Re: HELP! What is a safe spring compressor for '67 96? - Saab Vintage Models Bulletin Board - Saabnet.com
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Re: HELP! What is a safe spring compressor for '67 96?
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Posted by spiv (more from spiv) on Thu, 19 Feb 2004 14:30:30 Share Post by Email
In Reply to: HELP! What is a safe spring compressor for '67 96?, Gary Piland, Thu, 19 Feb 2004 02:07:49
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I used the cheap hook-type compressors that Harbor Freight Tool sells in pairs -- I've bought them on sale for about $10 per set. (This was on a Sonett, but I think they would work on a 96 also.) If the fenders are still on the car, you might need to check clearance at the top to make sure the screws don't stick up into the fender when fully compressed.

They are very slow to operate, but seem sturdy and should be safe enough as long as you attach the safety hooks correctly (no directions supplied!... but the idea is to put them on the single-hook end and use them to hold the spring coil against the hook, so the spring can't slip out.)

One thing about these is that you have to be VERY careful to follow the directions and tighten/loosen the two screws EVENLY. If you let one side get ahead of the other, the screws can bend enough that they'll jam and then you won't be able to tighten OR loosen the screw any further. At that point the only safe solution is to attach another spring compressor to take the tension, then saw or grind through the screw to remove the bent one! (Ask me how I found this out...)

Your mechanic might not have a lot of confidence in using a tool from Harbor Freight, and I wouldn't blame him, but I've done several front spring R/Rs with these and no mishaps (other than bending the screws.) If he can't get over the willies about using a Harbor Freight item, you can buy basically the same Chinese-made external compressor from Eastwood for about $20.

Somebody also makes an expensive scissor-type compressor that supposedly fits under the fender, but I couldn't find it with a quick Google.

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