Anyone make shift rods?

They appear to be heim joints/ rod ends. I do plan on visiting the local yards to see what I can come up with. I agree that it will have to be some stiff stuff. not just your average steel stock from the Hole Depot ;) I do have a piece of 1/2 stainless steel rod from somewhere that is nearly impossible to bend, but I can't remember where it came from.
thanks for the coat hanger tip... filed away in the "things I should try to remember" category :)