No flats on the inner tie rods - ways to adjust them

[geoffav]

Reference no flats on the inner tie rods:

First you can use cushion covers for your pliers.

Second choice is to use cushioned grip pliers. They look like cannon plug pliers for you avionics guys.

Third I used a 1 inch section of scrap high pressure hose that can slide over the inner rod. You just leave it there as long as you need. It's easy to cut off later. Now I need to remember to put them back on when this stuff goes back together.

Alternate methods are just using channel locks or cutting flats. I don't like those and went with the hose sections.

[bretts33]

I just ground flats with a dremmel and touched up with paint. Still will need to use something on the wrench to not scratch the paint though.
Brett

[geoffav]

You could still use the tubing over the flats, that way your paint stays nice. The hot rod shop one town over does the same trick even after install. They just put a single slice in the tube and put it over the inner tie rod. I think they wrap it with electrical tape before using channel locks to adjust the inner rod. After the alignments done they throw the tubing and tape in the trash.

[myjones]

The circle track racers use weight clamps to attach weights to a tube chassis.
They are made for many sizes of tube and cost about $10 each

Visualize two connecting rod caps bolted to each other, now picture that around the tie rod with a scrap of rubber between the clamp and the tie rod tube. That protects the finish, lets you align the front end then just unbolt the clamps and put them away for next time or pay em forward to the next kit builder.

You might even find some other use for them on your kitcar where you need to attach an accessory to the frame without welding/damaging the finish.

These might be a good way to establish/mark the datum line for squaring the frame and body panels
DB

[riptide motorsport]

heck just slap a monkey wrench on it!!!

[geoffav]

heck just slap a monkey wrench on it!!!

Haha, only on the monkey mobile.