Author Topic: Linkage rod thickness  (Read 1698 times)

MarkCan

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Linkage rod thickness
« on: December 09, 2021, 02:09:47 »
All linkages that I have, left and right hand threads are 5mm. 4.9 to be exact. Yet the rod thickness is all different. Starting from 4.4mm all the way to 5.1mm, although the last one was refreshed and zinc coated so that would explain the extra .1mm. I plan on making my own connecting rods and I would like to know, what is the correct thickness?

mdsalemi

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Re: Linkage rod thickness
« Reply #1 on: December 09, 2021, 12:10:14 »
I plan on making my own connecting rods and I would like to know, what is the correct thickness?
Do you have a choice? Assuming you are going to use the manufactured ball end connectors, they will have a certain thread size. Cutting new threads with a die will have an optimal size rod. Too big or too small, and you may not be able to cut the threads properly.
http://www.professeurs.polymtl.ca/luc.baron/biblio/Vis_Metrique/METRIC%20THREAD.pdf
Michael Salemi
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Signal Red 568G w/Black Leather (Restored)
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450sl

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Re: Linkage rod thickness
« Reply #2 on: December 09, 2021, 14:22:24 »
The thread on these rods is not cut but rolled .
That is why the diameter of the rod is smaller then the actual threaddiameter.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rwArBBcUNr4

the result of this forcing process is a much stronger thread .
mark

mdsalemi

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Re: Linkage rod thickness
« Reply #3 on: December 09, 2021, 14:43:29 »
Fair enough but is this a process that can be done by a DIYer trying to make their own rods?
Michael Salemi
Davidson, North Carolina (Charlotte Area) USA
1969 280SL (USA-Spec)
Signal Red 568G w/Black Leather (Restored)
2023 Ford Maverick Lariat Hybrid "Area 51"
2022 Ford Escape Hybrid
2023 Ford Escape Hybrid

ejboyd5

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Re: Linkage rod thickness
« Reply #4 on: December 09, 2021, 14:55:47 »
Do you already have a left-handed 5 mm die?

450sl

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Re: Linkage rod thickness
« Reply #5 on: December 09, 2021, 14:59:28 »
A company who makes Wheelspokes can help.

MarkCan

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Re: Linkage rod thickness
« Reply #6 on: December 10, 2021, 00:47:06 »
A company who makes Wheelspokes can help.
Thank you for a good lead. I’ll keep that in mind for next time.

In meantime I got my hands on few more linkages. The measurements were 4.8mm to 4.9mm. That is very close to 3/16 (4.78mm) readily available in hardware stores.
Needless to say I picked up few. Welders rod (4.76mm), round zinc coated stock (4.85mm) and metric stainless 5mm.
Welders rod is the least consistent in thickness as well as hardness. I could feel that while cutting the threads.
Stainless got the most consistent finish. Yet it’s not easy to cut to begin with and extra .2mm makes that even harder. Than comes the yellow zinc coating.
By now you know who the winner is, yes you guessed it.
Round zinc coated stock!
Size is right on, finish is exactly what’s needed for intermittent stage and threads are tight. What else can we ask for? Oh right, price. Whopping $1.50 per foot,  🇨🇦dollar that is. 😮

Bellow is the pic of the freshly cut threads, right and left handed.

MarkCan

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Re: Linkage rod thickness
« Reply #7 on: December 10, 2021, 00:53:39 »
Sorry, forgot mention.
Top is welders rod
bottom zinc coated round stock

mdsalemi

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Re: Linkage rod thickness
« Reply #8 on: December 10, 2021, 00:58:38 »
Nice job cutting those threads!!
Michael Salemi
Davidson, North Carolina (Charlotte Area) USA
1969 280SL (USA-Spec)
Signal Red 568G w/Black Leather (Restored)
2023 Ford Maverick Lariat Hybrid "Area 51"
2022 Ford Escape Hybrid
2023 Ford Escape Hybrid

Tycoon

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Re: Linkage rod thickness
« Reply #9 on: December 10, 2021, 04:02:58 »
Mark,
Very excited to be included in your progress….we met this summer on the Ontario gathering in Niagara where we discussed you project. ( in the gardens of the Pillar & Post)
Keep the updates coming as your passion and determination has uncovered many enlighten alternatives to these tedious project issues for us all. This is what this club is all about……
Best,
Bill

wwheeler

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Re: Linkage rod thickness
« Reply #10 on: December 10, 2021, 16:35:42 »
If the rod was zinc plated prior to the thread cutting, the freshly cut threads will not be protected with zinc. To keep the threads from rusting you will have to apply a protectrant or have the rods re-plated in zinc.
Wallace
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dirkbalter

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Re: Linkage rod thickness
« Reply #11 on: December 10, 2021, 17:56:10 »
Generally, rolled threads tend to be stronger than cut threads. Whether the rod is 1/10 bigger or smaller imo doesn’t really matter.
If you cut a M5 or bigger thread you want the rod to be slightly smaller in order to have a good finished thread as the material while cutting will expand a bit. Again, assuming the linkage components work well I don’t think above really matters with respect the strength.
Dirk
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mdsalemi

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Re: Linkage rod thickness
« Reply #12 on: December 10, 2021, 21:30:40 »
I'm guessing here but I don't think the strength of the threads matters too much, nor does the diameter of the rod. It's not as if these rods endure undue forces. I suspect the greatest force they suffer is at the hands of someone bending them.

Perhaps a little silver grade anti-seize will suffice rather than plating the threaded ends. But who knows...Mark may very well set up a mini plating line just for this!

Yes, the welding rod might not be the best choice; but smooth uniform zinc coated steel seems to work.

Looks like he executed a solid DIY project based on the photos.
Michael Salemi
Davidson, North Carolina (Charlotte Area) USA
1969 280SL (USA-Spec)
Signal Red 568G w/Black Leather (Restored)
2023 Ford Maverick Lariat Hybrid "Area 51"
2022 Ford Escape Hybrid
2023 Ford Escape Hybrid