Nuts and bolt and screws - NCRS Discussion Boards

Nuts and bolt and screws

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  • Richard G.
    Extremely Frequent Poster
    • July 31, 1984
    • 1715

    Nuts and bolt and screws

    I have an interest in keeping the fasteners on my correct. I was lucky enough to have a unmolested car and I have gone through pains to catalog identify and refinish many of the fasteners. As I look through prior NCRS posting I find many enthusiasts go through the same aggravations. The fasteners are a big part of what makes out cars unique to the period and oftentimes are one of the dividing factors between a good car and a great one.

    Some restorers go to the catalogs and replace the fasteners carte blanche. I wholly disagree. Possibly in the interest of time and saving money it would be a mode or procedure to follow. The tracking and refinishing expense for fasteners will be overwhelming if you are paying by the hour for a restoration. I would be crystal clear on my explanation and expectations on the fasteners and the usage. Possibly going so far as getting it in writing. I still believe keeping the fasteners cataloged or identified in some manner is reasonable. By the pricing on EBay it would be a good method to recoup some of the restoration costs.
    Replacing fasteners into the holes they were removed from works wonders. Often times I just add my own nut if it has one captive on the mating part. It is obvious enough to figure out even years later. Even if the fasteners are painted with the part, it comes off easy enough. Much easier to clean fastener for re-finishing than track down a correct one. Bag tag and replace. Pictures are great.

    I have observed the trend is to get the fasteners correct is expanding and more and more of the fasteners are available as replacements. The quality varies widely from vendor to vendor. I have gotten screws listed for the application that fail because they are too small, wrong thread, incorrect driver style, incorrect finish and wrong TPI. I have also found some excellent replacements, the bolts holding the rear valance are exceptional in quality and accuracy. Wish they were all that good. Research is always warranted before accepting the vendor’s word for the fasteners.

    I have been fortunate to find someone that will refinish my screws and springs, in small quantities, and I always get my parts returned. I realize not every has the sources. I would argue a good cleaning and replacing (as found) is preferable to an incorrect aftermarket fastener. Purchasing a Caswell plating kit is another optional method to getting the finish correct.

    My story is really for the newbie as most seasoned restorers have figured this out. Mostly my issues is some items have been apart for years but I put the bolts back in the holes. Some of the other issues were the interior was removed by others. Frustrating but its slowly coming together.

    Take care. And a hardy thanks to everyone that has helped with my screwy issues..
    Rick
  • Mike B.
    Very Frequent User
    • July 31, 1994
    • 838

    #2
    Re: Nuts and bolt and screws

    Music to my ears Rick,

    I've spent years gathering correct bolts for my molested '66 that I bought long ago. Numerous bolts were simply replaced by hardware store parts by prior owners. I've learned a lot about the various head marks and applications of Midyear bolts through my years of research. And especially comparisons between small and big block cars. If you ever want to compare notes just let me know.

    Please explain "TPI".

    Mike Browning
    '65 L79, '66 L36

    Comment

    • Phillip M.
      Expired
      • September 30, 2006
      • 100

      #3
      Re: Nuts and bolt and screws

      Originally posted by Mike Browning (24893)
      Music to my ears Rick,

      I've spent years gathering correct bolts for my molested '66 that I bought long ago. Numerous bolts were simply replaced by hardware store parts by prior owners. I've learned a lot about the various head marks and applications of Midyear bolts through my years of research. And especially comparisons between small and big block cars. If you ever want to compare notes just let me know.

      Please explain "TPI".

      Mike Browning
      '65 L79, '66 L36
      TPI = Threads Per Inch

      Comment

      • Mike B.
        Very Frequent User
        • July 31, 1994
        • 838

        #4
        Re: Nuts and bolt and screws

        Thank you Phillip. I'm used to the term "thread count".

        Mike

        Comment

        • Fred Y.
          Very Frequent User
          • April 30, 2000
          • 319

          #5
          Re: Nuts and bolt and screws

          Richard, some guys like to collect coins, some go fishing, some love to restore Old Corvettes. I like all three, but a pal of mine loves to hunt down old nuts & bolts for our cars, clean them, then have them refinished etc. & totally categorize ea. one for folks who need fasteners. These are not repo's but original. He has helped me BIG TIME with 3 frame off's thus far. If you need original fasteners, let me know & I can get you his contact info.

          Fred

          Comment

          • Gene M.
            Extremely Frequent Poster
            • April 1, 1985
            • 4232

            #6
            Re: Nuts and bolt and screws

            Send you parts to a real commercial plater for lasting results. The caswell kit is a joke.

            Most platers do batches so a minimum charge will do all your parts and all your buddies.

            Comment

            • Fred Y.
              Very Frequent User
              • April 30, 2000
              • 319

              #7
              Re: Nuts and bolt and screws

              Yes, forgot the kits. My bud waits till he has about 40-50 Lbs of fasteners & then takes them to a local commercial plating co. All are marked zinc, or black phosphate as original.

              Comment

              • Richard G.
                Extremely Frequent Poster
                • July 31, 1984
                • 1715

                #8
                Re: Nuts and bolt and screws

                I get the commercial platers stuff. My issues I have little faith I will get my exact fasteners back. If someone has experience with a plater and would like to share the source I am open to it. It would likely be via the mail service, another way to loose stuff. Gets complicated fast. I will likely give it a try someday.

                I will likely take Fred up on his offer. The aggravating part of all this is my car had never been apart and was all original, till it wasn't. Now I am back tracking stuff down that never should have been an issue. I am getting there. I have found several fasteners in unmarked bags, that has helped. I was able to identify because they were primered and painted, just like they were when I left them in the original core support holes. Why someone thought it was a good idea to remove them is beyond me. Getting there.
                Thanks for the support guys.
                Rick

                Comment

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