I use 5/16" solid stock, weld a 5/16" shaft clevis to the top end, file the weld to make it smooth and all the same size... the lower frame or head light mount end is threaded, (if the head light mount is really strong) mine is a combo light/shock mount, so that works great... I use a 1/4" tab, with a 5/8" hole in it, to except stock muffler hanger rubbers, (male and female) which I cover/hide with brass soft plugs, this keeps the rods from breaking at that end and allows for some movement... when all is fitted to the proper length and double nutted on both sides of the brass covered rubber bushings, I now cut lengths of 3/8" OD 5/16" ID polished brass tubing to cover the rods and no chrome is necessary... This is how CCR dose them only without the rubber bushings... I found that solid mounts at both ends tend to break to quickly (a few months), I have yet to break any this way, mine are older than 40 years, and have had very hard service, and they work very hard at keeping that windshield from breaking the frame itself, as that material is very thin, as they come stock, they really need a full length (from top to bottom) 'inside' blind nut 'half round' stock to reinforce the full sides of the windshield frame... better than short pieces at just the posts and hinge area... Plus 'I myself' love the look of the rods...