Brian , I have used 1/8" welding rod for struts & if braced properly are plenty tough for most bipes. This rod is copper coated ,cheap & really nice to work with.If you can find a pair of round nose pliers they will do a pretty good job on the loops if you are strong enough. I also have gone to a electric stove & dryer repair shop & bought their heavy duty wire ends & soldered them on for the wing hold down bolts . Good luck, Max H.