Badly bent 1929 Harley DL rod question

[Buster]

Just took apart a very original 1929 DL motor which has a badly bent forked rod. Apparently these pre late 1932 rods are difficult to find. I know the 1929 rod is 5/16" shorter than the 1932 and up rod. Also, these 1929-early 1931 rods have no wrist pin bushings and this area of the non-bushed rods has wear. Is there a way to use 1932 and later longer rods in this motor, such as a piston with different wrist pin offset. Only other way to use late model longer rods, I believe, would to be change out to later 1932 and up complete top end. I had rather keep the original top end which is in good shape if possible. Or does anyone know of a possible source the shorter 1929-31 DL rod? Thanks.

[T. Cotten]

Can't help with a source, Buster,...

But I must ask: Is there a kink in it?

(No rod is straight until straightened.)

....Cotten

[Buster]

Sort of an "S" bend in the middle. Pretty bad.

[T. Cotten]

Sort of an "S" bend in the middle. Pretty bad.

Ain't no good bends, Buster!

But if it isn't a kink that produced stress-risers, (Magnafluxing prudent..)

Then you may have little choice but to straighten them.

Inspection is harder than the tweak: (Sorry for a fuzzy old pic...)

aamco.jpg


....Cotten