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Posted: 10/26/2005 12:32:23 PM EDT
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Just removed my first Romy barrel pin and barrel using my Harbor Freight 12 ton press and press plates. I didn't have an assistant to photograph the task but will try to describe my steps and equipment used. It was much easier than I imagined. First, I made a flat metal plate to support the trunion and sit on top of the HF press plates. Since I was removing the pin with the receiver plate portion still in place, I surface drilled three holes for the rivets to sit in. I also drilled a through hole for the pin to drop through. I also drilled a 1/2" hole in one of the press plates for the pin to drop through. Next, I placed the barrel and trunion on the support plate and shimmed under the sight block for additional support. I then aligned the support plate hole and the press plate hole and clamped the whole stack together. I did not C-clamp this to the press at any time. Next I used grade 8 bolts starting with a 1/4 x 1/2" bolt with a nut screwed all the way on for support. This leaves about 3/16" of bolt exposed and this is what I started the pin with. After the first pop, I switched to the 3/4" bolt, then to a 1" bolt and finally a 2" to push the pin out. Do the pressing in steps so the bolts will not bend!!! Another important point is that I soaked the pin with penetrating oil for a few days before beginning. Once the pin was removed, I supported the trunion/receiver between the HF press plates and pushed the barrel out using two pennies and a 4" 3/8" drive socket extension with a 1/2" socket on the end pressing the barrel. Came out super smooth. Sorry for the lack of pictures but I started out in total fear after hearing some of the "barrel pin" horror stories posted here. My only purchase was the press I use in an auto restoration project. |
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