Classic/Antique Car Repair: rear coil spring removal, chevrolet bel air, rear shocks

Question
I need to replace lower rear control arms on 1964 chevrolet
bel air wagon and am not sure of procedure for safe spring
removal..?
    Thanks, Robert

Answer
Ok, jack the back of the car way up and support it with body stands under the  frame side rails in front of the rear axle. Then use a hydraulic floor jack under the center of the rear end and jack it up enough so that the springs are somewhat compressed but that the weight of the car is mostly on the jack stands. Take off the wheels. Disconnect the flex hydraulic brake line at the body. Disconnect the rear shocks at the bottom. Now slowly lower the rear end jack and the pressure should be relieved from the springs and they will probably fall out. To install them is just the reverse procedure. On some coil spring cars there is a bolt in the center of the end of the springs holding them to the frame and axle tubes. I am not sure if Chevrolet used the bolts or not. I guess that I am getting old.