Thoughts on Stainless Steel Hardware

[mdbrandy]

Referring to the stuff at z car creations .

Looking at the prospect of drilling out a number of rusted/broken body screws, I'm considering using stainless for the non-mechanical (i.e., not suspension or internal engine) portions of the car, especially body panel stuff. Problem: while z car creations has apparently gone to a lot of trouble to match the bolt threads and lengths (which they really have to), the bolt heads are not the same size as stock. They are still metric, but the guy says that the are usually "one or two sizes larger than stock". Given that I won't ever get to a 100 percent stock car (the car has headers, and I'll probably keep that and I intend to use a 5 speed to replace the poor-condition 4-speed in the car), what are your opinions on changing the bolt head sizes for literally hundreds of bolts on the car, to get the benefits of no corrosion on the bolts themselves?

[2ManyZs]

That's what I'm planning on, especially important on those 4 bottom fender bolts and a couple other places the bolts have a habit of rusting. Of course, mine isn't going to be pure stock anyways.....

I guess if you wanted to keep it close to stock, you could just replace the ones that are in the problem areas with stainless bolts from the hardware store..... since you probably will remember which ones gave you the most trouble when you took it apart.

[Caen Fred]

I have Stainless bolt on my car, the one from Z creation, great service and perfect match! I am French, and have all the tools in metrics so no prob for me. Beware of one thing, if you are not concerned by rust anymore, they might create some oxidation with aluminium... the same you might have on a boat!

So keep an eye on it.

[Bambikiller240]

Guess it is an individual choice, but I really like the way I can do just about anything on my car with only a few different sized wrenches or sockets. 10mm, 12mm, 14mm, 17mm, and 19mm will let you undo just about anything. Oh sure there are "other sized" bolts on the car but for common work these 5 will allow you do do most maintainance.

For high corrosion areas like the fender bolts mentioned or the Thermostat housing, I would consider S/S, but FOR ME, I would only change those that I would get a great benefit frm changing.

Bolts of the correct size (not in S/S) can be obtained through Lawson Products.

[ZHadMan]

mperdue,

If you don't mind me asking... how much did that kit set you back? I am assuming that photo is of a kit you purchased. I will soon be doing the same and am attempting to figure it into my... ahem... budget. Thanks!

Keith

[ZHadMan]

I'm extremely happy with the kit. Having all the bags labeled with the correct part number is making my suspension reassembly go a lot smoother - so now I can get hung up on other stuff!

Exactly! Although my 73 is a California car I won't feel right about having old, or rusted, bolts holding my soon to be newly painted car together. Thanks for your quick reply!

Keith