Chainsaw Repair

A friend gave me an old Homelite chainsaw he found in a barn. It has set for many years but engine had some compression. Really good shape for the age and well worth rebuilding.
Many years ago, I would not have to ask this question, but I simply can't remember.
I removed the piston and all the needle bearings came out when I removed the piston pin. I was not particularly concerned because I remember seeing this before. Later I just decided to replace the bearing but have conflicting information.
I have found replacement of needle bearings in a shell and also just the needle bearings.
So, I installed all the needles back in the bearing cage still pressed in the rod.
Installed just the pin and it has only the slightest movement.
Suggestions/advise ?

That was my thoughts, but can't understand why the needles are sold separately?

Just thought I would add to this thread on the Homelite Super EZ Automatic.  This a freeby that I got because the owner did not want to spend the money on getting it running.    I rebuilt the carb which has a Walbro HDC.  The saw is 40.9cc and the automatic oiler and manual oiler both work great.  It is a reed valve engine with points.   I also had to replace the fuel line and filter which runs up behind the recoil assembly.   The saw is completely original and came stock with 3/8ths chain.   How cool is that.    I put it in some wood and with a sharp chain it cuts pretty darn good.   I did notice the idle drifting some but at the high end it is rock steady and 4 strokes great and transitions to 2 stroke.    I think I will just run it a bit to see if it clears up any.

The ax is a Collins that I picked up and put a handle on it.   It has a really broad cutting edge which I liked.

The 1st saw I owned was a super ez homelite. With a 16" bar and 3/8 chain, it was a strong 40cc saw for sure.

I ran it some today and the idle on it is starting to settle down.   I think the decompression valve could be causing some issues with the idle.   I pressed it today to see what happens and the idle starting going wacky again.    I might just remove it and clean it real well.   I did disable it though.    Do not need it on this saw.
I also took the bar tip guard off so I could bury the bar in some wood to see how it would do.   I am pretty happy with the saw for a freeby. 

I'm quite envious of your EZ as it is very clean for it's age.  Mine is in pretty good shape but nowhere near this one.  They run real strong for their size.

I had that saw out again yesterday cutting some uglies I have around here and that little saw still surprises me.    It is a good runner and it starts pretty easy.