Spitfire Spitfire spring compressor

[eejay56]

Anybody know who makes a a spring compressor that will fit a Spit? All the ones I've tried are too big to fit in between the coils.

 

[M_Pied_Lourd]

Eric,

Not sure if it is the same for the Spit, but for my TR3A and TR6 you need to use an internal spring compressor. The big three sell them, but they can be made with some sturdy threaded rod and some thick steel.

Cheers,
M. Pied Lourd

 

[JodyFKerr]

I know they're not a perfect fit, but I found that if I use two sets of the Harbor freight ones I can do the necessary compression (but it's a pain in the bucket).

Photos are here: https://www.theymightberacing.com/Projects/InSitu/TS78/FrontSuspension.aspx?Page=2

~1/2 way down the page.

Speaking of springs, anyone have a spare set of MK IV springs for sale/trade?

Jody

 

[eejay56]

M. Pied, Spits have coilover shocks.
Jody, I have the Harbor Freight ones and they fit after some grinding but I found them scary and dangerous. BTW my first car was a 51 Champion that I bought for 40$

 

[Andrew Mace]

I doubt internal spring compressors would work on a Spitfire. In an ideal world, you would have a mechanic friend with a "Tokico Cartridge Changer" as I do. Apparently it's a pretty scarce item; I often scan eBay and Google and never seem to come up with one. These have "jaws" that span the coils nicely, and the principle is the same as that of an older Volvo jack, with a hand crank that takes a number of turns, but those turns can be accomplished with literally only a finger or two. Great tool if you can find one!

 

[billspit]

Speaking of springs, anyone have a spare set of MK IV springs for sale/trade?

Jody

I have a pair from a Mk IV and a pair from a 1500. Yopu can have either or both for the cost of shipping.

Somebody had a new pair of prings for sale in the classified a while back.

 

[JodyFKerr]

M. Pied, Spits have coilover shocks.
Jody, I have the Harbor Freight ones and they fit after some grinding but I found them scary and dangerous. BTW my first car was a 51 Champion that I bought for 40$

I agree that they're kinda scary. At my local tire shop they have a nifty wall mounted spring compressor rig. I want to find out who sells those, or make one myself. It was really nice.

Oh, and that 51 champion would be worth ~20k these days.

 

[JodyFKerr]

Speaking of springs, anyone have a spare set of MK IV springs for sale/trade?

Jody

I have a pair from a Mk IV and a pair from a 1500. Yopu can have either or both for the cost of shipping.

Somebody had a new pair of prings for sale in the classified a while back.

Cool, Sending a PM.

Jody

 

[3798j]

These "U" bolts fasten to a coil to eliminate the chance of slipping off.

At $45.00, it's probably worth it for the added safety. https://www.carparts.com/PERFORMANCE-TOOL-STRUT-COIL-SPRING-COMPRESSOR-SET/GP_2017924_N__10618.car

 

[pjsmetana]

Harbor Freight ones... I found them scary and dangerous

I agree that they're kinda scary...

I'll agree to that too... all they use are these little hook looking pieces that feel like they could slide off and kill you at any second.

 

[pware]

This is one of those projects I have always been afraid of. It only takes one mistake. But let us know what you use and post a Pic if you can.

 

[70herald]

Unless you are planning on changing a LOT of springs, bringing the spring/shock over to a local garage and letting them swap do the job probably makes more sense. Most likely cheaper also.