MTFCA Forum

Sort of Model T related. Looking for a 6" or 12" long hex bar of 1/2 " phosphor bronze to make a couple of long hinge bolts for a Model T windshield. I really want to use something harder than 360 brass and the bolts Im replacing look like phosphor bronze.
From my experience, phosphor bronze was used a lot in automotive applications after the turn of the century.
I've searched the net for what seems like forever and the few companies that even offer it are in India, England or sell only large quantities.
Seems like today's selection of metals is quite limited from what it used to be.

https://www.mcmaster.com/bars/system-of ... ial~brass/

Its only brass// Cap

I think he was looking for Phosphor bronze, stronger than regular brass.

Richard,

I'm thinking that by the time you're done, only the head of the bolt will retain the hex. If you start with round bar stock, by that point, simply milling the hex seems to be a minor last step.

Phosphor Bronze round rod is easy to find. Hex...well not so much.

C90300 Hex is available...tin/bronze very wear resistant but very few places to purchase from and unlikely will sell the small amount you want....as you've already found.

I think Jerry has the best answer

Yeah, I'm thinking I'll either settle for using 360 brass hex bar or phosphor bronze round bar. The Automatic hinge bolts have a ball on the end with a neck to hold the spring, followed by a 1/2" hex and then a 3/8" threaded shaft. The hex part is only 5/16" thick.
With the tooling I have it's not easy to cut a perfect hex from round stock. Seems I screw up up as many as I get right.

Check with Restoration Supply in Escondido California. They have a selection of hex rod.

Bronze is a little tougher than brass, I use to work in a foundry that made brass and bronze. It was very rarely made because it was quite specific and only one person was allowed to make it and put in the ingrediencies. I can remember copper, tin, phosphorous, zinc and some iron went in the furnace. Every component was carefully weighed before putting in the furnace. The pouring temperature was also critical. Once the pouring temperature was attained it was poured immediately, it could not stay at that high temperature very long because the added ingrediencies would burn off.

Most (if not all) bronze alloys are “continuous cast” rather than extruded or cold worked. So will have a very rough surface and will be dimensionally oversized. Typical profiles are limited to rectangle and round. Don’t let the material profile availability limit your choices. Make the parts from the material alloy of your choice, then bring em over to my place to cut the hex

Thanks to all for the quality responses. Kevin I just may take you up on your kind offer!!