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Old 07-18-2011, 10:42 PM   #1
Leathernek
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Default $127.00 for a drill Bit!?

Hey Guys,
I was fixin' to order some parts for my front end rebuild and noticed that the front spindle bushings included in the kit need reaming. Ok, no big deal...until I noticed the price of the reaming tool.....you guessed it $127! I was shocked! Anyways, my question is.....Is there a way of reaming the front spindle/kingpin bushings another way? Or is there any "tricks" that I can use to avoid buying that high dollar reamer?

Thanks!
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Old 07-18-2011, 10:55 PM   #2
ctlikon0712
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Default Re: $127.00 for a drill Bit!?

It is expensive to order a reamer. They are a precision ground tool. For a one time deal, I'm sure it is cheaper to take it to a shop.
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Old 07-18-2011, 11:55 PM   #3
Roadster62
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Default Re: $127.00 for a drill Bit!?

I'll second that recommendation!
Quote:
Originally Posted by WardAZ View Post
Find a machine shop that can use a Sunnen hone. You will end up with a superior fit over a reamed bushing fit.
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Old 07-19-2011, 01:53 AM   #4
CarlG
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Default Re: $127.00 for a drill Bit!?

You will probably get a better job at a professional automotive machine shop, but I wouldn't count on saving any money.
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Old 07-19-2011, 05:33 AM   #5
Kevin in NJ
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Default Re: $127.00 for a drill Bit!?

A reamer does not leave a perfectly round hole. It will have hills and valleys. So the king pin will fit tight at first and quickly hone the hole removing all the hills. This will leave you with a slightly loose fit that will be stable for a long time.

On the other hand, a Sunnen hone will make both bushings round and inline. The king pins will stay tight for a long time.

Now you know the facts and can decide how you want to spend your money.
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Old 07-19-2011, 06:32 AM   #6
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Default Re: $127.00 for a drill Bit!?

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a quote from good old henry ford
"if you need to borrow something more than once then you should have bought one"
just buy the reamer and be happy to know that you can fix the next car that needs the same thing done
tk
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Old 07-19-2011, 08:42 AM   #7
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Default Re: $127.00 for a drill Bit!?

Quote:
Originally Posted by kelley's restoration View Post
a quote from good old henry ford
"if you need to borrow something more than once then you should have bought one"
just buy the reamer and be happy to know that you can fix the next car that needs the same thing done
tk
Some peoples pockets can't afford to "just buy it" It must be nice to be in that position.
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Old 07-19-2011, 08:47 AM   #8
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Default Re: $127.00 for a drill Bit!?

i use a brake hone !
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Old 07-19-2011, 08:48 AM   #9
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Default Re: $127.00 for a drill Bit!?

I have two comments.. one is that I also considered buying that tool but it was just too much.I took it to a local machine shop and had it done for 10 bucks. I won't divulge where I got the good deal. And two.... when I saw you started out by saying "I was fixin' to" I knew you were a southern boy.
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Old 07-19-2011, 08:52 AM   #10
1931 flamingo
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Default Re: $127.00 for a drill Bit!?

Even after reaming it it would also probably need to be honed. JMO
Paul in CT
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Old 07-19-2011, 08:57 AM   #11
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Default Re: $127.00 for a drill Bit!?

Quote:
Originally Posted by 28RPU View Post
I have two comments.. one is that I also considered buying that tool but it was just too much.I took it to a local machine shop and had it done for 10 bucks. I won't divulge where I got the good deal. And two.... when I saw you started out by saying "I was fixin' to" I knew you were a southern boy.
You might as well share your machine shop. It might save a local some effort. It's not like everyone on the FB is fixin' to rush right down to Tennessee and get their bushings honed.
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Old 07-19-2011, 09:42 AM   #12
CarlG
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Default Re: $127.00 for a drill Bit!?

I always thought that a good part of this "hobby" was the opportunity (ie: excuse) to buy tools! (and tool chests, work benches, etc.)

As to a machine shop charging ten bucks for anything, I'm sure there are a few scattered around that would do that, but most want ten times that just for walking thru the door!

Last edited by CarlG; 07-19-2011 at 10:05 AM.
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Old 07-19-2011, 09:52 AM   #13
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Default Re: $127.00 for a drill Bit!?

Quote:
Originally Posted by kelley's restoration View Post
a quote from good old henry ford
"if you need to borrow something more than once then you should have bought one"
just buy the reamer and be happy to know that you can fix the next car that needs the same thing done
tk

Why and when would Henry Ford have said that?

I know my grandfather would loan you any tool one time, but if you came back and asked to borrow the same tool a second time he would say no. Same principle I suppose.
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Old 07-19-2011, 10:25 AM   #14
kelley's restoration
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Default Re: $127.00 for a drill Bit!?

Quote:
Originally Posted by MrTube View Post
Why and when would Henry Ford have said that?

I know my grandfather would loan you any tool one time, but if you came back and asked to borrow the same tool a second time he would say no. Same principle I suppose.

i read it from one of those"1001 quotes to live life by" books on the discount rack at borders
tk
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Old 07-19-2011, 10:35 AM   #15
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Default Re: $127.00 for a drill Bit!?

As stated before, You will get a better job if you have a machine shop who has a Sunnen Piston Pin Hone do the job. Much better fit then you will ever get with a reamer.

I have a small machine shop and the reamers BUT I will still take my spindles down the street to my local Automotive Machine Shop to hone the bushings.

That is what I do.

Chris
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Old 07-19-2011, 11:03 AM   #16
Greg Jones
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Default Re: $127.00 for a drill Bit!?

Forget the reamer and do the honing. Not all that expensive at the machine shop I used ($40 for both spindles) and what a precise fit! YMMV on the price to have it done, of course.
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Old 07-19-2011, 12:42 PM   #17
5window
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Default Re: $127.00 for a drill Bit!?

Quote:
Originally Posted by kelley's restoration View Post
a quote from good old henry ford
"if you need to borrow something more than once then you should have bought one"
just buy the reamer and be happy to know that you can fix the next car that needs the same thing done
tk
Funny, when I Googled this quote, there was only one hit-this thread!
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Old 07-19-2011, 12:57 PM   #18
racemo
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Smile Re: $127.00 for a drill Bit!?

Here is my recent first hand experience. I bought a spindle kit from Lang's and recieved the same message. My theory is they need to alert the customer as one never knows what the press conditions are. The bushings pressed in fine and the kit pins fit perfectly. Nice proper fit.

I looked at the risk, if they fit, lucky me. If they didn't, Production Tool sold an expandable reamer for that diameter for $ 26.00.

Good luck...
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Old 07-19-2011, 12:58 PM   #19
Jim Parker Toronto
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Default Re: $127.00 for a drill Bit!?

I guess we are lucky up here in Canada, a local engine re builder will do it for free for us! Ted also does excellent engine work!
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Old 07-19-2011, 01:11 PM   #20
Ken Ehrenhofer
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Default Re: $127.00 for a drill Bit!?

In some cases when something is used very infrequently I suggest getting your region or chapter to buy it and put it out on loan for all to use,
Ken
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