Using an old ford connecting rod for a column mount. I know it's been done alot. I like the way it looks and it's cheaper than the $50 bolt on ones. Need some ideas to make the inner diameter 2". Right now i believe its 2 1/4 or 2 1/2. All ideas welcome!!

 

The easiest way I can think of is to cut some strips of steel the correct thickness you need, form it to the contour and TIG weld it in place on the rod, then grind off the weld. Then send it out to chrome or powdercoat.

 

piece of 2 1/8" exhaust tubing should be very close to a 2" ID. I would center a piece of that in the rod end and then weld on filler pieces. Then cut it in half from the inside so the halves can be split.

 

I just had a thought. Get a rod bearing for a 2 inch journal and stick it in there. Problem solved.

 

Maybe a dumb question, what's a 2" journal?

 

Journal is what the rod connects to on the crankshaft.

 

Well, Here it is. .98 cents at lowes. 2" abs coupling fitting at lowes. It's even black too I cut it in half, trimmed a little of the end, and it popped right into the connecting rod, and fits perfect. even a tight fit against the column too. Sorry for the dark pic. It's 10pm here and I just got off work and i had to see if it was gonna work or not.
Shop NIBCO 2-in Dia ABS Coupling Fitting at Lowes.com

 

That's really cool. Turned out great. If I may make one suggestion; do your knees a favor and thread the holes in the rod cap, then use an appropriate size socket head cap screw to bolt it all together from the top side. The nut and bolt end hanging down will really do some damage if contacting skin or kneecap. You might even consider smoothing the sharp edges on the rod end itself, just for good measure. Polish it all up and it'll be really cool.

 

Nice solution. Looks good.

 

You're right Merc. My wife might get curious if I came home with scratched up knees!!

 

Might I make a twist on Wayne's suggestion. Knock out the rod bolts, tap the rod end and use a button head bolt from the bottom up into the rod. Nice rounded professional look and fit and nothing exposed to hit body parts on.

 

It looks great but if you end up with noise or vibration coming up through the column you can replace the plastic with a strip of rubber. (I tried to send this idea the other night from work but was having issues with the new phone.)

 

Nicely done!
Its surprising how many truck "solutions" can be found at the local hardware store.

Keep up the good work
Bobby

 

Nice work, can't wait to see what you use for the floor mount.

 

Jrock, she'd be more worried if you came home with scratches on your back!