Trouble removing rod clevis

[John C.]

I removed the headlight actuators from my 1968 this weekend to get them re-plated. The rod clevis is stuck tight on the actuator shaft. I've tried PB Blaster, heat, and Freeze Off on them but nothing works to break them loose. Part on my problem is can't hold the rod tight enough in my soft jaw vise to prevent it turning with the clevis. Any ideas appreciated.

John

[Wayne W.]

Re: Trouble removing rod clevis

Some are so corroded to the point they might not come appart. More heat and hope.

[Bob D.]

Re: Trouble removing rod clevis

John

First remove the plastic washer in the clevis. Heat the clevis where it is threaded and then gently twist it. I usually put a screw driver through the hole in the clevis and use a pair of vice grips on the actuator shaft. The key is heat and gently twisting so you don't break the shaft.

Bob

[John C.]

Re: Trouble removing rod clevis

Thanks all, I did manage to get them off. For one it was simply a matter of more heat and a larger hammer. After a flew heavy blows around the clevis on an anvil I was able to remove the one by hand. That didn't work for the second so I had to use a nut splitter to remove it.

Now I understand why both the tips of the actuator shafts were both broken off on my 69 that the previous owner had restored.

John

[Bob D.]

Re: Trouble removing rod clevis

Just make sure to se anti seize compound on the threads when you reassemble. Just in case you ever have to take them off again.