At 08:24 PM 7/3/2001 -0500, Tom Wagner wrote:
>Can someone tell me if the upper and lower bushings in the king pins for
67 MGB can be reamed at a machine shop without that expensive tool from
Moss????
Well, probably yes, given a little extra set-up time to get the assembly
perfectly aligned in a drill press. And the shop will likely have to use
an (standard) adjustable reamer, because the top and bottom bushings need
to be machined to different diameters, but not much different. The
trade-off is in what it would cost you for shop time for the setup as
compared to the cost of the special tool.
Incidentally, that special piloted reamer is designed to make it possible
to "machine" the bushings by hand without the need for a drill press of
milling machine. As such, with the special reamer the average handy
do-it-yourselfer can do the job at home without incurring the cost (or
inconvenience) of a professional machinist. The problem as you have noted
is the expense of the special tool (that you may use only once or twice in
your entire lifetime).
Our local MG club has the solution for this problem. We have a Tool
Lending Program which includes this MGB kingpin reamer, among other things.
The idea is for the club to keep a tool crib with some of the special
expensive tools that you may only need once or twice and would be cost
prohibitive for each individual to buy. When over time several members
need to use the tool it is cost effective to buy it once. Members check
out the tools for use when needed and return them to the crib when
finished. Check here:
http://www.chicagolandmgclub.com/members/tool_lend.html
Incidentally, the kingpin reamer was donated to the club (with a little
encouragement) by Moss Motors through their club support program. Thank
you very much again, Moss Motors! If you belong to a local MG club you may
be able to arrange for a similar tool lending program within the club.
Barney Gaylord
1958 MGA with an attitude
http://www.ntsource.com/~barneymg
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