51 ford coil cutting..

i was wondering if you can cut the front coil springs on a 51 shoebox without taking them out of the car ? i was looking at them today and noticed that i could theoreticly cut off 2 coils from the bottom. has anyone done this and if so what are the cons of doing this.

 

I would definitely advise against it. Taking them out isn't a big deal, and it's alot safer!

 

definitly take the extra time and take them out. those springs are under alot of pressure and when you cut through there is no telling what would happen.

 

My uncle does then in the car. he did my shoebox when I had it. cut the coils half at a time so that you are able to get them out. If you cut an entire coil you will have to cut in in half to get it out after the rest of the coil drops down. I cut one out of my old one and I couldnt even tell. After 2 it looked great. Hope this helps ya

 

Hey,

If you choose the cut the coil in car route, at the very least use a spring compressor. Their cheap insurance against what could happen
if you've lead a past life, like I have.

Swankey Devils C.C.

 

Used to do it in the car when I was a kid. Just jamb a couple bars in the lower coil, to take a little pressure off. Cut them in small pieces. Wear yer saftey glasses!!!!!......OLDBEET

 

thanks for the advice all..

 

Been doing it for years with no disfiguring injuries yet ... make a cradle to insert in the spring to lift it up from it's seat with a length of 1/2''allthread. Then lift spring up just far enough to trim 2 coils off 1/2 turn at a time. Dig the pieces out & guide the spring back into it's pocket. (this works on cars with the shock inside the coil only)