i'm installing a suspension kit on my '67 coupe and have a problem. the spring compressor i rented won't compress my original coil (tried to save money and didn't buy new ones) enough to fit on the upper control arm. i can't move the spring seat by hand but if i could i think it would fit because the seats on the original arm that i removed are permantly angled correctly.

i called my parts supplier and he said it should fit but suggested lowering the arm an inch. that would require cutting new holes in the frame. if i do that, am i opening myself up to a bunch of other problems? are there any secrets to compressing the springs more? are there different types of spring compressors?

james

 

Are you using the spring compressor that attaches from the inside of the spring? If not, then get one of those. As far as dropping the upper A arm, that is called the Shelby drop. Here is how you do that.
http://www.nzmustang.com/TechData/armdrop.htm

 

I moved my spring perchs to the angle I wanted by standing on one end, carefully slid the new A-arm under the spring, and attached it.After getting everything installed,I released the spring and it took care of getting the spring perch at the right angle.

 

James,
Assuming you are using a 1-piece internal compressor, install it upside down and try again. This took me a little time to learn on mine. If you install it with the head of the bolt up, the bolt will hit the saddle and no longer be able to compress. If you install it upside down, as you compress the bolt will just go up and out of the opening for the shock. Took alittle longer to fit it and manuver it upside down, but worked like a charm.
Nic

 

I took my spring compressor apart added a peice of conduit about 4 inches long on the end where the bolt is .Now I can remove the springs with the compressor upright and it doesnt bottom out on the saddles.It sure is a lot easier to work with that way.I will take a pic at the shop today and post it
Jeff