The Cal-look Lounge

Does anyone know who sells a Bay Window bus front control arm ball joint removal tool?  I would like to have one for the work I am doing on my Bay Window. Please recommend someone (if you know of a company) that sells the one specifically for the Bay Window front arms.

Rick M

The bottom ball joints are usually the tough ones to get off the spindle. I used a regular removal tool but had to trim about a half inch of threads off of the ball joint to make it work. Like this one.
http://www.nextag.com/Specialty-Products-Company-37990-1259944683/prices-html

I don't know if a company made a specific tools but an hydraulic press works for me. A bit tricky to keep the arm in the press thought...

I think the tool he is using is made by PROTO.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ihW9jNLjLZI

Have a torch handy......they can be real buggers to get out.

Hey Rick,
The bus ball joints can be a pain in the a$$ to press out. If you need any help, let me know...I'm back in AZ, not far from surprise (lake pleasant/jomax)
Your welcome to use any of my tools if needed.
Thanks,
Tony

Rick i made a simple frame and pulled the arms out and did them in the press, very easy that way will post some pics of frame.

Tony,

I live about 10 minutes from Speedworld off Patton Road. Send me a PM with your contact info and I will give you a call.

Russell, would be interested in seeing what you guys made. I fabricate a lot of my own stuff too.

Rick M

If you are trying to press the ball joints out of the trailing arm be careful. I had a friend do mine in his shop. he has a set of original VW fixtures and has done it a hundred times. After watching his press nearly come of the ground when they came loose I`m glad I had him do it.

See below

and more

well I always grind the cap off and punch out the pin and then hacksaw 2 slots,carefully!,in the cup all the way through .its easy to punch out then .have refitted them in a large vice with a socket but you have to take boot off and you can break the vice.but it is posible for an old school mechanic /hotrodder 8)

Living in the Great White North we get a lot more rust than most of you. I did a set of Cali arms a few months ago and Wow what a difference from the ones we see every day here.

Russell....such a simple idea and great way to get them out.  Thanks for posting the pictures. I have some good Chromoly plate I am going to use for the two uprights as it is harder than mild steel.  I will post a shot when I finish my jig. Thanks for sharing.

Rick Mortensen

Rick

no problem, glad too help.

Russell