C2 - '65 Front End Bushing Removal

[Brad K.]

OK....I've just spent an exhausting 4 hours attempting to remove the original bushings from my A-arms. I've been used to working on straight axles who don't have bushings and this is the first time I've tried to do this on a mid-year. Wow!.....It was a job! My shop is pretty well equipped, however I obviously need an additional tool! I tried air, power chisels, hacksaws, vises, pullers, a 20ton press, long clamps, hammers, cuss words and just about everything under the sun.....I finally got them out just before I threw the whole things in the trash.

I briefly tried to find advice in the archieves but quickly gave up. Does anyone have any advice on the proper technique or tools to use for this job? And....re-installation of the new ones?

[Mark L.]

Re: C2 - '65 Front End Bushing Removal

I bring the A-Arms and new bushings to a local front-end shop and ask them to do it, it's not expensive and a lot less work.

[Gary R.]

Re: C2 - '65 Front End Bushing Removal

If you use a press you must make a pipe to fit in between the arms or you'll compress them and they'll be wrecked.
I don't use a press to remove or install them. I cut the rubber with a razor use a hole saw to cut the outer rubber end, then use an air chisel to get under the bushing steel sleeve and walk it out. I polish the new bushing od in a lathe, clean the hole ID and use a large socket to drive them in. My friend Lars on the other forums has this all written down and you should be able to find it online. I just did a set of 67 arms the other day watch the flange of the bushings doesn't bent and prevent the bushing from fully seating. Use never-seize on the ID of the bushings. Be sure to assemble the lower shaft with the 2 holes to the front.

[Michael A.]

Re: C2 - '65 Front End Bushing Removal

Brad

If you have access to an air compressor and an air chisel, you can take them out in just a couple of minutes.

I use the air chisel to go lightly around the bushing (as far around as I can get)(lightly oiled) with a blunted chisel in my air chisel.

I have even changed a bad bushing withe A-Arm still on the car using the same approach. Hope this helps.