[Healeys] Replacing coil springs

[simon.lachlan at alexarevel.plus.com]

MkII BT7 3000.

So, my files show that I enquired about this back in October 1999 and that I
received sound advice that enabled me to remove and replace my car's front
springs.
I discovered, too late, that coil compressors wouldn't fit and I used 4, for
safety's sake, 6" lengths of threaded rod. This worked well.
So...the other day, I removed my car's front rhs spring. No trouble.slowly,
slowly catchee monkey.
But, I'm having a helluva job getting the spring back on. As so often, per
the book, replacing is not the reverse of removing. With a lot of
effort/brute force and ignorance I have managed to replace the rearmost
pair. But the various layers simply won't quite line up for the two nearest
the engine. A couple of mm, but that's all it takes to prevent that 3/8"
bolt lining up and going through.
I've tried every combination that I can think of..loosening some/tightening
others.up/down..whatever. That elusive couple of mm.
I seem to be missing the point somewhere. Can you guys think of what I'm
doing wrong or what I may have forgotten?? Any advice would be more than
welcome..
I have ordered four 12" lengths of 3/8" threaded rod and the appropriate
bolts. I hope I may be able to line them up that way ie starting from a
lower point and going up from there.

Another question..the car is going in to a garage in a couple of weeks. My
question is this.would it be safe enough to drive the car with two of its
proper bolts in the rear two holes and two lengths of 7.98mm in the front
two?? Yes, I would take it slow.
I'm rapidly running out of patience and energy with this. Not an easy one
without a hoist. Lying on one's (aged & sore) back whilst fighting with a
bolshie coil spring is depressing and, seemingly, fruitless.

Any ideas re the two questions, above??
Thanks, Simo n
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