Classic/Antique Car Repair: Piston Removal, connecting rod bearings, piston ring

Question
Hi Brad, I may have to replace piston rings on my 1950
plymouth flat head six. If I remove the head,oil pan and
oil sump pump,is it possible to remove connecting rod bearings and push pistons up from the bottom ?
                                      Thanks again, Frank

Answer
That is the only way that the piston will come out of this engine. However there may be a ridge at the top edge of the cylinder bore above the area of piston ring travel. If there is and you try to force the pistons beyond this ridge you have a chance of breaking the pistons. You should use a tool called a "ridge reamer" to remove this ridge before removing the pistons. Most tool rental places will have this tool for rent. If your local tool rental does not have one, check E bay, as right now there are several dozen listed starting at 99 cents.
Brad