C3 spare tire carrier bolts

[Matthew S.]

I'm restoring my spare tire carrier and I found on the discussion board that the bolts that hold the front of the carrier should be silver cad plated. Does this include the bolt that holds up the back of the carrier or is it a different finish? The original finish on my bolts is pretty much worn off so it's hard to tell what finish they were originally.

Thanks for any help.

[Jack H.]

Re: C3 spare tire carrier bolts

Yes, both front and rear bolts are silver (zinc or cad)...

[Chuck S.]

Re: C3 spare tire carrier bolts

My records show all three being dark gray phosphate on my 70.

I think I vaguely remember that thread, and silver cad did not sound right then, but I didn't look it up in my records. There's also no help in the 70-72; only the spare tub lock is covered.

IMO, here's something to think about: if your finishes are so far gone that you can't tell what they were originally, I highly doubt the lock bolt was originally silver cad plated...silver cad or zinc are extremely durable finishes and I would still expect to see at least some of the finish remaining. Maybe someone with an original car can help me see my error.

[Terry M.]

Re: C3 spare tire carrier bolts

All three bolts on my 1970 are silver color as I recall.

[Alan S.]

Re: C3 spare tire carrier bolts

Matt:
I can still see the remains of some silver plating on my 45k one owner '71 coupe's carrier bolts.
Regards,
Alan

[Matthew S.]

Re: C3 spare tire carrier bolts

Thanks for all your responses. I forgot to mention that this is on a 72. It sounds like silver cad will probably do the job.

[Chuck S.]

Thanks for the question, Matt...

You've saved me from my own bookkeeping.

Jack/Terry...Do you have any observations on the finsih of the lock washers and hex nuts that fasten the spare carrier bolts?