1968 Firebird front coil Spring installation

Автокөліктер мен көлік құралдары

1968 Firebird Restoration, Coil springs can be an issue to install and need to be aware of what you are doing. Springs are one of my least favorite things to replace. There is a lot that can go very wrong but this is a necessary step when doing a complete overhaul.
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Пікірлер: 48

  • @hollandbuzzard1039
    @hollandbuzzard1039 Жыл бұрын

    Good trick.. Lke Vise Grip shirt too.😁

  • @VinylVillageGarage

    @VinylVillageGarage

    Жыл бұрын

    Well I’ll be dipped someone finally said something, lol. Derrick was definitely an inspiration for me to grab a camera and play cars. He definitely has a knack for keeping it fun too. Much respect for him.

  • @keithlipford3205
    @keithlipford3205 Жыл бұрын

    You made it look easy. Nice Job!🔩🔧🛠🪛

  • @VinylVillageGarage

    @VinylVillageGarage

    Жыл бұрын

    Thanks. Got lucky this time. I have fought those in the past sometimes

  • @jeffreyevans2947
    @jeffreyevans29477 ай бұрын

    I have changed many front springs in my cars over the years, including 4 - 1969 firebirds i have owned. use a chain or large strap hooked to the frame run under the jack and back to the frame. Works great.

  • @VinylVillageGarage

    @VinylVillageGarage

    7 ай бұрын

    The chain is an excellent idea. I don’t like messing with springs.

  • @anthonysantiago1999
    @anthonysantiago1999 Жыл бұрын

    Great video. Im in the process of doing my front suspension resto on my 68 firebird ragtop. I found out thru various videos that when using a floor jack SAFELY it was pretty easy to remove the first coil spring. The ony thing I did for safety was to wrap the coil with a light chain in case it wanted to fly.

  • @VinylVillageGarage

    @VinylVillageGarage

    Жыл бұрын

    Definitely not a bad idea. Thanks

  • @GoGoGarage
    @GoGoGarage Жыл бұрын

    Looking good, helps to have weight on the frame and no fenders in the way.

  • @VinylVillageGarage

    @VinylVillageGarage

    Жыл бұрын

    Indeed, these springs are a bear on an empty frame.

  • @ArrowheadGarage
    @ArrowheadGarage Жыл бұрын

    Doctor Firebird you make it look sooooooo easy!!!!! Great video

  • @VinylVillageGarage

    @VinylVillageGarage

    Жыл бұрын

    Lol. Had a few times to practice, thanks buddy.

  • @KingdomHeartsKid01
    @KingdomHeartsKid01 Жыл бұрын

    Great Job!! Looking good!! Love your work and the channel Save them birds!

  • @VinylVillageGarage

    @VinylVillageGarage

    Жыл бұрын

    Thanks. Having fun playing cars and telling their stories and now sharing the knowledge with the Firebird community. It’s been awesome

  • @jimsteig9653
    @jimsteig9653 Жыл бұрын

    Great tip on how the springs sit in the control arms, it’s the little things like that information, us inexperienced people also like to know. Thanks. I think I’ll have a spring compressor on deck just in case. 😀

  • @VinylVillageGarage

    @VinylVillageGarage

    Жыл бұрын

    I sometimes forget that these tips might seem basic to some but worth a million dollars to others. Appreciate you confirming they are worth while to show. Good plan to keep a spring compressor handy and be safe too.

  • @perrywe1
    @perrywe1 Жыл бұрын

    nice work Jon. Man I had such a hard time putting the springs in my 69 camaro.. I couldn't get them to seat into the bottom perch to get the jack under it. Had to partially compress with spring compressor to even get to point of getting jack positioned. then ride height was off 1 1/2 inch on driver side and had to add spring rubbers to bring this up. It was a bear!!

  • @VinylVillageGarage

    @VinylVillageGarage

    Жыл бұрын

    I have had that exact issue too and had to use my home made compressor to get them installed. This was the first time I was able to install new stock height springs in without having to compress them. To be honest. I am a bit worried it’s not going to sit right when I am done

  • @charlieseidelmann6702
    @charlieseidelmann6702 Жыл бұрын

    I'm one of those daredevils who manages to get by with the spring compressor. Always living on the edge, lol! Great video, love working with clean and/or new parts!

  • @VinylVillageGarage

    @VinylVillageGarage

    Жыл бұрын

    You crazy man. 🤣 Springs are not my favorite, I just wanted to express how dangerous they potentially can be. I have never witnessed the aftermath but have been told enough stories that I want no part of it.

  • @CHEECHMUN
    @CHEECHMUN Жыл бұрын

    I just did my 67 Riviera. I had to use a spring compressor, because I could not make it snap into place, too long!!!

  • @VinylVillageGarage

    @VinylVillageGarage

    Жыл бұрын

    This was the first time I didn’t have to use a compressor to get them in. I don’t like messing with springs.

  • @CHEECHMUN

    @CHEECHMUN

    Жыл бұрын

    @@VinylVillageGarage Scary!!

  • @firstgenerationgarage2803
    @firstgenerationgarage2803 Жыл бұрын

    Great video buddy I was able to do my 67 Firebird coil Spring just like this without a compress tool I just used a chain going through it with some washers over the control arms in case it went loose The upper bowl joint looks like an original style ball joint great video

  • @VinylVillageGarage

    @VinylVillageGarage

    Жыл бұрын

    Thanks pal. Springs stress me out. I don’t like messing with them.

