C3 Corvette Coil Spring Installation

[@ignacioromero5014]

I recebtly had to work in front of a spring and secured a chain on it. I stayed as clear as I could but felt safer knowing it would not shoot out at me and actually hit me. I like this method. I will use it when I do my lowering springs.

[@dkevvv]

Great video. I have found if you use the exact same spring compressor but hook the spring with the longer hook to the inside, it will pull the spring to the inside a bit more. This makes it easier to seat the spring.

[@waynemccarthy2299]

That video was awesome. I installed my coil springs on my 78 C3 corvette with no problem after watching your video. Thank you again

[@C3Stingray]

Thanks, hope you subscribe. I will be having many C3 videos coming up in the next couple months.

[@johnwilliton2536]

Great video. I watched it prior to re-installation of my coils on my 79 Vette. I do not believe there is a safer easier way to do this. Thanks for uploading.

[@billygreenhorn9275]

This is probably the best coil spring installation video out there. Safe, easy and no drama.

[@C3Stingray]

Thanks. Never seen anyone do it this way but I tend to over think things. Glad it helped you.

[@lloyds.7113]

This is one of the most helpful and technically correct videos I have seen on KZbin for any challenging repair job. Other coil spring installation instructions didn't work for me and/or were arguably dangerous. This approach got the job done and was not difficult. I do have one add on. Here's a way to ensure the spring is correctly positioned in the frame bucket and lower control arm. Orient the spring in the lower control arm as described in the C3 manual. Place a dot of "White Out" on the spring coil halfway between the lower control arm bumper mounting holes. As you compress the spring, and winch it in, you can see if it is still properly rotated. Look up into the frame bucket to ensure it is nestled into the groove. At this point it is clear how well the spring has been positioned before bolting in the wheel spindle assembly.

[@C3Stingray]

Nice add on, have to try that next time. I have always eyeballed it and have been pretty lucky with it. Glad the video helped you.

[@daemon1957]

I’ve installed coil springs in a couple C2’s and tri-five Chevy’s, but this is my first shot at a C3. When I first watched this video, I thought, what a hack. But I gave it a shot without the use of a spring compressor, and was amazed how the strap worked to get the coil seated into the control arm. Thank you!

[@oldcarguy700]

Did one side using the same tool with the plate on the bottom as per directions. However I used your method and it worked perfectly! I want to thank you!

[@MEANSTREETAUTO454]

Perfect video ! No BS , to the point. When I was a kid putting these in a 1975 camaro I would compress them with a old cheezy harbor freight coil spring compressor kit. Once compressed I would wire them while the were compressed with mechanics wire .Then put it in ,hook it all up and cut the wire !

[@C3Stingray]

I had a spring explode on me that was on a strut with a compressor that failed on me. Me and another guy were working on it (probably 19 at the the time), somehow the spring miraculously went between our heads, hit the ceiling (cutting a hole in it) and then bounced across the garage floor. Been leery of springs ever since.

[@rubilahmadi5903]

I just wanted to thank you for saving my life. the coil spring snapped in front of my eye while I was under the car following your method.... thanks

[@C3Stingray]

Wow, glad you didn't get hurt. When I was a kid we did a strut with a spring compressor and the compressor broke. The spring flew past my head and put a hole in the ceiling... been very careful around them ever since.

[@youkaygreen]

Yes thanks for that, same setup on my 67 C2. Thought it was all going too easy until I couldn't center the shock and of course it was because the spring wasn't correctly seated at the top. So had to break the joint and start again using your method.

[@v8torrent]

Saved us a lot of time! thanks for sharing. It made the process simple and safe.

[@joegoodwin3157]

Thanks; This worked like a charm on my 76 for me. 👍

[@richwahneEXPERTSmadeEasy]

Brilliant method to install with the strap! Easy & safe! Thanks!!

[@PpizzleBMXer]

this is such a good video! im about to take on a pretty big project and im very new to these cars. most of what i will be doing is body work, but i will eventually be looking to up grade everything. this was already a great video to be seen for research!

[@carlatardieu7312]

thank you thank you guys like you make it possible for guys like me

[@gnovo8650]

Great video and explanation C3 Stingray. Used your method on my 78 - worked out great!

[@C3Stingray]

Glad it worked for you. Good luck with the 78!

[@chrisrkelly61]

excellent video and a great way of doing this, im just in the middle of doing mine now..thanks for the advice..

[@screwsnutsandbolts]

Good video and nice car 👍🏻

[@bobmiller9337]

Very good video , and much safer way to install coil spring thanks

[@StillPlaysWithCars_]

I'm going to try this! Great video.

