Which bolts to replace rusted ones?
Fleet Owner
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 28,609
Likes: 18
From: Lake Tahoe, Nevada
Grade eight is probably overkill for fenders.
I use a spark test to get an idea of what kind of bolt I am replacing. That is to take the bolt to be replaced and touch it on a coarse grinding wheel. Watch the sparks as they come off the wheel. A soft steel spark will divide into two or three particles. (An example would be a screw from almost any product from China.) A very hard steel will divide into many points. If you want to see an example, touch a file, or a high quality wrench to the wheel and you will see the spark will divide into eight or nine points.
Wear goggles!
In any case, a harder bolt can always replace a softer bolt, it's just a matter of cost.
I use a spark test to get an idea of what kind of bolt I am replacing. That is to take the bolt to be replaced and touch it on a coarse grinding wheel. Watch the sparks as they come off the wheel. A soft steel spark will divide into two or three particles. (An example would be a screw from almost any product from China.) A very hard steel will divide into many points. If you want to see an example, touch a file, or a high quality wrench to the wheel and you will see the spark will divide into eight or nine points.
Wear goggles!
In any case, a harder bolt can always replace a softer bolt, it's just a matter of cost.
Hotshot
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 15,882
Likes: 88
From: Durham NC
I am using button head allen SS bolts wherever they show for their clean look. I bought a box of 100 (don't get sticker shock!) 1" long 5/16" diameter along with a box of nuts, plain and lock washers. I have gone thru most of the bolts and will soon buy another box. I was able to score a bag of > 500 nuts and lock washers on ebay very inexpensively so I won't run out of those any time soon. Cheap SS fasteners will be attracted to a magnet, avoid those.
The kits are expensive since you are paying for polishing, and the problem is you don't get any extras for any other places you might want to use them. My Ace hardware store carries a good selection of SS when I only need a few of a special size. Most of the bolts on our trucks are 5/16" fine thread, but I couldn't find buttonheads in fine thread so I am using course thread, and hex head in fine thread where the nuts are captured.
The kits are expensive since you are paying for polishing, and the problem is you don't get any extras for any other places you might want to use them. My Ace hardware store carries a good selection of SS when I only need a few of a special size. Most of the bolts on our trucks are 5/16" fine thread, but I couldn't find buttonheads in fine thread so I am using course thread, and hex head in fine thread where the nuts are captured.
Elder User
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 825
Likes: 3
From: Michigan
Originally Posted by babyfacejack
Should I use grade 8 on the fenders, etc? Or is there something different? Thanks
Made me feel good, LOL.
Fred
Post Fiend
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 5,231
Likes: 1
From: Near Fresno, California
Face it, factory bolts have lasted more than 50 years - and the ones that did turn to rust did so because of user neglect. None of us will let mud build up in pockets, most of us will not drive on salted roads or, if we must, will rinse the salt off as soon as we get home.
Any bolt that meets or exceeds factory specs is good enough for me!
Any bolt that meets or exceeds factory specs is good enough for me!
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