I'm having a tough time getting my replacement brushes to fit in the alternator of a 1978 242. I've been told that I need to grind off the two rivets on the new brushes to fit like the old brushes. I'll do that today, but it still seems a little difficult to compress the brushes and install the part at the same time without three hands and without taking off the alternator. Big hands, little brain maybe. Is there a tool for this or any other suggestion to simplify something that seems simple to begin with?

Some are able to wiggle them in there at angle while in the car. I removed the alternator when I did mine because I wanted to clean it out, install new belts, etc. at the same time. Also a good time to replace the 3 rubber mounts.

Be sure to remove your battery connection while working.

Thanks. I have changed them before when the alternator was on the bench - pretty simple. Apparently the new brush apparatus is not quite identical to the original. It did fit, but not easily. As cheap as they are, I agree with your reco to change them when you have the belts/alternator off in the future.