Technical help for newbie - floor pedal ball joint

Mark Aaron · From: Tennessee, USA

Newbie in need of some help with what I think are pretty basic questions. I have a 1970's? BMI, which I am really happy with:

I need to replace this part (I'm holding it open on the first picture):

Am I correct in calling this a 180 degree ball joint, and are these pretty standard, or is this something I need to get directly from BMI? I saw on their website that they sell pedal rods for $10. I do not know if the pedal rods they sell include the ball joint assembly or if they would work on a guitar this old. The pedal rods that I have are by themselves 24 and 5/16".

Here's how it connects to the pedal:

Here's the rod (works fine), some kind of connector from the ball joint to the pedal rod (what do you call the second thing - is it an extender, or is it a common part of the assembly?), and the part I need:

Here's a shot of the threading on the rod and a nut that fits the threading:

Also for fun, any opinions on these guitars or their value?

Earnest Bovine · From: Los Angeles CA USA

I found those parts years ago at an auto parts store. In those days, horseless carriages had parts called "carburetors" which were often controlled by cables with ball joints on the end that fit my MSA. I bet there are stores that still sell parts like this for antique vehicles.

Jerry Overstreet · From: Louisville Ky

Pedal rod connector. Yes, 180 degree. If you want them to match the others, check with BMI.

Assuming they are 10-32 thread, better check to be sure:

http://www.psgparts.com/Hardware_c15.htm Here's another place. Also Show-Pro guitar company near you in Tn. Check the mfg. links from the header at the top of the page.

Jim Palenscar · From: Oceanside, Calif, USA

You can find them listed as straight ball joint connectors

Elton Smith · From: Texas, USA

8n Ford tractors had them.Might try tractor supply.Also dodge trucks used them for carb linkage.They were used as carburater linkage
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Mark Aaron · From: Tennessee, USA

Thanks so much. Low risk just to get a standard sized one for now and see if it works. Want that C pedal up and running again as soon as I can. Will call BMI tomorrow to see if I can get one that matches the original.

Mark Aaron · From: Tennessee, USA

Or, I'll find one of those horseless carriages and see if I can scavenge some parts.

Jim Palenscar · From: Oceanside, Calif, USA

I carry them if you need one

Roual Ranes · From: Atlanta, Texas, USA

Your local "hardware" store probably has them.

Barry Blackwood · Posted 23 Jul 2012 8:29 pm

My local hardware store is Home Depot. I'm lucky if I can find a drawer pull there. Oh Well

Russ Wever · From: Kansas City

Home Depot is a home-improvement/home-builders store,
but you'll not find what you're looking for there nor at any
hardware store.
These are 'Inline Ball Joint' 10-32 Ball Joint Connectors.
Show-Pro has them in both 'inline' (which you need)
and 'right-angle'. Jim Palenscar also has them.
~Russ
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Dean Edwards · From: Naples,FL & Natrona Hts, PA

Mark, I have a BMI similar to yours. They're a good guitar , and, I believe , well thought of.I really like mine.
I had another one ,anumber of years ago, but made the mistke of selling it.
When I got the chance to buy this one, I grabbed it.

Dean

Richard Sinkler · From: aka: Rusty Strings -- Missoula, Montana

I've seen the right angle one's at Orchard Supply and several Ace Hardware stores, but never the in-line ones like you need. Contact Jim or Show Pro.
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chris ivey · From: california (deceased)

www.georgels.com

still don't know where to find the exact match for my 82 zum inline connectors though.

Bent Romnes · From: London,Ontario, Canada

Chris how about getting all 8 or whatever new?
I am sure you have checked with Bruce Zumsteg?
Those things are hard to get hold of. I have not been able to locate a supplier here in Canada yet. I get mine from Don Burrows at BSG steel guitars
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chris ivey · From: california (deceased)

bruce said he didn't have em anymore. the problem is that the zum ones are slightly longer than the george l type.

bruce said to replace the whole pedal rack with newer pedals with the right angle connector.....like i can afford that.

Mark Aaron · From: Tennessee, USA

The idea of getting new ones altogether for all the pedals(and maybe even new pedal rods) makes sense to me. I have a new single connector part on the way and am inquiring with bmi on what makes the most sense. Vern said they have older model ones that will probably match what I have. Customer service seems really good over there. I had gotten mine locally and very used, but they seem to be very interested in helping me out.

Bent Romnes · From: London,Ontario, Canada

chris ivey · From: california (deceased)

thnx bent...where could i see a pic of these?

it's not an immediate problem as i had a couple extras..

Bent Romnes · From: London,Ontario, Canada

Chris, the standoffs are basically just extenders. About 1" long, it has male threads that would go into the ball joint connector. The other end has female threads and the rod screws into that.
http://www.mcmaster.com/#standard-threaded-standoffs/=ikaqlz
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