What is the best way to remove the old bushings.
I do not have a press.
Is it best to take them to a shop and have them pressed out and if I do will they give me the deer in the headlight look, I live in LA not on computer there lost.
Killowatt
Here's one way to do it. I've never tried it on the bushing you're talking about, but I don't see why it wouldn't work.
If you can find a hacksaw blade that will fit in the bushing, or if you can modify one so it will fit, all you need to is cut the bushing lengthwise, being careful not to cut into the steel that it's pressed into. Just keep the blade level on the bushing as you're cutting it. It will take a while, but just be patient. Remember, a circle is very strong until it has been cut! If you cut through the bushing and it STILL won't come out, cut through it on the opposite side of your first cut. It should then just fall out.
Fix the spindle in a vise, run in a 9/16" NC tap to engage deep into the bushing, then use a punch tool to drive out the bushing. Real easy that way. Like it better than split rod tool sold for this task.
Then use wide jaw vise to press in the new bushing, or a bushing driver tool with a mallet.
Dan's method is by far the easiest, and mimics a KRW tool which did the same thing.
Your bigger issue will be line-reaming and facing the bushings after installation. The tools won't break most people, but in my opinion, while fairly priced, are far too expensive to purchase for just one job.
Ask for help from local T owners and someone will help you out.
Mark Schubert:
Dan Treace has the better way. Tool manufactures sold tool just for removing bushings. I have a LARGE set of Heinz tools for doing that. It has enough taps to fit any bushing in a Model T . Its called a FORD BUSHING EXTRACTOR KIT. I have guys from all over Northern Colorado have me remove various T bushings.
Just get in your tap and die set and find a 5/8" tap. Screw the tap in and then take a brass drift from the other end and and the bushing will pop right out.
REMEMBER don't use anything but brass or wood to drive the tap out or you will shatter the tap. Some idiot used a steel punch on one of my taps and split a quarter inch off the end of one of my Heinz taps.
DON'T buy one of the split extractors that are in the catalogs. If the bushing is as worn as some of the spindles that come into my shop they WILL NOT WORK. They just slip right on by the bushing and out the end. There is not enough shelf for the split end extractor to catch if the bushing is too worn.
Mark, these guys have given you the best info. For future use for a machine shop or welding, check with old VW or Jeep repair shops. In Acton, you probably have lots of neighbors with machine shops in their garages. You will be surprised what you find.
Thanks to every one what once seemed like a job that would be a pain in the you know what will be very simple.
Mark