I am not new around here just not one to post. (limited time) I recently picked up a stainless steel tube axle and hairpins for my latest project which is a 28-29 bodystyle roadster pickup. The problem I am having is all the ends on the hairpins are tapped at 11/16-18. I am having trouble finding a rod end or clevis to match and have the 3/8 hole where it bolts to the axle. Any ideas without having to drop another $150-200 on new hairpins when these have never been used?
Speedway shows the 11/16 Heim ends http://www.speedwaymotors.com/Street-Rod-Axles-Radius-Rods-Hairpin-Curtis.html?first_answer=1 I didn't see any 11/16 clevises. I'd check the major hot rod chassis parts peddlers as someone probably has them. I've checked Pete & Jakes, Jegs and McMaster Carr and no one shows 11/16 Male threaded clevis rod ends. 5/8 with a 3/8 hole seems to be standard though.
Never seen a 11/16 thread clevis. Every set of front hair pins I have seen have been tapped 5/8" fine at the clevis ends. Do you know who made the axle and hair pins? A machinist could make what you need on a lathe and mill but I don't think you could get 4 for $250.
How about a 3/4 turned down and threaded http://www.mcmaster.com/#clevis-rod-ends/=kusdkz scroll down to Male Shank Clevis Rod Ends
I have thought about the 3/4 turned down which would be cheaper. I only have $200 in the hairpins and axle together so not looking to spend much if I can help it. I have the tie rod ends but now need to locate the heims or clevises. I don't care which I use either way but would like to be able to drive this truck once the weather warms up by the end of March. I will check into buying a die (saw one on ebay for a little over $20) and then check to see how much a set of 3/4 rod ends would cost. I would stop by and check a few places like Tractor Supply and the like but they are all closed today. Thanks for the suggestions I will check them out and once located I will have to post pics as I piece all these parts together.
Do you have access to a lathe and mill? Making the clevises from bar stock might be easier than trying to chuck up on an irregular shape (the yoke end of the clevis).
If you could find a manufacturer or serial number it might help.. Otherwise it seems Clevis has left the building
Depending on the ID, you may be able to shorten a few inches and rethread? Or if not, you can weld in a threaded bung.
I have looked over these hairpins and found no serial or manufacturer. I think I may have found a solution though. Speedway sells 11/16 heims with a 5/8 hole. I can use a bushing to make up the difference between the 5/8 and 3/8 to make it work. I am waiting now on my spring pivots to get here on Friday so I can measure what length I need for the spring.
You really really don't want to run hairpins on a tube axle anyway. Sell the hairpins and get a four bar set up. Maybe not as cool but will not snap off. Please do a thread search on tube axles and radius rods/hairpins and see the problems. A friend used to carry spare perch bolts as he was shearing them off.
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