Thanks all.
Using some coupling nuts is something I thought about last night ... I didn't realize they came in mismatched thread sizes, that's awesome to know.
Although I think I like the idea of removing one of the turnbuckle bolts and replacing it with a regular carriage bolt. That idea has a lot of potential!!! Thank you!!!! (Argh, today at work is going to be a frustrating 8 hours until I can get home and try it out.
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