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How do I know if control arm bushings need to be replaced? Im almost done with my restoration and the guy that did the suspension forgot to change them out. Now motor with side headers is in and they have to come out to get control arms out. My guy thinks the bushings may be ok. I thought one or 2 of the uppers looked cracked or dry rotted.
I really dont want to go through any more hassle at this point if unnecessary.

Any cracks or irregularities in the shape and they should be replaced. having said that the arm bushings are not a safety issue but they will cause the car to wander and feel a bit sloppy. It's easy to be a backseat driver, but all the stuff you need to remove has just been put in, it will never be easier than now. I would just do it and be done with it.

As Don said cracking and dry rot are definite visual clues that the bushings may need some help. On the uppers look at large washer on the end of the cross shaft that retains the bushing/UCA, does it appear to be concentric or inline with the circular part UCA where the bushing fits into the UCA? It should be, if not then there is definitely wear in the bushings. The lower bushings are much harder to see any play in becasue they are capture up in the frame. Determining the condition of these bushings is best done when the LCA is out of the frame or an alignment shop may be able to test them and give you a better idea of thier condition.
Have you replaced the rest of the suspension/steering components? Does it need to be aligned before it goes back on the road? If it does then I would pull the UCA'a and LCA's back out and put in new bushings before you spend money on the alignment. If you have already had is aligned then you could just leave it alone, drive it for the season and do the bushing during the next off season and re-align at that time.

ARGH!
I just hope I can move the headers out of the way and not have to take them out completely.

Definitely a PITA of a job but better to do it now before she goes on the road or you spend hard earned money on an alignment. Good Luck!!

Well Im gonna need an alignment anyway right?

Yes you will. I was asssuming you need an alignment now anyway and if you didn't do the bushing now you would have to pay for another alignment later after doing the bushings later on.

Im gonna check them out real good and decide. If they dont look to bad I may just go ahead and ride with them as is. I may be planning on changing to tubulars and drop anyway. Ill take some photos and try to post them.

Any professional...atitude not profession because paid....will check ball joints tie rod ends idler pitman and A arm bushes before even starting and if they are not up to std, he will refuse to the the alignment...
Why? because an alignment cant be done if there is play....

Another thought, Firestone will do a lifetime alignment. (it costs more) The upper aarm bushings on my S10 are shot but I had replaced the lower ball joints, inner & outer tie rods & idler arm so I asked them to do the best they could. He assurred me that I can replace the uppers later & come back in for a free alignment. Make sure to ask if the shop you choose has the shims, many new cars do not use them, also check if they will align to your specs, you do not want stock late 60's caster & camber settings.