T16 restoration starts in earnest

[andrew honychurch]

Whilst the hull is away being repaired I have now started on the suspension units and wheels. With the help of David Gordon, who has provided me with much insight I have now stripped all the wheels of theire internal bearings and races in order to have them sandblasted and am just attempting to remove the suspension springs. The TM refers to a special spring compressor. Effectively it looks like a 6 inch tube with a bolt that fixes to the end of the spring centre shaft. Then I assume one turn a nut on the end of the tube and this draws the rod upwards compressing the spring in the process. Does anyone have one of these? Can anyone tell me or even better draw me a diagram of how it is constructed so that i can make one? The thread on the end of the spring centre shaft is 3/4 UNF for what its worth. Not sure whether this is the same on Universals as it is on my T16. As always any help much appreciated.

EDIT the coil spring compressors I have in place in the photo wont work as they dont compress the spring enough to get the bottom of the rod out of its housing, hence the need for the special tool, although the other TM refers to be able to use the track jack doing the same job, it occurs to me that the spring would be compressed only on one side with the track jack unless one could use two, and I dont think there will be enough clearance for that. As I dont, as yet have a track jack its slighly academic!

[SDT16]

I'll photograph the one I made. It worked really well. It is quite simple but you will need a small welder.

Stand By!

SD

[SDT16]

Ok, Here Ya Go!

Piece of pipe. About 12"
Threaded rod with 2 nuts. Must be longer than the pipe.
Large washer
1 nut with threads matching Suspension Rod. You will have to round the outside down to enable it to slide inside the pipe.

Weld rounded nut to one end of rod. Install washer and adjusting nut onto rod. Weld another nut on opposite end. The tube will slide over rounded nut end.

Keep in mind to make your lengths of the pipe and the threaded rod long enough to enable enough compression, as well as, enough room to release all spring tension once it is out of its socket.

Also!!!... When you are releasing the spring tension. Be sure you have a wrench on the rod so that you do not prematurely unscrew the tool from the suspension rod!!!!! And always KEEP Clear of both ends incase your welds break!!! I'm sure those springs could send things Flying!!!

Hope this Helps!

[andrew honychurch]

Fantastic. thats really helpful and I am most grateful. I have been thinking about this today, and that exactly the design I came up with . ( I would say that wouldnt i?)

I managed to pick up a track jack today and it is not safe for the job. Basically the fingers dont grip well enough and the jaws can swivel so it constantly twists. You are quite correct that the spring tension is enormous and I think you could brain yourself or take a finger off in a sprice.

I need to go get some pip, I recokon on 1 5/8 O/D which will sit in the recess where the nut normally sits and sit nice and square. Then I can wind the spring up to my hearts content. Thats the job for the weekend.

What i also reckoned was that it one thing getting these springs off but getting them back on will be pretty tricky so having a nice square pull with this puller will make the job safer and easier.

I really appreciate your help

thx Andrew

[andrew honychurch]

I had quite a good day today, and managed to find a full set of tools for the T16 and one or two other bits and bobs. Quite made my day to be honest

[SDT16]

No Problem Andrew!
It worked really well for us.
Here is the thread I started for mine.
http://www.mapleleafup.org/forums/sh...ad.php?t=13958

Unfortunately we have not made a lot of progress recently as I am Restoring a Sexton for a friend.

There is one part I still need if you should come across one. It is the oil bypass valve assembly. It mounts on the left rear of the bell housing.
Here is a pic.

Good Luck!

SD

[andrew honychurch]

Hi Sean, of course I will look out for the valve for you. I will ask around a bit as well. You never know. Yours looks great, a very nice hull. Was it in the US for all its life or is it a Swiss Import?

I was going to ask you as well..did you high tensile stell thread for the compressor? I was wondering whether ordinary soft threaded bar will hold up to the pressure?