Author Topic: HOW TO STRETCH THE CENTERSTAND SPRING?  (Read 11761 times)

0 Members and 1 Guest are viewing this topic.

PATRICKW

  • Guest
HOW TO STRETCH THE CENTERSTAND SPRING?
« on: February 21, 2007, 01:16:41 PM »
HOW CAN YOU STRETCH THE CENTERSTAND SPRING FAR ENOUGH TO CONNECT AT BOTH ENDS. I'M TRYING TO PUT MY CENTER STAND ON A 75 550.  DO I NEED A TOOL TO STRETCH THE SPRING.  ITS IMPOSSIBLE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
ANY HELP WOULD BE APPRECIATED
PW

Offline ProTeal55

  • Old Timer
  • ******
  • Posts: 4,887
  • Est1968.com
    • Joe's Barbershop Chicago
Re: HOW TO STRETCH THE CENTERSTAND SPRING?
« Reply #1 on: February 21, 2007, 01:24:35 PM »
What's with the yelling ?
(ALL CAPS USUALLY MEAN U ARE YELLING !)
 ;D
Joe a.k.a ProTeal55 a.k.a JoeyCocks a.k.a Maker of Friends

Offline Bob Wessner

  • "Carbs Suck!"
  • Really Old Timer ...
  • *******
  • Posts: 10,079
Re: HOW TO STRETCH THE CENTERSTAND SPRING?
« Reply #2 on: February 21, 2007, 01:27:19 PM »
Maybe he is use to working on 3270 terminals. ;)

To the original question. I'm sure others may suggest a better way, but I used the biggest screwdriver I had and levered the sucker on.
We'll all be someone else's PO some day.

PATRICKW

  • Guest
Re: HOW TO STRETCH THE CENTERSTAND SPRING?
« Reply #3 on: February 21, 2007, 01:27:57 PM »
No yelling, guess i just dont have the right tool to do the job.

Offline clarkjh

  • Expert? If only.
  • Expert
  • ****
  • Posts: 1,385
  • Surely and Samson are now Co-habitating
Re: HOW TO STRETCH THE CENTERSTAND SPRING?
« Reply #4 on: February 21, 2007, 01:29:33 PM »
I might be deaf but I can still read 8)

Try shimming the spring with washers to help lengthen it out.  Problem is it's allot easier to stretch it out while on the bike then after. :-\

James
SOHC/4 #3328
SOHC/4 Gallery: http://www.sohc4.us/gallery/v/members/personal/clarkjh/
1974 CB550, 40000 Miles
1980 GL1100, 102789 KM - Back on the road after a complete engine rebuild. 
*** Why, oh why, is it always head gaskets with me?***

supersport_CB400F

  • Guest
Re: HOW TO STRETCH THE CENTERSTAND SPRING?
« Reply #5 on: February 21, 2007, 01:32:30 PM »
I might be deaf but I can still read 8)

Try shimming the spring with washers to help lengthen it out.  Problem is it's allot easier to stretch it out while on the bike then after. :-\

James

Connect the spring to the main stand and then whatever the other end of the spring attaches with and use the stand as a lever and move it into position and pop the pivot tube through the loops on the frame if the stand is already attached to the frame take it off so you have just the stand and spring in one hand.

Cheers

Offline Jim F

  • Need a bigger house for more toys
  • Master
  • *****
  • Posts: 1,887
  • go baby go
Re: HOW TO STRETCH THE CENTERSTAND SPRING?
« Reply #6 on: February 21, 2007, 01:34:24 PM »
you can try to heat just one end or a couple of coils but no more as that will take the spring out of your spring

Jim
2002 RC51 1000 (SP2)
1983 GS1100EC Suzuki
2002 998 Dukati (Customers Bike)
1992 KTM500 2 stroke
1975 CB750/836 Honda
1978 GS750/840 Suzuki

Offline RRRToolSolutions

  • Expert
  • ****
  • Posts: 1,167
  • I love old Japanese bikes!
Re: HOW TO STRETCH THE CENTERSTAND SPRING?
« Reply #7 on: February 21, 2007, 01:36:24 PM »
I use a brake tool from Autozone for my spring installations. It has a screwdriver handle and a recessed ball on one end made just for slipping the springs on drum brakes of your old Ford and Chevys. I think $3~4 and I've had it for years. I've never had a problem putting one on with it.
Kaws, Hondas, Yamahas, and Suzukis - especially Kaws

johnny-from-bel

  • Guest
Re: HOW TO STRETCH THE CENTERSTAND SPRING?
« Reply #8 on: February 21, 2007, 01:37:02 PM »
You need a tool for that. http://www.frost.co.uk/item_Detail.asp?productID=8659&frostProductName=Brake%20Spring%20Pliers&frostCat=&frostSubCat=&frostubCatID=
Its called brake spring pliers but works just as well on your centerstand spring. Buy solid ones. Or make them youself.

