cobalt

I need help on what tool can i purchase to compress coil springs on my 1956 olds? Im currently working in the front end and i seen one on harbor frieghts site but dont know if thats what would work its a macphereson strut coil spring compressor for 15 buck ..thanks

rket56

Got mine from Eastwood, don't use anything cheap. Compressed springs are dangerous. Also, don't use an impact wrench to turn the screw, it damages the thread, and lets the upper "bridge" move with the screw. This lets the bridge move down the coil, just like a giant screw. I made a wooden holding fixture that clamped into my bench vise to hold the spring upright and prevent it from turning. I could have used your input last week when I requested help on a measurment on my rear link. This forum has been helpful to me but information is a 2 way street, don't wait for " the other guy" to provide it. Good luck, Chuck

rket56

I used part # 49031 in the Eastwood catalog, look under suspension, 40 bucks. Again be very carefull, I had a compressed spring setting on the floor, and accidently tipped it over. That was enought to let the compressor come loose and the spring shot over and hit my work bench, then flew back and hit my ankle, darn near broke it. If you are interested, I have a brand new set of coils for your 56 that I did not use, will sell at a very discounted price. Chuck

Tedd Thompson

Cobalt, check on the AACA forum I answered your question there. You don't need a spring compressor to remove the springs on a 56 in fact it's much safer to do so without the springs being compressed... Tedd

cobalt

i think im going to build my own like a guy did online...he took a threaded rod from home depot and went up through the coil spring and out the top where the shock gets fastened and put a heavy duty washer and nut on it..on the bottom end a thick steel plate and nut...we will see how that works