Spring Compressor

[rdssdi]

What brand and type of spring compressor should I buy to install the
suspension on my +2?

Bob
1969 Elan +2

[B7wal]

I found the normal (cheap) compressors - 2 threaded bars with two hooks on
each worked fine for the rear springs. If you have had the springs off the
front units then these are no good - there is not enough space between the
springs and the shox to allow the compressor hooks to work effectively or
safely. I once found a shop that had a bench machine that used the original
spring shroud to compress the spring to below the collet holder. When I
later changed to Spax units without the shroud, I used a friend's press
which had the usual adapters to complete the job. I'm sure a local engine
shop will do the job for you.

Alan W
S4 UK (+2 130/5 prior)

----- Original Message -----


Sent: 11 February 2001 01:37
Subject: [LotusElan.net] Spring Compressor

[TimMullen]

***@***.***e:

Is the body on? On my Elan, I had trouble fitting the normal spring compressors
on the rear springs when they were installed - the body interfered. What I did
was compress the spring on the car (by jacking the car at that wheel, and
wrapping steel cable around the spring (from near the top to near the bottom).
I made several loops and then clamped them with a cable clamp (two actually). I
did this with two cables on the spring just for safety. When I lowered the jack,
the springs were loose, and I then could remove the strut and replace the
shock. Reverse to install... I worked, but it was scary...

For the front shocks, I jury rigged a set up using threaded rods, bearing
separators (from my press), and a rod thru the shock eyelet. Tightened one
side, then the other, etc. until the collars were loose, then removed...
Reverse to install... It was even more scary. Second time I changed shocks on
the front I let a shop with the proper tools do it...

Tim Mullen

Chantilly, VA
72 Elan Sprint - Konis all around...

[Steve Crook]

There have been several queries re suspension spring compressors and
comments about the front springs that are too small for a conventional
compressor to hold safely. The solution to this is to make up a compressor
that after the front shock is removed from the car screws onto the top mount
thread (8mm or 5/16") and then compresses the spring from above. If there is
interest I will do a detail write up that would enable any one with
reasonable skills and workshop equipment to make themselves.

Regards
Steve Crook

----- Original Message -----
From: Tim Mullen <***@***.***>

Sent: Sunday, February 11, 2001 21:51
Subject: Re: [LotusElan.net] Spring Compressor


the front shocks, I jury rigged a set up using threaded rods, bearing

[Arno Church]

Yes please Steve
Arno

There have been several queries re suspension spring compressors and
comments about the front springs that are too small for a conventional
compressor to hold safely. The solution to this is to make up a compressor
that after the front shock is removed from the car screws onto the top mount
thread (8mm or 5/16") and then compresses the spring from above. If there is
interest I will do a detail write up that would enable any one with
reasonable skills and workshop equipment to make themselves.

Regards
Steve Crook

[lotusnut]

Everyone:
be careful!!!! I knew a mechanic who did 2 years in Vietnam combat
without a scratch. Back home, a decompressing spring put a three
inch scar in his cheek! Could have killed him.
Steve:
Please share the compressor plan.
Thanks,
Dave

"Steve Crook" <abengis@i...> wrote:

[paul_adamson]

I urge caution to.
I saw a spring compressor break in my father's garage. The grip fingers bent
back.
It snapped his arm.

I had nightmares for weeks... I was only 6.

I Hate and Loath doing springs. So anything solid that I can use I would
love.

Brian
----- Original Message -----


Sent: Monday, February 12, 2001 8:10 PM
Subject: [LotusElan.net] Re: Spring Compressor *** be careful!!!!

[TimMullen]

Brian Scally wrote:

I agree 100%. I was scared silly when I used my methods and jury rigged set
ups. I tried to do it as safely as I could, but it still was not a fun thing.
I constantly made sure that I was out of the direct "line of fire"...

I recently had to remove the front springs on my son's El Camino - I used the
proper spring compressor for the job, and was still scared of it - and I even
ran a safety cable thru the coil and around the frame, just in case...

Make sure that you have a great deal of respect for the amount of force stored
in a compressed spring!...

Tim Mullen

Chantilly, VA
72 Elan Sprint

[Arno Church]

I can only echo what everybody else said on this subject- don't try any jury rigging, especially on springs with heavy preload like the Elan fronts
Arno

[Elan45]

I have a device which came with an Elan when we bought it Ihave since used on my car very effectively. It consists of two aluminum plates, each with a hole just the right size to fit over that end of the shock. As I remember, one plate fits up against the bottom ring on the shock and the other against the top collar. There are holes at the plate edges, I think 4, one in each corner and 3/8 all thread rod is used to pull them together to bring the collar low enough to remove the top slotted keeper. It's pretty secure and could be easily made. You could even add an additional ring to each end to pilot on the OD of the spring, so it would be extra hard for it to pop out. I'll photograph this if any interest, as I need to take digital camera home this week for another Elan shot.

Roger


I can only echo what everybody else said on this subject- don't try any jury rigging, especially on springs with heavy preload like the Elan fronts
Arno

[Rob_LaMoreaux]

I took my springs to a motorcycle shop. They weren't used to the high
amount of preload, but they did have the correct spring compressor to
mount them on the shock(dampers).

Auto springs scare me too. I've been given nasty bruises by little
springs only a few inches long and made of thin wire enough times
that big ones (even the relatively small ones on the Elan) give me a
serious case of caution.

Rob

[sprinterdave]

In message <000d01c08ece$3819dc80$***@***.***>, Arno Church
<***@***.***> writes

clamp. It removes the scary form the job.
Dave

--
David Shiers

[Elan45]

Well guys, I took photos of my simple two plate spring compressor last night. Top plate bore size is 2.4"[61mm] and bottom plate bore is 1.9"[48mm]. I can email photos to anyone who wishes. i have never tried to put them on the web site, but happy to send to you.

Roger


<***@***.***> writes

clamp. It removes the scary form the job.
Dave

--
David Shiers

[Evan Carpenter-Crawford]

Roger,
thanks for taking the time to take the pictures...I'd really like to see
them.

Evan Carpenter Crawford
Sundberg Ferar Product Development
4359 PineView Drive
Walled Lake MI 48390

***@***.***

(248) 360-5597

detroit minneapolis chicago atlanta

[Elan45]

Very simple. Only one allthread rod installed in assembly. 2 req'd and must be tightened uniformly. The top bore fits right around the top collar and rests against the top of spring. The bottom one rests against the lower spring seat. Using a ratcheting box wrench makes tightening a bit easier.

Roger


thanks for taking the time to take the pictures...I'd really like to see
them.

Evan Carpenter Crawford
Sundberg Ferar Product Development
4359 PineView Drive
Walled Lake MI 48390

***@***.***

(248) 360-5597

detroit minneapolis chicago atlanta