F$!%ng Dowel Pins

[xracerbob]

I just went through this. You are correct the dowel pins are REALLY hard and even with a carbide tipped drill bit it is very difficult to drill. I did the heat deal and managed to get one out. The other-no way. I finally ground 2 flats on it and once I turned it with a wrench, I could work it out.

For the best solution for longer dowel pins check these:
http://www.robbmcperformance.com/products/dowels.html

[mr0077]

Pony, one thing I did, not yet mentioned here: weld some 3/8" all-thread onto the end of the dowel, get a piece of pipe (I used 1/2")that will slip over the end of the all-thread and dowel, leaving about 1" of threads exposed. Put thick washer(s) on, put on a 3/8" nut to fit the all-thread and start tightening. It pushes the pipe against the block and pulls on the dowel, a nice gentle tug that will pull the dowel out of the block. Just do a good welding job on the all-thread to the dowel.
Let us know what works.