At 05:47 PM 8/4/2010 Wednesday, neil n wrote:
>http://www.aeroassemblies.com/images/wirerope/WR1.jpg   or a wire rope

That's what I'm suggesting, except that I'd make the loop a lot
longer -- the bushing wouldn't be captured (I'm sure that one is
grooved) but the forces on the wire would be much less.  Nicopress
fittings are readily available for the last forty years or more; I
doubt they'll suddenly disappear.

The bushing eliminates any need for a thimble.

Yours,
D