how do you bend the bolt anyway?
my VE has over 1000hrs, and the bolt was as straight as an arrow!
(maybe I just land super smooth :wink:)
As for the bearing kit, well I agree it is a good way to go,, but for me, its not worth the $300 bill. I machined new bushings that have virtually no play, and the total bill was under $20.
If you replace the bushings with new, install a grease tit or drill a small hole in the bottom of NG6 so you can lubricate the bushings.
When I removed mine, they where as dry as a bone, which probably lead to their premature wear. (if you can call 20 years premature)
Also, if you machine your own bushings, cut them so as to be only 0.010 or so smaller width (when installed in NG6) than the pivot shaft. This will eliminate any side to side play without using the silly washers.
Tom