Triumph Repair: front shock replacment, auto parts stores, rear shocks

Question
I just purchased a new set of SPAX front and rear shocks for my '80 Spit. I started working on the fronts first and I can't find a spring compression tool small enough to fit in between the A brackets to compress the spring to remove it from the seat to replace the shock. Is there a special tool that I need or is there a trick to removing the shock from the center of the spring that I'm not aware of?

Answer
Hi Mark.
Remove the spring and shock from the car first (three nuts on top and the one bolt on the bottom) and then most any spring compressor will fit. If your spring compressor still won't fit just call several auto parts stores and ask for a pair of "J" bolt spring compressor.
Howard