Home built radius rod question

Im considering making my own radius rods for a scratch built frame / body combo and need to know if anyone knows how heavy the tubing should be for the hairpin parts of the rods ? I have some tapering rods that are 1/8 inch wall that taper from 1 inch to 3/4 inch that mike look kool but I dont know if that is stout enough . Any input would be helpful .

 

I would use dom tubing. 7/8'' od x1/2'' id so you could tap the in side for hiem or clevis ends

 

I have used 7/8", 0.156 wall, D.O.M. tubing,..... and BTW,.. you had better be a really good welder.

 

Are you referring to swedged rods such as used in circle track cars?

If so, they are used for tie rods, panhard bars and main rear suspension links so yes. I've used them myself before for the smooth taper the swedged area has for a clean look when building them. Otherwise most I've seen are either 3/4" 0.95 wall moly or 1" 1.20 wall but there have been some extreme cases like a PSI Hairpin cross spring, tube axle kit for a 55-57 Chevy I got from a buddy, they were 1" but 1/4 wall.

 

We build a lot of rods and if you wish to use that size of tubing there is a threaded slug you can get to weld into the tube. The slug is tapered on the end and looks very good when finished. We drill three 3/8s holes in the tube then we press the slug into the rod then we plug weld the three holes shut. Dress the welds and paint or chrome. If you can't find the slugs pm me and I can get them for you.

 

What are you scratch building?
I am working on one myself, a 32 style hiboy with scratch steel body/frame, z'ed both ends to get it low