Hello Folks, I finally got around to rebuilding the front suspension on my 330GT mark 1 I have got as far as you can see in the picture and am now at a point where I have to deal with the spring. As I cant get a spring compressor in there I presume I have to do it with a jack and maybe straps, any tips on where to jack and where to split to release the pressure, ie top or bottom? Thanks, Keith Image Unavailable, Please Login
You need to ask that question on tomyang.net That is where people with the older cars meet to discuss questions like this. Great people and very knowledgeable.
Hi Keith, the spring has some pressure, so better be carefull. You might be able to dismount it with a jack but it is risky. I would suggest to build yourself a simple spring compressor. I used parts of an Austin Mini compressor and a Hazet part - see photos. I can provide parts numbers if you are interested. This way it is much safer&easier, especially if you remount the springs latter. BR Christopher Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login
Christopher, that looks perfect for the job, I will get on with building one now, yes please with the part numbers if you have them to hand. Thanks
Hi Keith, the long tool is a standard Austin Mini cone compressor I modified. See link below for an example: https://www.moss-europe.co.uk/cone-compressors.html The top plate is from Hazet part number 902-11. Not cheap, around 60€ here in Germany. I ground it flat to fit but it still has lots of material to be safe. There are two different types of spindles with the cone compressor, one coarse the other fine thread. I used the coarse spindle as it allowed me to use the flat nut from a disc cutter to fix the Hazet plate to the spindle once the plate has been inserted in the spring. The big round distance pieces I had from other tools but I am sure you find something to use. Hope I explained it in an understandable way. Let me know if you need further info. For sure there are professional tools for it. I saw one from Hazet but was not willing to spend the 700€ on it. Perhaps others have better sekf build solutions? Cheers Christopher
Christopher, Thanks I am sorting it now, I thought I reccognised the grinding disc retainer. All the best
Hazet spring compressor plate: https://www.hazet.de/en/products/special-tools/chassis-safety-spring-vice-shock-absorbers/2411/tensioning-jaw
Thanks for the help, someone had recommended doing it with a jack but you got me thinking that a proper tool was the way to go. My friendly local garage lent me an internal spring compressor without me having to ask, the 2 springs are now out, tomorrow a big clean up and I start a shopping list.
