Home-made Push Rods?
 

I am rebuilding an old engine that is missing a few push rods. I need two 5/16" diameter push rods about 14" long. I can still buy valves and pistons, but push rods are NLA.

Anyone know where I can order some push rod tubing (4140?) to make my own? I can make the hardened inserts, I just need tubing.

Or, has anyone ever replaced a tubular push-rod with a solid rod? I know it's not ideal, but this engine will go in an antique car that won't see more than 1,000 miles per year, max. I was thinking of using drill rod and heat treating the ends.

Any brilliant ideas out there?

No suggestions, but... what kind of car?

Can you find a pushrod with the correct ends and diameter and weld them to length?

I think SCAT (VW guys) makes a set of 4130, .312 dia. you cut to length then insert the tips. I used these for my 912. Dont remember how long they come, but you could get some tubing and make them too.

http://www.cbperformance.com/catalog.asp?ProductID=65

1929 Hudson. Straight 6 engine, 289 cubic inches. It's big.

http://www.phelpsclan.com/Hudson/engine.html

My engine has a lower crankcase, centre casting with pistons and exhaust valves, then a head with the intake valves. The push rods are really long, so anyhting relatively modern is much shorter.

I'll try the VW sources Monday. And post a picture when I get it assembled.

Custom push rods are fairly common in the drag race world. You may also find that someone like this can make them for you very inexpensively

http://www.mantonpushrods.com/Pushrod-Info.html

Sweeeeeeet! I love Hudsons. I have a '38 Buick which has a 248 cubic inch straight eight, makes an astounding 100HP :D

Here ya go. http://www.aircraftspruce.com/catalog/mepages/4130tubing_un1.php

I order from them often and they sell all kinds of different size/wall thickness 4130 tubing by the foot.

I'll follow up on those suggestions, thanks.