Would you believe?

[gordr]

Would you believe that I tried 5 different suppliers in Calgary today, and none of them could find me any 1 and 1/16" disc-style expansion plugs to finish the kingpin job on my Zip van axle? I was thinking, "Standard automotive hardware part, right?" I am going to have to make 3 of them. Two of the shops offered me those expanding rubber plugs. No way, Jose.

[StudeRich]

Grinding down 1 1/2 inch core plugs would be a Lot of work, maybe they have 1 1/4 inch ?
Good thing it only takes 2.

[fargoguy]

Like these?

[gordr]

Not the cup style, the disc style. Maybe our vendors have them, as part of a kingpin kit? My devious plan: take some fender washers, press them into a shallow dome shape in the hydraulic press, thread them on a bolt, and turn in the lathe until the correct diameter is achieved. Then weld the holes closed. A chore, to be sure, but it avoids waiting weeks for mail-order parts to arrive.

[studefan]

gordr, Studebaker International has a ton of zip van parts I understand. Maybe try them.

[gordr]

gordr, Studebaker International has a ton of zip van parts I understand. Maybe try them.

I expect they do have them, but maybe not as separate parts. Used in pickup axles, too. Local NAPA store has a box of Papco (H. Paulin and Co.) assorted Welch plugs. Kit does not include that size. I found a vendor online in Minnesota that carries them. Factor in shipping, dollar exchange, and time waiting for shipment to arrive, the option of me simply making my own starts looking pretty good.

[Guido]

You truly are the MacGyver of the Studebaker world.

[gordr]

You truly are the MacGyver of the Studebaker world.

Thanks, I guess! I did make some, and they worked. Some grease oozed out around the edges, but in my experience, that happens even with factory caps in the spindles. Still will help keep water and dust from entering the bushings.

[studeski]

Gord,
Whatever works. I have 1" and 1 1/16' in stock. But not many. I see McMaster-Carr has 1" but not 1 1/16".