Engine & subframe removal

[Grant]

I have finally gotten around to starting the rebuild of my mini. When I get a chance I will post some pics and details. 

I am a couple of half days work in and have set aside this coming weekend to - 

• remove the engine (top out approach) through the bonnet with the help of some friends
  
• drop the front and then rear subframes (complete with suspension, wheels, etc)
  

My idea behind this is to free the shell so it can be sent off for stripping, painting etc while I carry on working on stripping the subframes.

I just wanted to get thoughts on whether this is a reasonable approach of if it might be easier to strip the suspension with the subframes still attached.

From all the info I've red, the only real way to get the front rubber springs out/in is with the use of a special compression tool. Is this right and if so can anyone let me know where  get one of these?