  • @kenny3217
    @kenny3217 Жыл бұрын

    If you want to do hard mode try the big block springs. I did basically what you did but still had to use an internal spring compressor and still struggled to get it started in the pocket on the lower control arm. I would say maybe you should secure the spindle to one of the ball joints before you start though, less butt hole puckering time while you are trying to start threads in the spring death zone.

  • @VinylVillageGarage

    @VinylVillageGarage

    Жыл бұрын

    I do like a challenge, but in this case I will pass. That death zone is not my favorite place to be. I have fought a few springs in my day and I was a bit braver and more invincible 20 years ago too. Lol

  • @kbsingleton
    @kbsingleton Жыл бұрын

    I had to use the threaded rod/plate method to get the springs in my Formula Sunbird. No weight in the car (no engine). It was a terrifying experience. I will say, using a threaded rod coupling vs a nut was a much safer option for me. One side I used just nuts and it was stripping the threaded rod. Other side I used the 1-3/4" long coupling nut and had no issues. Loving the progress.

  • @VinylVillageGarage

    @VinylVillageGarage

    Жыл бұрын

    Good point I do like the idea of the coupling nut. Thank you for sharing! Never thought of that.

  • @wmorri003
    @wmorri003 Жыл бұрын

    You made it look so easy! I bought one of those spring compressors from harbor freight for the 68. Was too scared to just use a jack lol.

  • @VinylVillageGarage

    @VinylVillageGarage

    Жыл бұрын

    Better save then sorry, especially with springs

  • @shaggyscarshop
    @shaggyscarshop Жыл бұрын

    Great work. That seem so much easier and safer than using spring compressors. i cant wait to see you get it mounted onto the cart and getting it rolling again.

  • @VinylVillageGarage

    @VinylVillageGarage

    Жыл бұрын

    Springs Stress me out, I don’t like messing with them unless completely necessary

  • @shaggyscarshop

    @shaggyscarshop

    Жыл бұрын

    @@VinylVillageGarage I agree. I dont like them eithor, great work on yours. Its really coming together.

  • @phoenixblack1220
    @phoenixblack1220 Жыл бұрын

    Good work, Jon. I find that it’s easier to put the sway bar in before bolting the steering assembly together. Less chance of scratches. Well done though, and yes, the springs are hit or miss when dealing with a compressor.

  • @VinylVillageGarage

    @VinylVillageGarage

    Жыл бұрын

    Yes good point! Much easier with the steering out of the way. Thanks for sharing

  • @kbsingleton
    @kbsingleton Жыл бұрын

    Two videos this week!? It's like Christmas! 😂

  • @VinylVillageGarage

    @VinylVillageGarage

    Жыл бұрын

    Lol. Merry Christmas!! You must have been a good boy this year.

  • @Danno74Z
    @Danno74Z7 ай бұрын

    Hi Jon, By chance do you have a video of the coil spring removal process? Thank you

  • @VinylVillageGarage

    @VinylVillageGarage

    7 ай бұрын

    I don’t yet, springs are one of those things that I don’t like messing with. Sometimes they are so worn and sagging taking them out isn’t too bad. I have a homemade spring compressor, it’s made of 5/8” all thread about 2.5’ long a track plate off a 330 caterpillar excavator and a couple nuts. I use that To compress the spring for removable and installation. I will be using it to assemble the subframe for the mockingbird project

  • @Danno74Z

    @Danno74Z

    7 ай бұрын

    Jon, Yes I saw the tool you made. Nice. On the Mockingbird project is the front end already disassembled? If not can you video that? In a future video please do show the use of your spring compressor. Springs going in and coming out are potentially dangerous. Using that tool to "capture" the spring is the best IMO.

  • @VinylVillageGarage

    @VinylVillageGarage

    7 ай бұрын

    @@Danno74Z subframe is already disassembled, seems I missed out on a video opportunity. Thr control arms will need replaced the uppers are damaged from rust.

  • @brucemoore1171
    @brucemoore1171 Жыл бұрын

    Looking great ! We're did you get the disc brake kit from?

  • @VinylVillageGarage

    @VinylVillageGarage

    Жыл бұрын

    This kit was an eBay special, part AFXDC01C-11. I was a bit surprised once I got it that it wasn’t the right stuff Brand. I have used them a few times and worked good.

  • @stevenpringle7813
    @stevenpringle7813 Жыл бұрын

    Which front disk brake conversion kits do you like? I guess you said at the end of the video that you are putting that on shortly. I need to put one on my Firebird. It has drum brakes on all four corners and it's pretty scary.

  • @VinylVillageGarage

    @VinylVillageGarage

    Жыл бұрын

    I used AFXDC01C-11 1964-1972 GM A Body Disc Brake Conversion 11" Power Brake Booster, yes I know it says “A”body in the description but they are the same as f-body and it was $100 cheaper. Saving a buck when I can. 😎

  • @stevenpringle7813

    @stevenpringle7813

    Жыл бұрын

    @@VinylVillageGarage Is that brake kit made by The Right Stuff?

  • @VinylVillageGarage

    @VinylVillageGarage

    Жыл бұрын

    Here is the answer… I don’t know the part number is right stuff but the dust shield from right stuff normally had their logo stamped on them and the spindles don’t come pre-painted. Plus the instructions show a different part number dbk6472 so I really feel that it’s a different manufacturer. I really like it more, I don’t care for the right stuff stamp and saved me time with painted spindles

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