Front Spring

[markjonesx 1 1 Vehicles]

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 .

[Sparky 2,179]

A hydraulic press makes life a lot easier. What exactly are you using?

[markjonesx 1 1 Vehicles]

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#

[lotus4s 24 1 Vehicles]

Be very careful and if you have to, take it to a specialist. Don't take any chances, those springs can be very dangerous...

[markjonesx 1 1 Vehicles]

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....

[andydclements 514 2 Vehicles]

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

[markjonesx 1 1 Vehicles]

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?

[andydclements 514 2 Vehicles]

By all means, it's in Norfolk at the moment but I'm in Birmingham Thursday if you're about.

[markjonesx 1 1 Vehicles]

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.

[lotus4s 24 1 Vehicles]

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?

[mtooze 0]

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...

[andydclements 514 2 Vehicles]

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.