AIM bolt and nut codes

[Joseph U.]

I am restoring (or trying to anyway) a 1966 Coup. Every time I go to install a part it seems like trial and error to find the right bolt or nut.
They are listed in the AIM such as (UPC C60 D3 for heater hoses) "11 180129 bolt" and "14 181610 Bolt". Anyway the trial and error for finding the right nut, bolt screw etc is driving me crazy. Is there a chart anywhere? Buying from one of the vendors is easy but $$$ when you can usually buy the same thing at Home Depot if you know what to buy. I have searched the Archives but can't find anything. Does such a conversion chart exist?
As always thanks for the help.
Joe

[Mike E.]

Re: AIM bolt and nut codes

I'm doing a '65 and have had the same problem, I've ordered fasterners from the big box Corvette stores only to receive them and find they are not the correct finish for the judging manual. So for smaller fastener you might try AMK Products.

Get a description of the fastner from the Judging Manual. I'll use a front sway bar bracket and an example. The JM says the bolt should be Cad/Zinc plated.

Find the sheet on the AIM get and the GM part number. I've highlighted one in this example.



The screw was are looking for is a GM PN - 3784303. The nut is a 102634.

Then to the AMK OEM cross reference. Use with with Adobe Reader press CTRL-S. In the latest version of Adobe Acrobat a small popup will appear in the upper right corner enter the part number there and press enter. It will tell you what page to find the bolt on in the AMK catalog. In this example Page 103.




Then go to the AMK PDF Catalog page is full catalog broken down in several sections and click on the link for the link for page within the range.





Now search that file pdf file using the GM part. This will give you the AMK part number. Note: Sometimes AMK offers the same fastener with a different finish make sure to select the correct finish the JM specifies.



Mike

[Joe L.]

Re: AIM bolt and nut codes

I am restoring (or trying to anyway) a 1966 Coup. Every time I go to install a part it seems like trial and error to find the right bolt or nut.
They are listed in the AIM such as (UPC C60 D3 for heater hoses) "11 180129 bolt" and "14 181610 Bolt". Anyway the trial and error for finding the right nut, bolt screw etc is driving me crazy. Is there a chart anywhere? Buying from one of the vendors is easy but $$$ when you can usually buy the same thing at Home Depot if you know what to buy. I have searched the Archives but can't find anything. Does such a conversion chart exist?
As always thanks for the help.
Joe

Joe------


There is no such "cross-reference" that I am aware of which is generally available. In addition, the vast majority of fasteners that were used in PRODUCTION (and, thus, specified in the AIM) were never available in SERVICE. So, we can't even use SERVICE parts information to determine the important features of said fasteners.

Sources like AMK carry only a small number of the fasteners used in PRODUCTION. They might have the fastener you need but more likely they will not.

[Joseph U.]

Re: AIM bolt and nut codes

I am afraid you are right Joe,
I have checked the list and many of the items I need are not there. I guess I was just hoping and getting tired of paying $2 for a 37 cent bolt just because I don't know which bolt to use and "CC" does.
Thanks for your help.
Joe

[Monte M.]

Re: AIM bolt and nut codes

Joe,
Send me your regular e-mail in a PM, and I will send you two or three lists that other member have sent me over the years. They are not complete, but they are a start.
The catalogs do not match quite a few of the chassi fasteners.

Best of luck

[Joseph U.]

Re: AIM bolt and nut codes

Done,
Thanks I need all of the help I can get.
Not until you do this type of project do you realize how much work goes into a top flight car.
Joe

[Joe L.]

Re: AIM bolt and nut codes

Done,
Thanks I need all of the help I can get.
Not until you do this type of project do you realize how much work goes into a top flight car.
Joe

Joe-----


One thing to keep in mind: if all you are interested in is functionality, hardware store fasteners will usually do just fine assuming you determine the correct size. However, the fasteners sold by the Corvette vendors as well as AMK are, in most cases, "reproductions" of the originals. They may not be exact in every way but they usually do have period-correct headmarkings/configuration. If judging is in your future, these may get you at least partial credit. Hardware store fasteners with modern headmarking/configuration will usually receive no credit.

[Joseph U.]

Re: AIM bolt and nut codes

Excellent point Joe,
I want to make it as correct as I can, but I also want to get the car together so I can drive it rather than just look at it, and waiting a week or so for a simple bolt just holds things up. I am not against going back to replace a bolt if needed (and I keep a list so I can order a "bunch" at one time, but I really want to get it to "go".
Joe
Joe

[George J.]

Re: AIM bolt and nut codes

Mike,
that is a great explanation. Even if it is not useful for 100% of the fasteners, it is still a great set of steps. Please consider making that an article in the Restorer! I just ordered AMK's catalog but this seems very easy once explained.

Regards,

George

[George J.]

Re: AIM bolt and nut codes

Joe,
Send me your regular e-mail in a PM, and I will send you two or three lists that other member have sent me over the years. They are not complete, but they are a start.
The catalogs do not match quite a few of the chassi fasteners.

Best of luck

Monte,
I also sent you a PM with my email address. Any help is appreciated.

George

[Alan D.]

Re: AIM bolt and nut codes

Here is an example of what Joe is saying;
The font is a little different however that should not make any difference in judging.