[@fabiopunk1661]

I am usually skeptical of not using tools as they are intended. However, using the "thing" included in the o'Riley kit implies compressing just a few turns of the spring, which puts a lot of stress on them. The way shown here, many more turns are compressed. I also like the controlled use of the tied down to pull the spring in place, and the jack as an aid. Thanks

[@C3Stingray]

I'm always leery of spring compressors. When I was a kid I had one explode on me and luckily the spring went between me an the guy I was working with, just missing our heads and putting a hole in the metal roof we were under. I now approach them in a way where if they do fail I will not be in harms way. Thanks for watching.

[@goodboyringo9716]

I've done this before and never put the bolt thru the shock hole. I just install the tool in the spring , compress the spring and install it then remove the tool from the spring. These two part to the tool top and bottom. I guess your way may be more safe cause this is a very dangerous job. I have done this job on two different cars. I remember the spring, after compressing it was like a bomb with it tension. I guess I was crazy at the time I did the jobs.

[@C3Stingray]

Yeah, I used to chain them just to be safe.

[@bigabu1968]

Very direct explanations, thanks for the video, very good!

[@C3Stingray]

Thanks. Good luck with your project!

[@adventures223]

Very helpful video i have to replace the coil springs in my 2000 chevy s10 its the same as this question how many feet long was the ratcheting strap you used a1 video the best idea i have seen yet beautiful c3 you have there

[@C3Stingray]

I don't remember the length of the strap, just something I had lying around in the garage, probably 6 feet. Glad you liked the video, hope you subscribe to the channel.

[@adventures223]

@@C3Stingray thanks i wiil let you know how the job turn out

[@V8Lounge]

Great Video.

[@FlipFlopandFly]

Great video! Thank you!

[@scottwilson1841]

That was very helpful thanks

[@dukeallen432]

Well done. Thanks

[@musicsam203]

I heard the 550lb springs are short enough to fit without a compressor. Any thoughts?

[@Damien_In_Hawaii]

Thanks for saving my life haha what’s that spring compressor called?

[@C3Stingray]

Just a coil spring compressor. You can rent them at almost any chain auto store like OReilly.

[@narcisoveloz2102]

The ends of the coil does it really matter which way you set it ( meaning the bottom up or the bottom down)? Please let me know.

[@kblopp]

I managed to get mine in with a pry bar.

[@AlexTheGrumpyOne]

well done buddy. good video. im using 3t jack as a compressor :) Started my series on a corvette restoration. was replacing top and bottom ball joint today and that will be my second upload :) Have a look at my intro video and let me know what you think :) would be great to have your opinion on state of it.

[@senselessmonkee]

So you use the compressor also to remove the spring?

[@C3Stingray]

I just put a floor jack under the bottom control arm and jack it up to take the pressure off, then disconnect everything, once everything is disconnected slowly lower it down. You can wrap a chain around the spring and bolt it off to the car somewhere for extra protection to protect you if if for some reason the jack fails. Better to be safe than sorry.

[@senselessmonkee]

@@C3Stingray Maybe I only need a shock replacement anyway.

[@C3Stingray]

You can. I just use a floor jack, put a chain around the spring in case the jack gives out, and then lower it slowly. You could do it with the compressor too.

[@bunsomatic]

The spring has to be indexed to the hole in the frame, not the hole in the lower A arm. That lower hole is a drain. Full explanation and pictures here: www.corvetteforum.com/forums/c1-and-c2-corvettes/4334711-coil-spring-issue-how-to-fix.html

[@twinturbo7234]

Stomp it not. Thanks. Hook up ratchet strap first. Use impact on compression tool nut. Then tighten ratchet strap to get spring seated. Leave it on until ball joints are installed. A spring can pop out and take you with it. Very dangerous, protect face when putting in or taking out. Some people chain them to the frame during this. I do. An Uncle got lucky. Only lost an eyelid.

[@C3Stingray]

That's horrible! Yeah, I used to chain them. Had an incident when I was a kid that spooked me. Just missed by head by a couple inches and put a hole in the ceiling.

[@CrazyPetez]

Wrong! You need to look again at Bunsomatic’s post. The top of the spring MUST be seated correctly in the frame pocket. If it isn’t, when you let the car down, it will be inches too high. Also, I’m surprised you didn’t rub the paint off the fender when you were ratcheting the spring compressor tool. Your body was vigorously rubbing against the paint. They make fender protectors for a reason.

[@zachreese6540]

Take your meds, gramps

[@CrazyPetez]

@@zachreese6540 From your pithy reply, it seems like you’re saying I don’t know what the F I’m talking about. If that’s the case, you’re just showing your ignorance of me, and my knowledge/experience. Pretty bold to step out like that. I know what it takes to correctly seat the upper ends of the front springs in the pocket in C2/C3 frames. We’re all in this world together. Peace!

[@CrazyPetez]

@@zachreese6540 From your pithy reply, it seems like you’re saying I don’t know what the F I’m talking about. If that’s the case, you’re just showing your ignorance of me, and my knowledge/experience. Pretty bold to step out like that. I know what it takes to correctly seat the upper ends of the front springs in the pocket in C2/C3 frames. We’re all in this world together. Peace!