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  •  » I made a DIY tool and saved myself $80-$300 over buying it

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    1/05/2024 7:17 PM  #1

    Daze
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    From: Kalispell MT
    Registered: 1/24/2013
    Posts: 1,129

    I made a DIY tool and saved myself $80-$300 over buying it

    I am actually getting into the 393 build and I need to properly torque the rod bolts.  I know the torque wrench is "good enough" but wanted the extra accuracy of measuring rod bolt stretch.  I went online to find a budget tool but was horrified to see they were $80-$300.  I already had a dial indicator, a push rod, some 5/8" key stock and miscellaneous hardware so I decided to make my own fixture for my indicator.  I am very pleased with how it turned out.


    If it isn't broken...modify it anyway! http://www.DazeCars.com https://galaxieforum.boardhost.com
     

    1/05/2024 11:44 PM  #2

    Bentworker
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    Registered: 9/17/2017
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    Re: I made a DIY tool and saved myself $80-$300 over buying it

    Nice!

     

    1/06/2024 12:19 AM  #3

    rpm
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    From: Bakersfield, Ca
    Registered: 9/17/2013
    Posts: 3,619

    Re: I made a DIY tool and saved myself $80-$300 over buying it

    Outstanding. That's the way to do it.

    Bob. 69 Mach 1, 393W, SMOD Toploader, Armstrong  steering, factory AC.
     

    1/06/2024 5:12 AM  #4

    RTM
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    From: Cape Coral FL
    Registered: 5/22/2019
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    Re: I made a DIY tool and saved myself $80-$300 over buying it

    Great idea.   What are you using to set/zero your measurement?

     

    1/06/2024 3:32 PM  #5

    Daze
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    From: Kalispell MT
    Registered: 1/24/2013
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    Re: I made a DIY tool and saved myself $80-$300 over buying it

    RTM wrote:

    Great idea. What are you using to set/zero your measurement?

     

    I will installit on the bolts/rods and and then turn the dial to 0º
     

    If it isn't broken...modify it anyway! http://www.DazeCars.com https://galaxieforum.boardhost.com
       •Thread Starter
     

    1/06/2024 7:58 PM  #6

    Daze
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    From: Kalispell MT
    Registered: 1/24/2013
    Posts: 1,129

    Re: I made a DIY tool and saved myself $80-$300 over buying it

    Already made some improvements. Added a tension spring to help secure it when in use and shortened the lower strut so it doesn’t hit the connecting rod.

    If it isn't broken...modify it anyway! http://www.DazeCars.com https://galaxieforum.boardhost.com
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    1/06/2024 9:18 PM  #7

    Greg B
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    Registered: 4/01/2013
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    Re: I made a DIY tool and saved myself $80-$300 over buying it

    That's great!

    And later on in your project, yon can make a push rod length checker with another push rod and some fine thread!

    If multiple things can go wrong, the one that will go wrong will be the one that causes the most damage.
     

    1/07/2024 2:23 PM  #8

    RV6
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    From: Pine Junction, CO
    Registered: 3/01/2016
    Posts: 1,246

    Re: I made a DIY tool and saved myself $80-$300 over buying it

    Way cool! Bolt stretch for the win!
     

    Gary Zilik - Pine Junction, Colorado - 67 Coupe, 289-4V, T5
     

    6/18/2024 11:39 AM  #9

    Bolted to Floor
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    From: Houston, Texas
    Registered: 4/01/2013
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    Re: I made a DIY tool and saved myself $80-$300 over buying it

    That's a great idea. 

    John  -- 67 Mustang Coupe 390 5 speed
     

     

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