[Roadsters] Bent center link - what metal to fabricate a replacement out of?

[nmleeds at mindspring.com]

All,

I was getting my alignment done and noticed that my stearing centerlink was bent (wicked turns I guess). The balls are in great shape so I figured I'd just fabricate a new centerlink. Natually, I went to a local construction site and made off with some rebar -- I figured that nobody at the new suspension bridge would notice if there was 15" less reinforcement.  

After a little time with a hacksaw I was ready to go. But then my partner in datsun pointed out that rebar isn't the world's strongest material, it wasn't taking my threads, and was pretty rust prone. I suggested plastic for its dampening properties -- he laughed at me and made me feel pretty stupid about the whole thing.

Now the question is what metal to use? Ideas? 304, 416, 316? Gold? Titanium? Bubble gum?

N