Spring Spreading Methods

Mr. Banky:

Snyder has a very good and proper spring spreader for about the cost of two tanks of gas. If you do your own work on the car you will need it again when its time for a new clutch.

Tom Endy
 
No injury will cost less than the cost of the proper spring spreader. And if you never use it again, you can always resell it.
 
I made the simple spreader that pushes against the top bolt on the banjo.I ground the inner end a bit so that it fits completely over the upper bolt.I have used it many times with no problems.The disadvantage is that you need to use it a 2nd time to put the rear end back in.With the type that spreads both ends of the spring at once,you can leave the spring spread while you work on the R E.
 
I have used my KRW rear spring spreader a couple of times, not for the faint at heart. Rod
 

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The photo (if it attached) is of a proper spring spreader. It was made by Pete Weschler, the original owner of AC&R. Pete developed many tools for the Model A. I bought this from him a number of years ago, cost was $60 then. later he improved on it by adding thrust bearings under the nuts and incorporating keepers to keep the feet from falling out as you carried the tool to the job site. Both versions are equally safe to use. Most suppliers today carry the improved version for about $135. Only Snyder, as far as I know, carries the original version that now sells for about $90.

Were I to buy a new one today I would buy the improved version as they are easier to use, and I use it a lot. However, the one I have works fine.

I was surprised to see that Snyder carries a version that fits against a banjo bolt on one side. These are extremely dangerous and I wonder if he realizes the liability he has if one of these slips off and kills someone.

Tom Endy
 

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Couple of questions / comments:

Can the rear spreader be used on the front as well or does it take a different spreader alltogether?

I've seen this spreader by MACS Fabrication advertised a lot, just wondered how it compares to the Snyder's deluxe version? Price seems to be about the same.
 

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CarlG said:
Couple of questions / comments:

Can the rear spreader be used on the front as well or does it take a different spreader alltogether?
QUOTE]

I've done three front springs without a spreader.
I think the procedure is well explained in Les Andrews shop manual Vol.1.
Click to expand...
 
CarlG said:
Couple of questions / comments:

Can the rear spreader be used on the front as well or does it take a different spreader alltogether?

I've seen this spreader by MACS Fabrication advertised a lot, just wondered how it compares to the Snyder's deluxe version? Price seems to be about the same.
Click to expand...


There are front spring spreaders available, I have one. They are different than a rear spring spreader. However, the front spring is not lethal as is the rear spring. You can remove and install a front spring without a spreader, it just makes the job easier if you have one.

Tom Endy
 
Tom Endy said:
There are front spring spreaders available, I have one. They are different than a rear spring spreader. However, the front spring is not lethal as is the rear spring. You can remove and install a front spring without a spreader, it just makes the job easier if you have one.

Tom Endy
Click to expand...
I now have a set -- both front and rear. Front one is probably going to get used on Saturday or Monday.
 
The rear one from Snyder's looks like the one I got from AC&R when they were in business. It works well. Several folks used it at Marquette with out a problem.
 
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