a 3/8" bolt if supported on both sides, 1/2" if supported on only one should be more than sufficient. A 1/2" rod supported well in the center with a pedal on each side would be great (run it through a square tubing support?). I don't think a replacable bushing is necessary unless you plan on spending hours a day on it several days a week. I wouldn't even bother with a grease zerk, just grease it up and slip it on. Make the end easy to get off so the pedal can be slid off if the grease gets hard 3-4 years later, clean and re-grease. Typical farm shop stuff! ---------- Date: Thu, 18 Sep 2008 18:21:00 +0000 From: Wrambler242@xxxxxxxxxxx Eastwood has the design shrinker/stretcher stand I'm aiming towards. There should be no side forces at all. Something akin to a brake pedal is in mind for action. Not a Z-bar. I was actually thinking of a large diameter bolt in a pipe with a zerk maybe. yeah longer on the whole contraption to spread wear would be good. I'd kind of like to make the wear surface replaceable, but in reality I doubt it is needed. -- Frank Swygert Publisher, "American Motors Cars" Magazine (AMC) For all AMC enthusiasts http://farna.home.att.net/AMC.html (free download available!) _______________________________________________ Amc-list mailing list Amc-list@xxxxxxxxxxxx http://splatter.wps.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/amc-list