I see someone beat me to it. The picture will show the tool

PATRICKW

  • Guest
Re: HOW TO STRETCH THE CENTERSTAND SPRING?
« Reply #9 on: February 21, 2007, 02:02:02 PM »
I'll try the brake tool.  thanks for the reply's

Offline Bob Wessner

  • "Carbs Suck!"
  • Really Old Timer ...
  • *******
  • Posts: 10,079
Re: HOW TO STRETCH THE CENTERSTAND SPRING?
« Reply #10 on: February 21, 2007, 02:07:01 PM »
Beats the screwdriver I'm sure. I will have to pick one up myself.
We'll all be someone else's PO some day.

Offline jtb

  • An unlikely
  • Expert
  • ****
  • Posts: 1,499
Re: HOW TO STRETCH THE CENTERSTAND SPRING?
« Reply #11 on: February 21, 2007, 02:29:19 PM »
I'm going to try never to take it off again ;D ;D ;D
1977 CB750F
1985 V65 Sabre
1986 VFR 750 (gone but missed greatly)

Offline grumburg

  • Expert
  • ****
  • Posts: 944
  • 74550, 76400F, 72 750 67S90, 68CL90, 65 s65 66 x6
Re: HOW TO STRETCH THE CENTERSTAND SPRING?
« Reply #12 on: February 21, 2007, 03:17:36 PM »
I have found it is much easier to install when it is up.
Fonda Honda

Offline jrrobertsjr

  • Enthusiast
  • **
  • Posts: 149
  • If you aren't scared, your not going fast enough.
Re: HOW TO STRETCH THE CENTERSTAND SPRING?
« Reply #13 on: February 21, 2007, 03:20:10 PM »
I looped some heavy gauge wire around my vice on the front and another loop on the back. Then I hooked the spring to each of the loops and opened the vice to pull the spring apart.

I put nickels where i could between the coils. Then pennies. Then dimes. On the top side and bottom to keep the spring straight.

Closed the vice. Put the spring on and pulled the coins out with some needle nose pliers.

Worked great. No special tools.

Offline grumburg

  • Expert
  • ****
  • Posts: 944
  • 74550, 76400F, 72 750 67S90, 68CL90, 65 s65 66 x6
Re: HOW TO STRETCH THE CENTERSTAND SPRING?
« Reply #14 on: February 21, 2007, 03:22:55 PM »
I looped some heavy gauge wire around my vice on the front and another loop on the back. Then I hooked the spring to each of the loops and opened the vice to pull the spring apart.

I put nickels where i could between the coils. Then pennies. Then dimes. On the top side and bottom to keep the spring straight.

Closed the vice. Put the spring on and pulled the coins out with some needle nose pliers.

Worked great. No special tools.
TForgot about that one. Was posted a long time ago. Works good!
Fonda Honda

Cattledog

  • Guest
Re: HOW TO STRETCH THE CENTERSTAND SPRING?
« Reply #15 on: February 21, 2007, 03:27:34 PM »
wire up a piece of bailing wire real tight to one end.  Make this wire about 2 feet long, wrap the other end tightly around a broom handle, then pull it will one end of the spring is installed in the bike.  Have a helper with needlenose pliers guide the end you want installed into the associate hole and viola, it is installed and still at its strongest.

Heating it will soften the temper and it will stretch out on you and not hold the stand up.

The pennies thing will work too.  Just don't get your fingers pinched if a penny slips out.

Offline 736cc

  • Master
  • *****
  • Posts: 1,724
Re: HOW TO STRETCH THE CENTERSTAND SPRING?
« Reply #16 on: February 21, 2007, 05:18:04 PM »
SHOW THAT STUPID SPRING WHO'S THE BOSS! Use a big-ass screwdriver, loop the spring on the frame tang, stick the blade of screwdriver in centerstand tang while catching spring end on screwdriver shaft, lift the screwdriver while spring stretches and starts to slide into position, persuade the last little bit w/ a hammer. BOING!  Its on.

Offline pae

  • Enthusiast
  • **
  • Posts: 213
    • Phil Edwards CB650 pages
Re: HOW TO STRETCH THE CENTERSTAND SPRING?
« Reply #17 on: February 24, 2007, 11:29:12 AM »
I might be deaf but I can still read 8)

Try shimming the spring with washers to help lengthen it out.  Problem is it's allot easier to stretch it out while on the bike then after. :-\

James

Connect the spring to the main stand and then whatever the other end of the spring attaches with and use the stand as a lever and move it into position and pop the pivot tube through the loops on the frame if the stand is already attached to the frame take it off so you have just the stand and spring in one hand.

