M Boaters, Received my replacement rod from McMasters-Carr and I ordered the 1/2 inch diameter but all their rods have a + or - tolerance so the one I received was actually about 5/8. I spoke with them and they usually send them out a little bigger because most get fabricated to the customers specific requirements. So if off to the shop tomorrow and I'll see what it will cost to have an exact match made. If anyone wants to order one you might want to consider 3/8 but of course they said that cant guarantee a perfect fit. I was hoping just to cut it and drill 2 holes but not this time. The folks at McMaster were real good about it and they will be happy to accept a return but the clock is ticking so we will see if the local folks can make it happen Gary