Removing Rear Shocks on A 65 Dream Touring

[jrusk1957]

Hello Again.

Need some more help or advice. I have a 65 CA78 Dream and the rear shocks have a chrome spring on the outside. I was wanting to repaint the frame and was wanting to remove the outside spring and shocks. They look different then my rebuilt diagrams. Do I need a spring compressor to remove these or is there another better method? (Maybe just tape off around the chrome rack attachment).

Anyway, thanks in advance.

Jim R.

[Tim Allman]

Most people end up making a compressor. Here's one that will give you an idea of what works.

viewtopic.php?p=93317&hilit=shock+compressor#p93317

The original shocks should look something like the one in the picture. I don't think any Dream came with external springs.

[jrusk1957]

Thank you for the response and help. I attached a photo of what I have.

[Tim Allman]

Original shocks can be hard to find and are almost certainly worn out. Yours aren't bad looking though and if they work, well you have something to ride.

Good luck with disassembling them.

[jrusk1957]

Do I need to use a ring compressor to remove them? I can’t seem to find a set small enough to fit into the springs.

[Tim Allman]

If you mean a piston ring compressor, I can't see how that would help. Just looking at the shock I think that the chromed cover sits under the aluminum casting. You would need to take the spring pressure off the casting in order to unscrew it from the centre rod and you would do this by pulling down the cover, compressing the spring.

There may be universal compressors that a bike shop would use so it might be worthwhile checking out some dealers or repair shops. Otherwise you'll have to make (or have made) something like the one in the picture. Whatever you do, be careful. There's a lot of energy stored in the spring. It can hurt you if it is released in an uncontrolled way.

[jrusk1957]

Thank you so much for your help. I think that to stay safe I will just tape around the rack support to paint!

Jim