The Ford Barn

ericr · 06-08-2015, 06:57 PM

has anyone been able to compare the repros to originals? the repros seem to have a short threaded rod at each end that is merely staked to the tube with like a punch. or do you guys simply choose to put the later, solid rods on your cars regardless of year.

wrndln · 06-08-2015, 07:09 PM

I have both - repro tubular rods and some original support rods. They are not the same. However, the repros are not too bad, but for a fine point car, any judge could tell the difference from 10 feet away. Steve Becker told me a horn/light switch rod is very close in diameter to the original 28 support rods. He sent me some broken light switch rods and some original tubular radiator support rod and they do seem very close in size. You would have to remove the ends from an unusable set of tubular rods and fasten them to the cut down light switch rods. I don't think it would be too hard, but I have tried to do it yet.
Rusty Nelson

29spcoupe · 06-08-2015, 07:22 PM

I have both types. I used the repro rods because the originals would not hold the radiator in place. I probably could have spot welded the threaded end in place, but the repro rods were easier. I did not throw out the originals. John

wrndln · 06-08-2015, 07:41 PM

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John,
Why didn't the original rods hold the radiator in place? I didn't think there was much pressure on the rods. Are your original rods straight and in good shape? I might be interested in them if they are straight and you want to part with them.
Rusty Nelson

06-08-2015, 06:57 PM	#1
ericr Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2012 Posts: 1,542	'28-'29 radiator tubular stay rods has anyone been able to compare the repros to originals? the repros seem to have a short threaded rod at each end that is merely staked to the tube with like a punch. or do you guys simply choose to put the later, solid rods on your cars regardless of year.

06-08-2015, 07:09 PM	#2
wrndln Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Lakeville, MN Posts: 5,175	Re: '28-'29 radiator tubular stay rods I have both - repro tubular rods and some original support rods. They are not the same. However, the repros are not too bad, but for a fine point car, any judge could tell the difference from 10 feet away. Steve Becker told me a horn/light switch rod is very close in diameter to the original 28 support rods. He sent me some broken light switch rods and some original tubular radiator support rod and they do seem very close in size. You would have to remove the ends from an unusable set of tubular rods and fasten them to the cut down light switch rods. I don't think it would be too hard, but I have tried to do it yet. Rusty Nelson

06-08-2015, 07:22 PM	#3
29spcoupe Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2014 Location: Rhinebeck, NY Posts: 763	Re: '28-'29 radiator tubular stay rods I have both types. I used the repro rods because the originals would not hold the radiator in place. I probably could have spot welded the threaded end in place, but the repro rods were easier. I did not throw out the originals. John

06-08-2015, 07:41 PM	#4
wrndln Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Lakeville, MN Posts: 5,175	Re: '28-'29 radiator tubular stay rods Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) John, Why didn't the original rods hold the radiator in place? I didn't think there was much pressure on the rods. Are your original rods straight and in good shape? I might be interested in them if they are straight and you want to part with them. Rusty Nelson