I never had a problem removing the leaf springs, although the mentioned
cautions are of importance.  My problem was re-installing the springs
in a newly recovered reservoir through a little access door in the face
of the reservoir wooden panel.  I had to compress the spring with my
hand, insert it through the hole and get it into place without having
it pop open and punch a hole through my new bellows cloth!

In later rebuilds I learned that it is helpful to attach a narrow
piece of bellows cloth across the open end of the bellows, install the
spring(s) and then proceed to cover the entire bellows including the
"safety" strap.

Pat DeWitt - in northeast Indiana where spring _is_ becoming a reality.