00,'01,'02,'03,'04 &'05
First NHRA & IHRA 289 automatic Superstock Mustang in the TENS 06-99
First SS/MA in the TENS 04-03
IHRA division 5 Superstock Champion
Fleet of FoMoCo products including 88 ASC McLaren Mustang #28 The Barry of BarrysGrrl Quote #1: "I never met a magazine mechanic I liked."
Quote #2: "Make sure brain is in gear before engaging mouth!"
Quote #3: "If you can't run with the big dogs, stay on the porch!"
www.moneymakerracing.com
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KULTULZ
Gearhead Posts: 959
From: Rockville, MD
Registered: Oct 2002
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posted 06-22-2006 10:40 PM
That is a professioanl tool. It is EURO and used mainly for BMW/MERCEDES and the sort. The model by BRANICK INDUSTRIES is similiar in design (FOMOCO copy) and much more reasonable. It goes inside the spring through the shock mount and holds the coils in cups.I will try and get you a price tomorrow.
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KULTULZ
Gearhead Posts: 959
From: Rockville, MD
Registered: Oct 2002
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posted 06-22-2006 10:44 PM
quote:
Originally posted by Moneymaker:Mine is still in the old 25 or 30 year old Rotunda box. (shhhh, don't tell anyone where it came from)
Unh-Hunh....  Didn't we have this argument a few months ago with guys saying they don't need a compressor on a upper coil?
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KULTULZ
Gearhead Posts: 959
From: Rockville, MD
Registered: Oct 2002
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posted 06-24-2006 12:27 PM
quote:
Originally posted by KULTULZ:The model by BRANICK INDUSTRIES is similiar in design (FOMOCO copy) and much more reasonable. It goes inside the spring through the shock mount and holds the coils in cups. I will try and get you a price tomorrow.
____________________________________BRANICK used to make a coil spring compressor that was especially suited for FORD coil spring riding on the upper control arm (1960/1975 intermediates). Is this compressor still available (operated on inside of spring) and where is a distributor around Washington, DC? Gary Scott
PRO-TECH MOBILE TOOLS
Rockville, MD 20852
_____________________________________ From : Tim Rheault
Sent : Friday, June 23, 2006 3:56 PM
To :
Subject : Compressor
Good afternoon Gary
we no longer manufacture this tool, it was the model MSC526. this was discontinued seven years ago.
Thanks Tim
___________________________________  ...damn... Kept putting it off.... Even let a Genuine get away from me on E-BAY...
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Am Looking For Factory/Aftermarket Speed Parts For The MEL (MERC-EDSEL-LINC-TBIRD) Engine Family (383-410-430-462) Produced From 1958 To 1968 Also Early FORD Special Service Tools -Mercury-Edsel-Lincoln- Forum-
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KULTULZ
Gearhead Posts: 959
From: Rockville, MD
Registered: Oct 2002
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posted 06-24-2006 06:43 PM
quote:
Originally posted by Rustang:I just ordered one of these bad boys I'll let you know how it works...maybe
 Rustang, Please get back with your results. This seems about the only way to go now. ------------------
Am Looking For Factory/Aftermarket Speed Parts For The MEL (MERC-EDSEL-LINC-TBIRD) Engine Family (383-410-430-462) Produced From 1958 To 1968 Also Early FORD Special Service Tools -Mercury-Edsel-Lincoln- Forum-
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rustang@home
Gearhead Posts: 152
From: Clarion, PA
Registered: Jan 2004
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posted 06-24-2006 11:37 PM
Took one side off today. It went pretty well. I think if I was going to make one I'd make it a little sturdier, but the way it works you only have to compress the spring about 2" (enough to get the upper a-arm out) so there's not alot of force when compared to a fully compressed spring.I'll probably do the other side tomorrow. The way it functions though, the spring can't come out unless the compressor itself fails.
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F15Falcon
Gearhead Posts: 109
From: el paso, tx.
Registered: Jan 2005
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posted 06-26-2006 11:40 AM
I am the one who makes and sells the above mentioned compressors. I started making them almost 20 years ago, and I have sold hundreds at swap meets, car shows and finally on Ebay for the last 5 years. As mentioned above, there is no way that the spring can come flying out because it is captured between the lower saddle and the shock tower. I still have the original tool I made almost 20 years ago, and I have used it dozens of times in my shop. I have never had a complaint, or a failure in all the years I have been selling them.
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Rustang
Gearhead Posts: 880
From: Clarion PA
Registered: Nov 2000
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posted 06-26-2006 01:09 PM
Other side went well.
I feel better knowing it's someone who posts on here!
F15, you're the one with that low buck falcon, correct?
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F15Falcon
Gearhead Posts: 109
From: el paso, tx.
Registered: Jan 2005
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posted 06-26-2006 04:46 PM
That's me. I don't post that much, but I read alot.
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