The first piece is made from a 3/4" pipe, black iron or galvanized. Cut off a piece 3 1/2" long. You don't want threads on the bottom surface that contacts the valve spring retainer. Threads on the other end don't matter. Cut out the window in the side using an angle grinder with cut-off wheel, a Dremel, or a hacksaw if you're a masochist. I used an angle grinder for the straight cut about 1/4" from the bottom and the angle cut at the top of the window, and a Dremel with a little abrasive cut-off wheel to make the cuts parallel with the pipe. Grind or wire wheel all the cut edges smooth. I tried covering the bottom surface with electrical tape so it wouldn't scratch the retainers, but it doesn't stay in place very long. None of my new retainers got scratched anyway (they're titanium). The finished piece looks like the picture.
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