When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
Working on dent side sheet metal one encounters a variety of clip-on nuts. I have not been as successful in restoring the nuts as I have been with the bolts that go into them. They break in half, loose their tooth and springy-ness. So I'm looking at the McMaster-Carr online catalog page that describes the various clip-on nuts they offer. The one that seems to me to be what we would most be interested in are called No-slip Clip-on Barrel Nuts. Sound correct? Look correct?
So I've added yet another item to my to-do list: the chore of making a list of the Clip-on or U-nuts that I may need in the near future. That is unless someone has already inventoried all of the dent side fasteners by type, size and location. That would be a very useful list, no? LMC does a good job of illustrating and selling sets of fasteners but they don't provide the fastener specs. That's probably good for their business but a bit tough on our wallets.
LMC does a good job of illustrating and selling sets of fasteners but they don't provide the fastener specs. That's probably good for their business but a bit tough on our wallets.
And it might causes some customers to end up with a wrong kit in some cases.
Is the barrel nut that square nut you see welded to the clips? I'm pretty sure that those types are preferable to the ones with the threads tapped into an 'extrusion' in the clip itself.
I use " Clip Lizard" in my body shop. Fortunately I have an actual catalog that I can use for reference but their catalog is easily downloaded.Good pictures,descriptions,sizes, etc. A huge assortment, with many fasteners & applications, you can search and find what you needed generally. The only slight downside is package quanities at times.My local O'Reillys luckily has this line. In the catalog I have ,the pic is the actual size of the clip which helps a lot when searching.
I use " Clip Lizard" in my body shop. ... The only slight downside is package quanities at times.My local O'Reillys luckily has this line. In the catalog I have ,the pic is the actual size of the clip which helps a lot when searching.
I have downloaded their catalog. The pictures are nice and quite helpful. I see what you mean by quantity being an issue.
,,, Is the barrel nut that square nut you see welded to the clips? I'm pretty sure that those types are preferable to the ones with the threads tapped into an 'extrusion' in the clip itself.
The variety of sizes is greater for the units that have a barrel but no square nut. I should try to inventory the old pieces to see what I need and compare that withwhat is available.
I personally have bought those nuts at ACE Hardware and at Lowes. Just need to take in an old one to match up. I have also bought an entire nut/bolt kit for the truck that I am restoring completely. Nice kit and beats running back and forth to the hardware store. But if the whole kit isn't needed, then I would get what you need to save money especially with the way prices are going up on everything.
<snip> I have also bought an entire nut/bolt kit for the truck that I am restoring completely. Nice kit and beats running back and forth to the hardware store. <snip>
Did you get a detailed parts list with that kit? I would love to have the opp'ty to study it.
My local hardware has u clips. I don't know how many are needed, but the ones needed for a front fender are 5/16x18 for most of the bolts. The larger fender bolt on the bottom is 3/8x16. Fortunately for me, most of mine are reusable.
After buying nuts, bolts and clip nuts from several sources I have concluded that AMK Products has the more complete / authentic hardware and offers them in modular kits such as all the fasteners you need for two fenders in one kit. Indeed other vendors sell their stuff at a slight markup. Their high res images resolve many of the questions you might have about each kit (e.g. how many of each item do you get) except where they go on the vehicle. For example: Here is a page that details all of the kits for our trucks. Take a look at the FENDER APRONS and FENDERS kits for good examples. They also offer bulk purchases. Their web site has an excellent imaging and lookup facility to help you. Online shipping is $10 and there is a $30 min purchase so best get all that you need in one purchase.
Of course you can always purchase their Master kits such as the master body kit for $310.
They are either 1/4-20x7/8”(length) or 5/16-18x1”(length). I buy them in bulk on eBay. In a few instances, you may need shorter but the thread type is consistent. I haven’t found any on my truck to be other sizes.
just search the size and ‘body bolt’ or ‘u-nut’.
I found the bulk packs to be more economical than wasting time, gas and money going back n forth to the hardware store for a few at a time.
Bronco graveyard also does a good job at providing hardware kits.
