LocostUSA.com

Just wanted to pass this along to the group.

I ordered some rod ends from this place late last week, they arrived today & I thought they had good prices and selection: http://www.qscomponents.com/

Which ones did you get?

I bought the budget 1/2" ones for my outboard suspension links on the rear suspension, and some of the 3/8" ones for the rear toe adjustment.

I'm not sure how long the budget model will hold up, but the 1/2" ones were rated at over 12,000 pounds of radial force, so I'm sure they're waaayy overrated for the Locost.

The only thing I noticed is it seems like they charge a flat $8.10 for s/h, so it would be worthwhile to order everything you need at once.

Hah! I can explain how they came up with $8.10 'cause we do the exact same thing when we sell rod ends and brackets at Kinetic: ship them via US Post Office Priority Mail in a $8.10 flat rate box. It's a box that'll hold a hundred rod ends, I'll bet (and I'll bet the post office wasn't thinking many folks would use them that way). Clear evidence that great minds think alike.

Though I guess we don't think <that> much alike, since I note we stock entirely different sizes. Are those folks circle track racers, perchance?
Jack <www.kineticvehicles.com>

One little piece of advice I would like to add in here regarding the load rating.

Although I only used these for a set of swaybar end links (first on a MINI, and then onto my WRX), I used aluminum versions, figuring they would still be more than strong enough. Well, they snapped in the aluminum 'body' of the link. I am assuming that the load rating is the bearing portion only.
Bottom line, go with the cheaper (although not quite as sexy) steel joints.



BTW, I got mine from McMaster-Carr. Great option for shipping to Canada, as they will ship Purolator Courier, who do not charge duties, tax or handling fees for items under $2000. UPS will charge an arm and a leg, even for the smallest part.

Steve

Mcmaster carr is a very good place to get parts. They generally ship the same day. Great return policy. And LOTS of selection.

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http://kenbuilt79.blogspot.com/

Something else I came across at Aircraft Spruce.

Neoprene seals for rod ends.

http://www.aircraftspruce.com/catalog/appages/sealsit.php

Steve

I used those on my custom end links. I for the price ya can't beat them for a little assurance.

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http://kenbuilt79.blogspot.com/

The Firecat guy like these:

http://www.midwestcontrol.com/buy.php?item=621

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He is a wise man who does not grieve for the things which he has not, but rejoices for those which he has.

STAINLESS STEEL ROD ENDS

Fully polished, investment cast, stainless steel rod end. 5⁄8" RH shank, 1⁄2" hole, complete with nylon bushings and steel sleeve. Straight, 7° or 11° available.


$14.95
http://www.speedwaymotors.com/p/1584,,_ ... -08051-STR

http://WWW.SPEEDWAYMOTORS.COM
Chet posted the Catherham part but I couldn't find the thread, thought I would post here.

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I'll keep an eye out for you!

To err is human...
I am more human than most.

Just wasted a little of my morning doing price comparison. McMaster&Carr had the widest selection of rod end sizes and also, on every piece, they were from $1 to $4 cheaper. If you are trying to find the weld in threaded tube, use their search for "threaded tube end".

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RacerDan
+442 Chevy 2.8
Never be afraid to try something new. Remember, amateurs built the
Ark, professionals built the Titanic.

Thanks! I've used Mcmaster for years and had no idea they had those.

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Midlana book: Build this mid-engine Locost!, http://www.midlana.com/
Kimini book: Designing mid-engine cars using FWD drivetrains, http://www.kimini.com/book_info/

I just browsed this site again and they've added some useful stuff at good prices... like DOM tubing and weld in bungs that fit.

http://www.qscomponents.com

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He is a wise man who does not grieve for the things which he has not, but rejoices for those which he has.