Great tip, I didn’t take mine off for fear of not getting them back on. Thanks!
Phil Moderator, The Engine Shop, Interiors and Project Journals
1952 Chevrolet 3100, Three on the Tree, 4:11 torque tube Updated to: ‘59 235 w/hydraulic lifters, 12v w/alternator, HEI, PCV and Power front Disc Brakes Project Journals Stovebolt Gallery Forum
With a come along? No thanks. The spring hook tool works fine for me between $7 and $15. Grit your teeth or stick out your tongue and get the job done.
~ BD. "You won't find me in an old folks home" Pioneer Florida Cracker 1958 Apache Stepside 1958 Apache 1/2 ton Panel 1959 Apache 1/2 ton Panel
Guessing the pictured truck is your 1955 2nd Series GMC???
An interesting option, especially for those that may have back issues (me) that threaten to put you down for the count if one overdoes the pulling (I speak from long experience).
Your tip I think better fits into the Paint and Body Shop, so the thread has been moved there for further sharing and conversation.
~ Dan 1951 Chevy 3 window 3100 Follow this story in the DITY Gallery "My Grandpa Carl's Truck and How it Became Mine" 1966 Chevelle (Wife's Hot Rod) | 2013 Chevy Silverado (Current daily driver) US Army MSG Retired (1977-1998) | Com Fac Maint Lead Tech Retired (1998-2021)
All kinds of videos on YouTube for removing/installing hinge springs. Some are very creative if you need some mechanical help to stretch them. Like using a hydraulic floor jack.
1957 Chevy 3200 Daily Driver PS, A/C, Tilt column, Rebuilt 350, Rebuilt TH350, Reupholstered Bench Seat, sound proof/insulated, LED headlights/taillights/backup lights/interior courtesy lights. Follow in the DITY
A quick and easy trick I've used for a lot of years involves a handful of big flat washers inserted between the coils of the spring to keep it stretched. On a new spring, just clamp one end into a vise, bend the coils sideways, and insert washers into the gap created by bending the spring. It's easier and safer than trying to stretch the spring out. Jerry
"It is better to be silent and be thought a fool than to speak and eliminate all doubt!" - Abraham Lincoln Cringe and wail in fear, Eloi- - - - -we Morlocks are on the hunt! There is nothing noble in being superior to your fellow man; true nobility is being superior to your former self. - Ernest Hemingway Love your enemies and drive 'em nuts!
To do it manually, tie a piece of parachute cord to a solid point in line with where you need to hook the spring, loop it over the spring eye and pull back toward the tie point. With the 2-part line, you only need to pull half of the spring strength. Jerry, I'd be afraid of having a stack of washers being spit out of the spring. That'd be just my luck.
Kevin 1951 Chevy 3100 work truck Follow this saga in Project Journal Photos 1929 Ford pickup restored from the ground up. | 1929 Ford Special Coupe (First car) Busting rust since the mid-60's If you're smart enough to take it apart, you darn well better be smart enough to put it back together.
Jerry, I'd be afraid of having a stack of washers being spit out of the spring. That'd be just my luck.
I forgot to mention using a thin piece of dowel rod like a grilling skewer through the middle of the spring to keep the washers in place. Jerry
"It is better to be silent and be thought a fool than to speak and eliminate all doubt!" - Abraham Lincoln Cringe and wail in fear, Eloi- - - - -we Morlocks are on the hunt! There is nothing noble in being superior to your fellow man; true nobility is being superior to your former self. - Ernest Hemingway Love your enemies and drive 'em nuts!
I forgot to mention using a thin piece of dowel rod like a grilling skewer through the middle of the spring to keep the washers in place. Jerry
Yeah, a pin in the grenade would be good.
Kevin 1951 Chevy 3100 work truck Follow this saga in Project Journal Photos 1929 Ford pickup restored from the ground up. | 1929 Ford Special Coupe (First car) Busting rust since the mid-60's If you're smart enough to take it apart, you darn well better be smart enough to put it back together.
Ive used the washer way for many years. It is probably the safest way. I put on end hook in the vise & push it over. Put thick washers in between each coil. Then bend it the other way & put washers on the opposite side. Hook the elongated spring on the hood & put the hood down. All the washers will fall out.
George
They say money can't buy happiness. It can buy old Chevy trucks though. Same thing. 1972 Chevy c10 Cheyenne Super In the Gallery Forum
You just have to make sure all the washers find their way to the floor. I used to could do it by myself with a "J" hook. Still can, I just get my son in law to push the spring on the catch with a 1x2 wood pole from the other side.
~ BD. "You won't find me in an old folks home" Pioneer Florida Cracker 1958 Apache Stepside 1958 Apache 1/2 ton Panel 1959 Apache 1/2 ton Panel
That'd be just my luck.