Internal coil spring compressor

[Sieg]

Is it just me or does this spring compressor not work on a stock 69 Camaro lower control arm? The hinge block with the arms up is a little too big to feed through the lower shock opening, feed it in the long way with one arm up and the other down and I couldn't get both arms up due to internal spring diameter (Hotchkis BB springs).

http://www.autotools.com.au/images/products//6917.jpg
Local Autozone and O'Reilly's only have this model.

Is this the correct style?
http://toolsandmore.us/ProductImages/mit/5734mit.jpg

Thanks

[Track Junky]

If the springs that are in the car are no longer than 13" you shouldn't need one.

[Sieg]

If the springs that are in the car are no longer than 13" you shouldn't need one.Would you come up and take it out so I can measure it? :unibrow:

It's a bare subframe so I can't easily load the lower arm with a floor jack. Guess I could put a limiting strap it and pop the joint..........but I'm a bit of a scaredy-cat. :D

[Track Junky]

Nut up Sieg!! What happened to the ballsy 2 wheel dare devil in you? Do like the old days.....Just put your helmet on and go for it :unibrow: :lol:

[Sieg]

Nut up Sieg!! What happened to the ballsy 2 wheel dare devil in you? Do like the old days.....Just put your helmet on and go for it :unibrow: :lol:

Maybe I'll have the wife try.............:theresa:

They're Hotchkis BB springs, and I think 2" lower but don't know that for fact. She should be able to take the hit. :unibrow:

[Track Junky]

Thats the spirit!! :rofl: :rofl: :rofl:

[ROBS6T8]

I've been using the ones pictured on the bottom numerous times. Never seen the one on top before. Small block Hotchkis springs.
On a side note... Gaetano, Newman sent me over here to find out more about the Buttonwillow event in Sept. Looks like it's still a go. It kind of got lost over on PT. See you in Sept!

[Blake Foster]

Take the springs to a spring shop, have them compress them, and then get them to steel strap them (you know the steel banding you see holding pallets together) install in the subframe, attache spindle etc, and then sut the strapping and remove.
presto!!!

[Sieg]

This is one example of the convenience benefit of coil-overs. PITA reduction factor :yes:

[ErikLS2]

I've always just used the floor jack method and pop the joint. Problem is, with a bare subframe it might lift the frame. In this case I use a large ratchet strap and hook it under the floor jack and around the frame. It works great but be careful and make sure OSHA isn't around:rofl:

[Wild Tejas]

Sieg,

I did this last weekend installing and set of Hotchkis upper and lower control arms with BB 2inch drop front springs on a 69 Camaro. I used the compressor in the second picture and it worked perfectly. I bought mine through National Parts Depot. Part #988-1 - Coil Spring Compressor for $48.95. $57.95 after all the shipping and taxes. Basically you only use one side of it. The hooks with the threaded end. Remove the shock and run the bolt through the upper mounting hole of the shock. You will have to use a larger washer than what the compressor provides. Using the one side with the threaded hole run it up through the lower control arm shock hole. It is important to note that you should insert the short hook first since it is the one that will need to flip once you get the whole piece in. Run the hook assembly all the way in so it is dangling and then place the long side hook in-between the coils. Now you can flip the top hook down into place. Now it is a matter of threading the bolt on to the hook assemble. Tighten away. I attached a picture of how the tool was attached to the coil. If the hook won’t fit between the coils a pry bar can help spread them so it slips right in place. How this makes sense and helps.

-Nick

[Sieg]

Thanks guys, the options are clear now. :thumbsup: