Bofors help - Calling the Brains trust

[Tony Smith]

The Mk2 Bofors gun platform has two outrigger beams that are stowed in transit and fitted when deployed. These beams are approx 5in pipe that fit into a socket in the main chassis and are then secured with a 1in tapered pin that slides in by hand. The pin has a handle that then rotates and secures into a lug.

HELP! A mate and I have recently acquired a Bofors, which has spent some time outdoors, and these two pins are stuck fast and refuse to budge, meaning the outriggers are "permanently" in place making transport difficult. What suggestions do people have for encouraging these pins out? So far, the pins have had about a week with daily applications of WD40, Diesel, and light oil. There is not much space underneath to strike the pins upwards with a hammer. The handle has been persuaded to rotate with gentle taps from a 16lb sledge hammer, to no avail. Each side of the gun has been lifted on a hydraulic jack sitting on the exposed lower part of the pin, and a large person jumping on the platform, to no avail. Heat has been applied to the head of the pin, but the amount of metal in contact acts like a heatsink with little effect. Sure to get a result, we have tried heating the pin, lifting it on the pin on a jack and rotating the handle with the sledge hammer ALL AT THE SAME TIME, to no avail. And yes, before you ask, I have checked and the pin is not welded in.

I have to resort to the Brains Trust for a solution. Any suggestions?

Possibilities considered but not yet attempted include:
1. A large bearing puller clamped around the box girder and pressing on the bottom of the pin, and
2. Dismantle and re-assemble a 60 ton hydraulic brake press around the outrigger with the ram on the top of the box girder and the base of the press lifting the bottom of the pin (yes, I am that desperate!).