WTB Rod Ends for 1961 Dart
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- Posts: 11
- Joined: Fri Mar 02, 2012 10:43 pm
- Vintage Karting items owned: 1961 Dart A-Bone Roadrunner Single W820, 1974 Bug Scorpion Dual WB820's
- User Agreement: Yes
- Location: Tennessee
- Contact:
WTB Rod Ends for 1961 Dart
I've got a 61 dart and I'd like to replace the heim joints on the steering linkages. The steering rods are a standard 3/8-24 thread on both ends and the balls have a 5/16 hole in them. I searched the archives and didn't see any post about where NOS or new rod ends can be bought. I've searched rod end mfgs on the internet and no one lists a 3/8 thread x 5/16 hole, rod end. I've got the original spindles and there isn't room for a 3/8 attachment bolt, it will hit the wheel (and I don't want to alter my spindles). I've put a larger flat washer on top of each rod end on my kart so I'm safe and the body can't jump off of the ball but mine are worn and I'd like to replace them. I'd appreciate any guidance you guys can give me. Don
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Re: WTB Rod Ends for 1961 Dart
Don, did you check the McMaster Carr website? They have a good selection of Heim joints. If they don't have it, get a 3/8" O.D. X 5/16" I.D. bushing or piece of tubing and use the 3/8 X 3/8 ends. I actually believe K&P Manufacturing (Bug) has the 3/8 X 5/16 ends in stock. Call Colin at 626 334-0334. TJ
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- Posts: 11
- Joined: Fri Mar 02, 2012 10:43 pm
- Vintage Karting items owned: 1961 Dart A-Bone Roadrunner Single W820, 1974 Bug Scorpion Dual WB820's
- User Agreement: Yes
- Location: Tennessee
- Contact:
Re: WTB Rod Ends for 1961 Dart
Thanks Ted. Yes I tried McMaster, their the bible! They don't list any 3/8 with a 5/16 hole. All of the manufacturers list rod ends with the same diameter threads and ball i.d. Makes me wonder if its a safe practice type of deal. I'll give K&P a call. If I strike out there it looks like my best bet may be to tap out a 5/15 x 5/16 rod end to 3/8, assuming there will be enough wall thickness after I'm done, which of course, I'll check/calculate.
Best regards, Don

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- Posts: 1685
- Joined: Fri Jun 15, 2007 7:59 am
Re: WTB Rod Ends for 1961 Dart
I don't think redrilling and tapping the tie rod hole would be a safe practise. Putting a bushing in the ball hole is the acceptable way to do it. Bug does this themselves. The ends I put on my Nike are 3/8 X 5/16, and K&P sends them with a 5/16 to 1/4 bushing for people who have a 1/4" drilled spindle arm. Just push the bushing out and use them as is. The Nike has 3/8" tie rods and 5/16" spindle arms. TJ
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- Posts: 54
- Joined: Thu Feb 21, 2008 1:20 am
- Vintage Karting items owned: 1960 Percival Hellcat
1961 Thunderblitz
1961 Fox Go-Boy
Re: WTB Rod Ends for 1961 Dart
Aircraft Spruce may possibly have them in that size.
John
John
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- Posts: 105
- Joined: Wed Dec 30, 2009 4:23 pm
- Vintage Karting items owned: 1961 Bantam, 1962 McCulloch
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- Location: Hudson Ohio
Re: WTB Rod Ends for 1961 Dart
Try Summit racings web page. QA-1 makes these. (3/8" X 5/16")
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- Posts: 1685
- Joined: Fri Jun 15, 2007 7:59 am
Re: WTB Rod Ends for 1961 Dart
I'd still call K&P first on these. I do believe they have them. Support your vintage kart shop!
Hi, John. Will Charlie and I see you and your good lady at TBO? Hope do. Ted
Hi, John. Will Charlie and I see you and your good lady at TBO? Hope do. Ted
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- Posts: 54
- Joined: Thu Feb 21, 2008 1:20 am
- Vintage Karting items owned: 1960 Percival Hellcat
1961 Thunderblitz
1961 Fox Go-Boy
Re: WTB Rod Ends for 1961 Dart
Hi Ted,
Yes, We're planning on it. Looking forward to seeing you and Charlie again!
John
Yes, We're planning on it. Looking forward to seeing you and Charlie again!
John
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- Posts: 1685
- Joined: Fri Jun 15, 2007 7:59 am
Re: WTB Rod Ends for 1961 Dart
We surely missed everyone at Fremont last year! See ya soon. Ted
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- Posts: 11
- Joined: Fri Mar 02, 2012 10:43 pm
- Vintage Karting items owned: 1961 Dart A-Bone Roadrunner Single W820, 1974 Bug Scorpion Dual WB820's
- User Agreement: Yes
- Location: Tennessee
- Contact:
Re: WTB Rod Ends for 1961 Dart
I checked Summit again and I still don't see a rod end with a female 3/8-24 RH and 5/16 hole in the ball. They have one with a 3/8-24 thread coming off of it but that's the opposite of what I need. I'll call K & P Monday, sure hope they have them. Thanks for everyone's input!