Cheers


Yep, this does it easily without tools. Take stand off, connect both ends of spring, refit pivot bolt.

regards, Phil
'79 CB650  .... | ....  XJ600 electric drag racer  .... | ....  T W M C

It takes a lot of practice to sound like yourself

supersport_CB400F

  • Guest
Re: HOW TO STRETCH THE CENTERSTAND SPRING?
« Reply #18 on: February 24, 2007, 11:48:08 AM »
I might be deaf but I can still read 8)

Try shimming the spring with washers to help lengthen it out.  Problem is it's allot easier to stretch it out while on the bike then after. :-\

James

Connect the spring to the main stand and then whatever the other end of the spring attaches with and use the stand as a lever and move it into position and pop the pivot tube through the loops on the frame if the stand is already attached to the frame take it off so you have just the stand and spring in one hand.

Cheers


Yep, this does it easily without tools. Take stand off, connect both ends of spring, refit pivot bolt.

regards, Phil





I’m glad I’m not the only person with a brain! ;D

Cheers

Offline mcpuffett

  • Master
  • *****
  • Posts: 2,354
Re: HOW TO STRETCH THE CENTERSTAND SPRING?
« Reply #19 on: February 24, 2007, 12:58:57 PM »
I'm with biffta and phil , easiest way to do it  ;),    mick.
Honda CB750 KO 1970,   Honda VTX 1300 2006, Lancaster England.

Offline edbikerii

  • Master
  • *****
  • Posts: 2,128
    • Gallery
Re: HOW TO STRETCH THE CENTERSTAND SPRING?
« Reply #20 on: April 25, 2007, 03:16:03 PM »
I might be deaf but I can still read 8)

Try shimming the spring with washers to help lengthen it out.  Problem is it's allot easier to stretch it out while on the bike then after. :-\

James

Connect the spring to the main stand and then whatever the other end of the spring attaches with and use the stand as a lever and move it into position and pop the pivot tube through the loops on the frame if the stand is already attached to the frame take it off so you have just the stand and spring in one hand.

Cheers


Holy cow that was so simple and easy!  I can't believe that I didn't think of it myself.  The hardest part was lining up the pivot bar with the hole in the frame while tapping it in.  I'm really glad I stumbled on this post a few weeks ago. 
SOHC4 #289
1977 CB550K - SOLD
1997 YAMAHA XJ600S - SOLD
1986 GL1200I - SOLD
2004 BMW R1150R

Jetting: http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=20869.msg258435#msg258435
Needles:  http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=20869.msg253711#msg253711

Offline ic455

  • Expert
  • ****
  • Posts: 920
  • 750 K6
    • My Gallery
Re: HOW TO STRETCH THE CENTERSTAND SPRING?
« Reply #21 on: April 25, 2007, 09:46:03 PM »
SHOW THAT STUPID SPRING WHO'S THE BOSS! Use a big-ass screwdriver, loop the spring on the frame tang, stick the blade of screwdriver in centerstand tang while catching spring end on screwdriver shaft, lift the screwdriver while spring stretches and starts to slide into position, persuade the last little bit w/ a hammer. BOING!  Its on.

that's how I installed mine, was on in under 10 seconds.

Offline bharvey60

  • Full Member
  • *
  • Posts: 58
  • Adolescent mind stuck in an adult body
Re: HOW TO STRETCH THE CENTERSTAND SPRING?
« Reply #22 on: January 10, 2012, 08:22:17 PM »
Vise stretch and penny spacers worked like a charm.
Bill Harvey
CB750K3
85 Yamaja FJ 1100
98 BMW R1100RT
State College, PA

Offline rbmgf7

  • 2>4
  • Expert
  • ****
  • Posts: 881
Re: HOW TO STRETCH THE CENTERSTAND SPRING?
« Reply #23 on: January 10, 2012, 08:53:46 PM »


I've alway had luck with the screwdriver method. Slip the spring onto a skinny flathead screwdriver, plant the tip of the driver on the tang, and lift.

Offline crazypj

  • I'm brill, me
  • Old Timer
  • ******
  • Posts: 4,467
  • first 100,000 miles. 1977 CB550F
Re: HOW TO STRETCH THE CENTERSTAND SPRING?
« Reply #24 on: January 10, 2012, 09:18:40 PM »
I have a couple of tools for it.
 Simplest one is a piece of 5/16"~3/8" bar with one end machined to 'catch' on hook, pin, etc
 It's pretty much an end mill run into bar to make a 'C' shape about 1/4" deep.
 Slide it into spring loop and lever into position (like using a screwdriver but easier and safer)
I fake being smart pretty good
'you can take my word for it or argue until you find out I'm right'