WTB Rod Ends for 1961 Dart

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Don Carlson
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
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Location: Tennessee
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WTB Rod Ends for 1961 Dart

Post by Don Carlson » Sat Jul 14, 2012 7:16 pm

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

ted johnson
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Joined: Fri Jun 15, 2007 7:59 am

Re: WTB Rod Ends for 1961 Dart

Post by ted johnson » Sat Jul 14, 2012 9:22 pm

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

Don Carlson
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

Post by Don Carlson » Sat Jul 14, 2012 9:41 pm

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. :geek: Best regards, Don

ted johnson
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Joined: Fri Jun 15, 2007 7:59 am

Re: WTB Rod Ends for 1961 Dart

Post by ted johnson » Sun Jul 15, 2012 8:51 am

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

John Swartout
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

Post by John Swartout » Sun Jul 15, 2012 11:52 am

Aircraft Spruce may possibly have them in that size.


John

Mike Reller
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

Post by Mike Reller » Sun Jul 15, 2012 12:59 pm

Try Summit racings web page. QA-1 makes these. (3/8" X 5/16")

ted johnson
Posts: 1685
Joined: Fri Jun 15, 2007 7:59 am

Re: WTB Rod Ends for 1961 Dart

Post by ted johnson » Sun Jul 15, 2012 1:02 pm

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

John Swartout
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

Post by John Swartout » Sun Jul 15, 2012 2:21 pm

Hi Ted,
Yes, We're planning on it. Looking forward to seeing you and Charlie again!

John

ted johnson
Posts: 1685
Joined: Fri Jun 15, 2007 7:59 am

Re: WTB Rod Ends for 1961 Dart

Post by ted johnson » Sun Jul 15, 2012 2:33 pm

We surely missed everyone at Fremont last year! See ya soon. Ted

Don Carlson
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

Post by Don Carlson » Mon Jul 16, 2012 12:29 am

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!

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