Quote Originally Posted by Itoldyouso
Matt, car is really looking good. Nice look to it and great stance. I like it a lot, so I hope the comment I am about to make is taken in that light. I don't think I ever noticed before what you are using for rear radius rods, but when I saw the picture today I had to say something.

Those were never intended to be used as radius rods, they were originally used with Ford torque tube banjo rear ends, and the main thrust was absorbed by the torque tube. By themselves they are way too weak to do the job. There have been countless cases where they have broken or bent, even by the simple act of going over a RR track. Here is just one report:

http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/s...hlight=wrecked

I know the ones in the story above are split, but it doesn't make any difference. These things are notorious for breaking, and no amount of gusseting will make them safe enough to use. I apologize for bringing this up at this late date, but I really felt you should know about this. I would hate to see your beautiful little hot rod messed up or something happen to you or someone else. I hope you understand.

Don

Hi Don,

I had saw your post earlier in the thread about this subject. I wasn't ignoring you or anyone else...I guess I didn't want to get into a big debate about it either.

There are a couple older local hot rod guru's I glean a lot of info off of and they are the ones who recomended doing it like this..in fact one of them gave me the rods. I did mention your concern to him to see what he thought. I'm not saying it's right or wrong, but he has built several hot rods and is currently running a 32 Ford with the same set up for the last 4 years. Like I said...not saying it's right or wrong...I just have a friend that has used, and is using this set up first hand and it works well.

I think if I had a motor that had been built up and I was going to be stomping on the thing I might change my mind. My motor is a clapped out 350 with a couple bolt on performance parts and a ho-chi-mien chrome kit. I might regret my decision...and I sure hope I don't, but for now I am going to stick with it. And I sure hope you don't think that I am just blowing you off? I sure appreciate the info you and others supply on a regular basis.

Thanks, Matt