R65LS Restoration p.5

[r65lsk75c]

I've been acquiring parts and waiting, waiting, and waiting for the MN weather to at least get into the 60s so that I can spray some paint on the pieces that should be silver. In the meantime I've made plans to eliminate the oil flow that has apparently been coming from the pushrod tube seals for quite some time. Even for someone as mechanically challenged as me, the Clymer manual indicates that replacing these seals is relatively straighforward. One previous owner saw fit to paint the barrels black. Not only is it visually unattractive, but the black paint is beginning to shed. So, to my questions:

Are there any particularly challenging steps in removing/replacing the heads and barrels that I should be aware of?
What is the best (most economical and effective) tool for compressing the rings when reinstalling the barrels? Where can it be purchased?
I have heard that bead blasting can sometimes cause problems with engine parts. What is the preferred method for removing the black paint from the barrels?
All advice/recommendations are appreciated.

Rick T

[flash412]

What is the best (most economical and effective) tool for compressing the rings when reinstalling the barrels? Where can it be purchased?

Two hose clamps in a "69" postion, available at any hardware or auto or marine supply store, or Wal*Mart, Target, K-Mart, Sears, etc.

[tvrla]

I think I'd try aircraft paint stripper first - it's designed especially for removing paint from aluminum. So don't take it all apart just to remove the paint. If you're careful, you should be able to take care of it while it's all together. You can try it on a small area first just to make sure. Brake fluid also does a great job of removing paint. But be careful it doesn't splash on any paint you don't want removed!

[carockwell]

I would avoid bead blasting the cylinders. I used to restore cars professionally, and we always had long term problems with bead blasting engine parts, no matter how careful we were. I still have some Abarth oil sumps I cannot knowingly sell to customers! You can get the paint off with paint stripper and a brass wire brush. It is messy, but it works.