I am putting my car back together and am trying to figure out how to put the pin back in. The pin is only about 1/2 inch long and somewhere it states to peen the end. How do you do that to a little tiny pin while the spark advance rod is installed in the car?
I know they say not to use a cotter pin here, but it sure would be a lot easier.
Thank you in advance for your help.
The pin goes in the same way it came out.
I drill down on the old pin and use a small drift punch to remove it,
That always makes the hole in the lever a bit bigger, note the old pin rivet head is mushroomed.
So when on the steering bracket is back on the car, use a cut-down finishing head nail, the finish head fits well into the drill out lever, and you rivet the other end of the nail to secure. A small buck of a hex shaft of a chisel wedged between the steering shaft and the lever over the finish head of the nail, and a ball pein hammer or use a punch too, on the protruding end of the finishing nail will rivet that lever arm back on fine.
I tried to figure that one out myself. I don't remember exactly how I peened the end, but it didn't work real well so I wound up silver soldering it in place just for an added measure of security. That way, if I ever need to remove the pin again, it's just a matter of melting the solder.
Unfortunately, a cotter pin isn't very strong and eventually it'll shear. However, you can use a piece of music wire of the right thickness. Cut it about 2" long, put it through, and then bend the ends over so that it won't come out. It'll be plenty strong and it can easily be done in the car. Plus, removing it is a snap. You should be able to find music wire of various sizes at any decent hobby store.
I hope this helps!
I use a piece of 3/32" stainless steel welding rod cut a bit longer than the lever body. Gives plenty of length to pein the ends and won't rust in place. Dave
I tap the lever and hole for a #4-40 screw. That makes it easier to take apart next time the engine needs to be rebuilt.
I have been using a roll pin and it seems to work OK.
Lot of good answers. Thank you all for your help.