Progressive springs on an '81 750K with air assist

[nilsthenomad]

My front end on my '81 750K has been diving and bottoming out a lot and I'm getting tired of constantly maintaining the appropriate PSI on my fork, so I'm thinking of putting progressive springs in.

The previous owner of my bike said that he had just replaced the fork seals right before I bought it and I haven't seen any sign of oil leakage, so I'd rather not take apart the whole fork. I noticed in the Clymer manual that it says on the 81-82 750's that a hydraulic press and special tools are needed to fully disassemble the fork. Recommends that a dealer takes them apart.  

So my questions are:

1) I there a way to install the progressive springs without removing and dismantling the fork? Possibly by just unscrewing the caps and pulling them out?

2) If I do have to remove the entire fork, can replace the springs in my garage without a "hydraulic press and special tools"?

3) If I put progressive springs in, do I just leave all the air components on and just keep it at 0psi?

4) Will pustting progressive springs in change the amount of fork oil I should use?

Thanks!

[TOOLS1]

First thing, throw the Clymer manual away!!!!!! It is not even worth using as toilet paper.
It is easy to change the fork springs. Just block up the bike, so that there is not any weight on the front end. Then remove the little air hose that goes from one fork cap to the other, however be sure to remove the end with the swivel first, or you will twist up the hose. Then remove one fork cap, and pull the spring out. Put the new spring in, and make sure an inch to an inch, and a half stick up out of the tube. If it does not, just cut a spacer out of PVC pipe the proper length, and install it on the top of the spring. Now put the cap back on, and repeat on the other side.
TOOLS

[txnnd]

I have an F model, but I would assume they are the same. If so, you can drop the springs in from the top by removing the caps, you may have to add a spacer on the bottom to get the correct spring rate, others would know more than me.  I replaced my seals by cutting a piece of PVC in half long ways and using it as a slide ram, (think dent puller).  I used the amount of fork oil that Tools recommends, and I just run 0 pressure.    

[txnnd]

Well, Tools must be a faster typer than me.  One word of caution, if you decide to change your fork oil during this, make sure to bleed off the air pressure first. Don't ask how I know.

[nilsthenomad]

This is good news. Thanks for the confirmation on that guys. Ordered the springs of VintageCB750.com, looks like they come with spacers too. Will make for a good day after Christmas project.