markjonesx 1 1 Vehicles Report post Posted May 29, 2011 My front springs are 360mm long x 115mm O/D and about 9 coils, bought from SJ; I have just spent the last 2 hours trying to fit one . How much do you need to compress these springs and could some one show me what they used, my spring compressor doesnt seem to be up to the job . Quote Esprit S1, 238G, Blog Online Photo's This car was most definately hand built, NOTHING FITS! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Sparky 2,068 Report post Posted May 29, 2011 A hydraulic press makes life a lot easier. What exactly are you using? Quote British Ambassador to Florida, New York, Denmark and Newfoundland. And Sweden. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
markjonesx 1 1 Vehicles Report post Posted May 29, 2011 A hydraulic press makes life a lot easier. What exactly are you using? I'm using a pair of these; http://www.google.co.uk/products/catalog?hl=en-GB&rlz=1T4GGHP_en-GBGB428GB428&q=spring+compressor&um=1&ie=UTF-8&tbm=shop&cid=17825812668464560677&sa=X&ei=3ZniTbrpH9SEhQepz8XuBw&ved=0CFYQ8wIwAA# Quote Esprit S1, 238G, Blog Online Photo's This car was most definately hand built, NOTHING FITS! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
lotus4s 24 1 Vehicles Report post Posted May 29, 2011 Be very careful and if you have to, take it to a specialist. Don't take any chances, those springs can be very dangerous... Quote 1995 S4s Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
markjonesx 1 1 Vehicles Report post Posted May 29, 2011 Be very careful and if you have to, take it to a specialist. Don't take any chances, those springs can be very dangerous... The car is in bits being restored.... Quote Esprit S1, 238G, Blog Online Photo's This car was most definately hand built, NOTHING FITS! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
andydclements 485 2 Vehicles Report post Posted May 29, 2011 I prviously used that type, now I have one of these http://www.google.co.uk/products/catalog?q=spring+compressor&hl=en-GB&um=1&ie=UTF-8&tbm=shop&cid=2596200966513052225&sa=X&ei=-qbiTci4B4eo8AON58CKBw&ved=0CIUBEPMCMAM Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
markjonesx 1 1 Vehicles Report post Posted May 29, 2011 I prviously used that type, now I have one of these http://www.google.co.uk/products/catalog?q=spring+compressor&hl=en-GB&um=1&ie=UTF-8&tbm=shop&cid=2596200966513052225&sa=X&ei=-qbiTci4B4eo8AON58CKBw&ved=0CIUBEPMCMAM Is it available for a borrow? Quote Esprit S1, 238G, Blog Online Photo's This car was most definately hand built, NOTHING FITS! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
andydclements 485 2 Vehicles Report post Posted May 29, 2011 By all means, it's in Norfolk at the moment but I'm in Birmingham Thursday if you're about. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
markjonesx 1 1 Vehicles Report post Posted May 29, 2011 By all means, it's in Norfolk at the moment but I'm in Birmingham Thursday if you're about. Fantastic, I'll pop you a PM. Quote Esprit S1, 238G, Blog Online Photo's This car was most definately hand built, NOTHING FITS! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
lotus4s 24 1 Vehicles Report post Posted May 30, 2011 The car is in bits being restored.... I'm not familiar with the S1 setup. Does the damper/spring go in as a complete assembly or do you have to compress the spring in the car? Quote 1995 S4s Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mtooze 0 Report post Posted May 31, 2011 I'm doing just the same on my S1 right now. Its a ****ing b**** is all i have to say. I took of my radiatior/surround, removed ARB,, undid the top wishbone as the balljoint....and this was all just the get the springs off! I think I will have to disconnct the flex brake line too to i can get my compressed springs in there, although I have not attempted this yet because I found some other tyhings that need replaced (lower link bushing, ARB bushing etc). I do recommend removing everything thats remotely in the way, gives you a little more fighting chance. I cant fit a regular spring compressor so i have a feeling i'll be welding up some dodgy arrangement using chain, scrap steel and probably a dab of chewing gum. My biggest worry is I want to adjust the ride hieight some, so i will be doing this 5x over the next month! Marcus P.S. I did see the link someone posted to a "1 arm" spring compressor that looks like its the bollox, but at #300 pounds, I dont think so!! PPS I dont take compressed springs lightly...i have all my insurance up to date for the wife if one of my contraptions lets go and spreads by head over ther garage floor... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
andydclements 485 2 Vehicles Report post Posted May 31, 2011 PPS I dont take compressed springs lightly...i have all my insurance up to date for the wife if one of my contraptions lets go and spreads by head over ther garage floor... Thta' why I spent more than the usual £30-£40 (it was second hand so thankfully not £300). I had one go and by luck it let go in a way it moved away from me, or did to start with, it hit the end of the garage and came back for a second attempt. that scared the s**t out of me. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites