Odd rods?

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KWTownsend
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Odd rods?

Post by KWTownsend » Fri Mar 04, 2022 10:10 pm

I know that re-babbitted connecting rods are scarce these days, so when I heard that they were available from a reputable parts supplier, I ordered a set, and they arrived today. However, they are not Ford rods. The only mark anywhere is a letter K near the bottom of the rod. No Ford script nor familiar forge trademarks anywhere on neither the rod nor cap.

I talked with the supplier and was told that was all they had. They will check with their "rod guy" and see if there are any Ford rods available on Monday. (I need .020" undersize.) They will be happy to take them back, or whatever it takes to make me a happy customer. I appreciate that.

Does anybody have any experience in these non-Ford rods? Right now I'm a little apprehensive to use them. Take a look:
odd rods.jpg
odd rod close.jpg
The babbitt work and the machining looks good, but I'd like to get some reassurance, or....
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ModelTWoods
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Re: Odd rods?

Post by ModelTWoods » Sat Mar 05, 2022 11:21 am

What excuse do vendors give for the shortage of rebabbited rods? Is babbit material made of unobtainium these days? This is NOT a complete list of companies providing babbitt work by ANY MEANS and it is NOT an endorsement of any (although I have used several) but surely rods are available from some, if not all, the businesses I'll list: Kohnke, Aldrich, Paul's, Hart's, J & M, Schwalm's, Ron's, and The Babbitt Pot.
Last edited by ModelTWoods on Sat Mar 05, 2022 1:26 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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Norman Kling
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Re: Odd rods?

Post by Norman Kling » Sat Mar 05, 2022 11:47 am

They look like a set of rods for one of the later T's. They have been set up to use dippers to pick up the oil from the crankcase. I don't know whether or not they are stock Ford rods, but they look like the ones I use and they work in all my cars. I just got back from a tour where we ran at least 100 miles. No problem. I have been on many week long tours and climbed up and down mountains with them without a problem.
If they are the right size for your engine, Go ahead and use them. We do have someone in our local club who pours babbit bearings.
Norm
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RajoRacer
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Re: Odd rods?

Post by RajoRacer » Sat Mar 05, 2022 12:01 pm

If the vendor stated they've been straightened or at least checked on a rod mandrel for straightness & who poured them, I'd consider using them.

I use rods from Ron's Machine Shop !
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Mark Gregush
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Re: Odd rods?

Post by Mark Gregush » Sat Mar 05, 2022 12:06 pm

I have my rods poured by Rick at Strong Engine in Otis Orchards Wa.
I know the voices aren't real but damn they have some good ideas! :shock:

1925 Cut down pickup
1948 Ford F2 pickup
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Mark Chaffin
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Re: Odd rods?

Post by Mark Chaffin » Sat Mar 05, 2022 1:44 pm

The rods were manufactured by Niagra Motors Corporation who rebabbited connecting rods up until about 1941. They were located in Buffalo, NY. Information regarding the company is pretty scarce.

We have a small quantity of these in stock. The babbit work appears to be above par. Tolerances are accurate. Several have been checked and appear straight. We offer these as a cheaper alternative to rebabbited rods with no core required.
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ModelTWoods
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Re: Odd rods?

Post by ModelTWoods » Sat Mar 05, 2022 2:48 pm

Mark Chaffin wrote: ↑
Sat Mar 05, 2022 1:44 pm
 The rods were manufactured by Niagra Motors Corporation who rebabbited connecting rods up until about 1941. They were located in Buffalo, NY. Information regarding the company is pretty scarce.

We have a small quantity of these in stock. The babbit work appears to be above par. Tolerances are accurate. Several have been checked and appear straight. We offer these as a cheaper alternative to rebabbited rods with no core required.
For you members who frequent EBAY Motors on a regular basis, there has been a seller for the last few months who said he was a relative of the Niagara Motors owner and he discovered a stash of rebabbitted T rods in an attic or basement. He has been offering them on EBAY.
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