Not sure if it is worth owning an early tapered axle/drum puller, is there a source to rent them? I have 4-5 rears that over the course of the next few years need to be pulled, and likely converted to flange axles. Any suggestions?

Smoke wrench.

I have an actual puller for this sort of work I do not know off hand were you would find one today if you had to buy one but they are out there, try Snap On or Mack.
I would never try it with a torch though it wouldn't work. There on there too good.

I personally wouldn't go threw the hassle and expense of convert to flange axles either unless I was doing a shortened 4 link set up.

Cut the heads off the housing end studs with a torch. Use a punch to knock them into the brake cavity, then take a big hammer and smack the brake/axle assembly out of the housing.

NAPA

I've used DocDiff's method many times but if you want access to the brake parts you'll need the puller; many rental yards will have the heavy duty puller for rent.

Ebay.I bought my SnapOn one for like 40 bucks.Whitney has a cheap one but it will snap after a few uses.I mhope you are going to narrow those rears.If not they are a pain to use the late axles in.The bolt pattern is totally different on the housing end.Those drums also are worth a few $$$$ if they are good.Rocky

There's one on Ebay right now (where I got mine) with a bid of $35 and 4 days left. Go to tools and search for hub puller. I swapped my 64 Polara's axle for a 65 unit, but when I first got it I used a die grinder and opened up the center register just a little and that took care of the problem for me.

I read in an old old old book that you can loosen the nut on the axle end and drive the car in a few turns to break the drum loose. I've never tried it out of sheer fear. I used the tool pictured above.