Removing the clock springs from the hood hinge is no problem. The shop manual blithly shows a handy tool for removal/installation... and this tool is not available... is as rare as a 3legged buffalo nickle. Is there a way to compress the spring to the required 3" diameter so that the center and the hook that compresses the spring in the open position can be engaged at once? I have tried to make a tool that winds the spring, tried a fixture that holds the spring compressed (and failed).... what do you guys do? Could a ring compressor work? Don't have the muscle to wind the thing on by hand. Thanks. Pete

 

On my 56, I removed the hood, removed the hinges/spring assembly, put them in a vise and bought a tool from Mid-Fifty that slides over the clock spring and has a slot for a cheater bar. Mid-Fifty also sells super strong aftermarket springs for the hood that are much better than new stock springs. Use caution in dealing with the springs, they are like a loaded gun.

 

I got my spring tool from Sacramento Vintage Ford. Worked great and wasn't expensive. You use it for removing and installing the springs. It's a metal cylinder with notches. I second the warning about the springs, they are loaded.

Denn
55F100

 

Thanks guys... ordered the tool and i really appreciate the help i get on this board. Pete