Re: [Amc-list] trunnions again (58-63 American, not later!)

[Frank Swygert <farna@xxxxxxx>]

Like Tom said, the bolts have to be drilled out if they won't turn. You MIGHT get lucky and be able to turn it after heating, but I doubt it. The trunnion body is a steel casting, not iron, so it's pretty tough. 

I thought I'd drilled a set out on mine, but after reading Tom's write-ups and recent comments, must have had the bolts drilled out by a machine shop. The bolts are hardened and not easily drilled -- I rebuilt the ones that had to be drilled out over 20 years ago now, so can't quite remember how I did it. Others I've managed to work the bolt out. I recommend that anyone who gets a 58-63 that hasn't had the trunnions replaced pull the upper trunnion apart and clean/grease it. It seems that old mineral based grease, heat, a little pressure, and fine metal particles make a great "welding" compound over time. The lower trunnions are never a problem, just that pin through the upper one. 

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Date: Thu, 1 May 2008 19:51:02 -0700 (PDT)
From: Joe Smith <know_ware@xxxxxxxxx>

I have been trying to take apart the trunnions from my parts car, which was parked in 78 and hasn't moved since.  Most things have loosened up, but of course not the upper trunnion bolts.  How much can I heat the trunnion body?  Any tricks?  I would love to not break the bolts...

-- 
Frank Swygert
Publisher, "American Motors Cars" 
Magazine (AMC)
For all AMC enthusiasts
http://farna.home.att.net/AMC.html
(free download available!)

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