Chroming the front suspension unit on a Dream.... Thoughts?

[ricksd]

I've never seen the bakelite bushing you're talking about, but have spent lots of time staring at a lathe, and anything with a thin wall is hard to do, especially if you start with an oilite bushing. I think bakelite was designed as a electrical and thermal insulator, and is is probably a poor bearing material.
I've used hundreds or Nyliner bushings- might work for this application.
http://www.nyliner.com/TOC_ProdMetric.htm

Rick

[G-Man]

Rob

I took a look at my suspension link this morning and those bushes are what we Brits would call Tufnol. A paper or fabric reinforced resin used in lots of lightweight applications and electrical installations.

I made up the tool shown which fits snugly inside the bush. The outer hollow part locates in the groove surrounding the bush on the suspension arm. The bushes came out cleanly but I think that I will make bronze replacements for my two Dreams.

I have to dask off now but if you would like more pics or dimensions for your friend with the lathe, I'll send more details.

Cheers

G