1974 upper a-arm ball joint grease fitting

[timme69680]

This is actually a pretty simple question, but I thought i would ask before breaking out the drill. It appears that I have to drill out the ball joint cover/grease fitting to replace it. What size drill bit should I use to do this, or should I drill it at all? Here is an image of the part prior to any restoration, it will be sandblasted and powder coated when it is all said and done.

http://www.helptimmebuyahonda.com/rebuild/suspension/a-arm-5.JPG

 

[JohnZ]

The ball joint assembly is riveted to the control arm - you'll need to drill out the three rivets to remove it, and the replacement ball joints come with three Grade 8 bolts and nuts to attach them; or, if you want the original look, you can send it out and vendors like Bair's or Van Steel can rivet them in place. The only thing you'll salvage from what you have now is the grease fitting.

 

[timme69680]

Thanks... for the info. I pulled out the new ball joints after reading this and you are right on the money. What a pain in the arse! Those rivits are a pain to get off, you basically have to drill out the rivit from the bottom, as the top is very round and almost impossible to get the drill bit started.

Thanks for the help! It is greatly appreciated!

 

[Jack]

Grind (not drill) the heads off the rivets ... flush with ball joint housing ... then drive them thru with a punch or drift pin and hammer. Much quicker & easier than trying to drill. Dunno if this is "cheating" ... but it works for me ... no problem.
JACK:gap

 

[Tritium007]

A drehmel with the consumable grinding wheels works great for these small applications.