Rookie questions -- better mousterap wanted

[Tony DiGiorgio]

Hey all, helping this friedn with his 67 convert body off. We have lots of enthusiasm but little knowledge on "systemizing" the nuts-bolts inventory-- plating processes. Does anyone out there have a spreadsheet that would give the finishes/sizes oif the bolts that go into the various subassemblies, frame etc. We want to make the trip to the platers as efficient as possible, so it would be nice to walk into the platers and say, all these cad, all these black oxide etc and then be able to know where they all go when we get them back. I know we can always look in judging manual, AIM etc, but I will bet someone out there has a better "moustrap" for this situation.
Thanks in advance
Tony DiGiorgio
937.477.1022

[Kevin M.]

Re: Rookie questions -- better mousterap wanted

If only. this is a frequent question posted here. To my knowledge there is no printed reference as to what is what and goes where. Maybe a member has done this and will provide you with his list but if you watch the posts here there are enough questions asked about finishes that the manuals aren't to clear about. Good luck you started at the right place to ask questions. Hey why don't you keep a good record on your friend project then you can hand it out to the next guy.

Kevin

[John H.]

Re: Rookie questions -- better mousterap wanted

Tony -

Assuming you have the latest edition of the '67 Judging Guide, it describes the finish of most fasteners.

[Nick Vigorito]

Re: Rookie questions -- better mousterap wanted

Tony,

The M.F. Dobbins 63-67 Fact Book has a 4 page section in the back that lists finishes for many parts and also for hardware. It would probably be a good idea to double-check against the 67 Judging Guide before using that as your guide.

Nick

[Stephen L.]

Re: Rookie questions -- better mousterap wanted

I went thru this over the past year or so on my '67 coupe.
In most cases, the AIM does not give sizes and descriptions for fasteners.... just part numbers.

My procedure was:
1. As you remove bolts/nuts, place "like items" in baggies and label the location they came from "front bumper braces", hood hinge, hood latch, etc. At this point, if you can determine the finish, label the baggie as such. (Don't be afraid to use lots of baggies. The better you sort now the easier it is to find them later...)
2. After you have a reasonable amount of fasteners removed, determine if they are reusable or not and clean accordingly in prep for plating. I used a bead blaster but a wire wheel will work also.... Keep them in the baggies.
UNLESS YOUR BOLTS ARE IN POOR SHAPE, PLAN ON USING THEM AGAIN IF YOU ARE TRYING TO MAINTAIN BOLT HEAD CONFIGURATIONS. IN MOST CASES THE REPRODUCTION STUFF JUST DOESN"T MATCH UP FOR JUDGING PURPOSES......
3. When you decide that you have enough bolts to be economically feasible to plate, remove them from the baggies and photograph the items. Note the sizes and lengths and location description on the photo (Just write it on a paper and lay the bolts on the paper for the photo). Keep your baggies for use when the fasteners are returned.
4. Don't get to far behind in the labeling and cataloging of the bolts as there are many and you quickly become overwelmed and confused as to their origin in the car. The better job you do here... the easier it will be to put back together in the future.
5. I would not recommend trying to send ALL bolts in at the same time. They are tough enough to sort out in small quantities as the plater does not keep them separated for you, except by plating type.
6. When you get the fasteners back from the plater sort them out and place them back into the appropriate baggies. Use the phtos you took earlier as your guide.... with the descriptions right on the photo.....

I purchased a book by Joe Tripoli from NCRS that has a good listing of bolts for the chassis. You may want to get this book and follow his descriptions editing it as you go to fit your bolt descriptions. He doesn't cover a lot of stuff on the body but his list is a great starting point and guide.

I used Steve Gregori (DRIVELINE AD) for my bolt plating. He's done a superb job for me.....

If you have questions concerning bolt styles and plating as you go, just e-mail me. I'll try to help you identify.....

Good luck

[Clare Carpenter]

Don't forget about hydrogen embrittlement

All good advice given on keeping things organized but don't forget to have your plater anneal the bolts/nuts when done to avoid hydrogen embrittlement which occurs during the electroplating process. I've noticed this doesn't get talked about much but it's important to avoid. Grade bolts may have a healthy safety factor built in but why take a chance with a critical suspension fastener. Annealing involves a heating process.