Specs for bed bolts ('79 SWB)?

[brossow]

Wondering if someone can tell me the specs (length and diameter) for the carriage bolts used to attach the bed on my '79 shortbed 2WD fleetside. I'm sure I could figure it out with measuring and trial and error, but it would be great if I didn't have to do that and could just buy what I need the first time. Bed wasn't attached when I bought it and although I don't plan to drive it immediately, it'd be nice to have the bed bolted down when I do.

Found a bolt kit on eBay, but no way am I paying $25 for eight carriage bolts that I can buy in bulk locally for $4/lb! (Especially when it appears two in that kit on eBay are far too short, based on the diagram at LMC:

and an old eBay auction:

Thanks a ton (or at least a half-ton),
Brent

[Buick455]

Just guessing they are probably grade 5 bolts but I am not sure the size. If they are grade 5 there should be 3 lines on the top of the head. You can buy them from a good fastener business. We have one locally that I buy most of my hardware from.

[brossow]

Thanks, but what I'm looking for are the dimensions -- diameter and length. They look like 1/2" diameter, but length? I'm sure Grade 5 is right.

[54Caddy]

well are the bolts on the truck as of now, if it was me id take them off and go down and match them all up nothing hard about it only unless the cariage bolt starts to spin then it can be a pain, and when you find out let me know ahaha because someone put standard bolts in my truck and i hate them.

[85gmcguy]

I used 1/2-13 x 4 stainless on mine. You really don't have to use the longer bolts they picture, you just have to wiggle a little more to get nuts on the shorter ones. If you have access to Grainger, their part number is 1VE38. Be sure to get stainless washers and nuts, too.

[brossow]

Originally Posted by 54Caddy

well are the bolts on the truck as of now, if it was me id take them off and go down and match them all up nothing hard about it only unless the cariage bolt starts to spin then it can be a pain, and when you find out let me know ahaha because someone put standard bolts in my truck and i hate them.

Like I said, the bed wasn't attached when I bought the truck. It's just resting on the frame right now. That's why I need to get it bolted down.

Originally Posted by 85gmcguy

I used 1/2-13 x 4 stainless on mine. You really don't have to use the longer bolts they picture, you just have to wiggle a little more to get nuts on the shorter ones. If you have access to Grainger, their part number is 1VE38. Be sure to get stainless washers and nuts, too.

Thanks for the info! Any idea how long the longer ones are, if I was so inclined?

[babyJay]

I agree with Gary on the stainless, just because I've never managed to get stock ones out in one piece. We usually have to grind off the heads or cut the bottom to get 'em to cooperate.

[brossow]

Originally Posted by babyJay

I agree with Gary on the stainless, just because I've never managed to get stock ones out in one piece. We usually have to grind off the heads or cut the bottom to get 'em to cooperate.

No doubt. After my experience with the teardown on my '72, nothing I build is ever getting assembled with anything but stainless.

[bigblock73]

I used to be into stainless this and that, but then I started thinking...I'd have a hardware store nut and bolt truck. No thanks. I actually prefer GM automotive fasteners wherever possible, they look so much better IMO.

On the bolts pictured, I would be worried the square head is the wrong size, and the threads aren't tapered on the end like the GM ones are (easier to install).

I know...I am anal.

[Big Port Jimmy 6]

Originally Posted by bigblock73

I used to be into stainless this and that, but then I started thinking...I'd have a hardware store nut and bolt truck. No thanks. I actually prefer GM automotive fasteners wherever possible, they look so much better IMO.

On the bolts pictured, I would be worried the square head is the wrong size, and the threads aren't tapered on the end like the GM ones are (easier to install).

I know...I am anal.

Also the commercially available carriage bolts do not match the stock bolts. The stock bolt head is slightly larger, both in diameter and dome, and the square is much larger and more robust. Jay

[brossow]

Okay, then where does one find stock-spec bolts? I'm not looking for a 100-point resto but just something to keep the bed from falling off the frame.

[85gmcguy]

Mine only had 1 long 1, and it's about 10 1/2". I still have the ones I removed, they're all in good shape w/nuts. If you're interested, drop me a PM.