I am restoring a 71 ss El Camino. I am replacing the control arm bushings, upper and lower. The new ones I purchased have the metal sleeve on the outside of them, so I am led to believe I press the whole piece out not just the rubber. The lower one the outside lip is tack welded to the control arm. Do I just grind the welds off and press the whole piece out? Can anyone help guide me?

You got it right,press out the whole bushing.As for the bushings with the tack welds just grind them off and press them out.If you have access to an air chisel thats the easiest way to press them out.I use a bushing knocker from snapon to press them back in,but a large socket and hammer will do also.
Good luck with your El Camino.