MTFCA Forum

I have a couple laying around that measure around .210 diameter. I want to buy some new rod stock to bend up some new but that’s a odd size. Any easy sources? Lowe’s, tractor supply?

That size doesnt sound right. I may be wrong, but my poor memory thinks its 13/64=.203". #2 drill rod is .209". #3 drill rod is .213". Either are readily available @ McMaster Carr. Wont find any of those sizes @ Lowes

measured a reproduction rod from Snyder's. That might be why.

I hit the same wall. McMaster Carr was no help. I found a wire closet shelf that has rod in it that is very close to that size. Lowe's and HD have these, but one is good and the other not. I can't remember which is good, take a caliper. It made a great advance control rod. Cheers, Bill

speedytinc wrote: ↑

Wed Jun 02, 2021 6:42 pm

That size doesnt sound right. I may be wrong, but my poor memory thinks its 13/64=.203". #2 drill rod is .209". #3 drill rod is .213". Either are readily available @ McMaster Carr. Wont find any of those sizes @ Lowes

My memory was off.
Actually its .219"=7/32 Got that from a nos throttle rod. New throttle shaft holes measure .230", new day timer 1/4"

Use a little larger rod stock to makeup for wear in the holes.

Many years ago I looked into repro these. Find you a company that makes wire products. They have all kinds of wire. They can straighten and cut the wire for you off big rolls.
Company I used was called Alabama Wire, if they are still in business. That is type of company I am talking about. Dan

election sign wires are too small, already checked that. Good size to make a mockup template first though.

The had a listing but its gone
52100 Bar Stock Steel .210" Thickness - https://usaknifemaker.com › 52100-steel-210-thickness-...
It is a tough steel that has very fine grain when heat treated well. Depending on the final hardness, 52100 can make great hunting knives(59-61 HRC), kitchen ...
Closest I could find https://www.coremarkmetals.com/1018-col ... -round-bar
7/32 or .21875" 5mm = 0.1968

I have a set of the tools to bend them colored Red Green and Blue. I'm thinking that they are used by wedging the rod in-between the tool. What I don't know is are they used for different kind of bends? If so how?

Check with a florist and-or a graveyard in your area. The wreath holders that no longer serviceable make a good source of stock. Wire brush on a bench grinder will easily remove the coating.

It's Bill wrote: ↑

Wed Jun 02, 2021 8:38 pm

I hit the same wall. McMaster Carr was no help. I found a wire closet shelf that has rod in it that is very close to that size. Lowe's and HD have these, but one is good and the other not. I can't remember which is good, take a caliper. It made a great advance control rod. Cheers, Bill

McMaster-Carr Current catalog #126, page 3943 #8890k191 7/32" $4.49 for 3' drill rod.

9 posts here and nobody really hit the mark yet...

The spark & throttle rods are made of what is also known as “piano wire”. It is the correct hardness to very rigidly hold its shape, yet can be bent without breaking. I believe the size needed is a fractional /32nd size which is commonly stocked in the piano wire assortment at most larger hardware stores (probably not in home improvement stores). Different diameters of piano wire is usually in the small display rack along with different sizes of brass and aluminum tubing, rod, wire, etc. Been several years since I had to make a custom rod, but last time I did, I got it at Ace Hardware. I’m sure McMaster should have it too.

With all this messing around with what size wire, why not just buy/use the ones sold by the suppliers? Or is this for different application like distributor or aftermarket carburetor/manifold combination?

Speedy
Thanks for looking that up. I didn’t get past page 50 in the catalog yet.

I ordered 3 sticks

Mark
I am working on a Bosch front distributor timing cover. Looks like the position of the bellcrank matches a stock timer location but a repop from the vendors does not work. I have both new ones for throttle and advance for 26/27. Neither one works without modifications

I order them 10 at a time and usually in each batch there are 3 or 4 of the other style. You might not have what you ordered.

Is the Bosch the front plate type? If so I got the rods from Chaffins and they fit fine. There are two different throttle rods, depending on which lever is on the carb butterfly. 1919-25 (for the NH but should be same for Kingston) originally had a long arm on the butterfly, 1926 was short arm. So you would need the rod for which one is on the carb not year of car.

Mark Gregush wrote: ↑

Thu Jun 03, 2021 9:38 am

With all this messing around with what size wire, why not just buy/use the ones sold by the suppliers? Or is this for different application like distributor or aftermarket carburetor/manifold combination?

The last one I made up was a custom spark rod with an adjustable end. Tired of switching to different timer styles & having to re-bend.
Timer side the same. Lever end left straight +1.5" The adjustable end is similar to. (Mac's Ford Model T - Carburetor Linkage Pivot 16-853729-1)
Works great & I can accurately select my spark range.

I bought a set of stainless rods from Snyders (I know that they are not original but I like the look). The rods were spot on as far as diameter, and the throttle rod fit my '27 perfectly; unfortunately the spark rod was about an inch too long and hit the steering arm. The hole for the spark lever was also about an inch farther down the shaft then was the original. I took the rod to a local machine/gun shop and they shortened and re-drilled the rod for me. A purist would be horrified, but I like them.

The wreath holders around here measure .240 with the coating removed, witch workers well if you need to compensate for a little wear.