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
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
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