Good show. I'd favour replacing that spindle; it's not in good condition.

All you need is a suitable length of 1/2" 'bright round mild steel bar', which most steel merchants should be able to supply. Or you could even go for Grade 304 or 316 stainless steel, to eliminate rusting.

You'll need to find a merchant who will do 'cut to length'; a look under 'steel supplies' in the Yellow Pages is a good starting point.

Cheers,
Gadge

"ODK Mods can explain it to you, but they can't understand it for you..."

"Crazy can be medicated, ignorance can be educated - but there is no cure for stupid..."