Bed bolt kits DO YOUR RESEARCH

[blown 72 gmc]

Hello, Just thought I would do an informative post to anybody going install or reinstall a wood floor. I placed a decent sized order with classic parts out of Kansas City, MO. Most everything I received was good except for the bed bolt kit. I upgraded to the stainless for the look and not having to worry about them rusting. Not the case with the classic parts kit. They come with stainless bolts, BUT everything else in the kit is zinc nuts, locks, washers and also all the washers are 5/16". It just does not sit right with me to buy for rust resistance and get 1/2 rust resistance and 5/16 washers for both 1/4 and 5/16 bolts. when I called them I was told thats just the way they sell them. I should of went to mar-k they sell a complete stainless kit. One thing I've learned read the fine print.

[Hellbent]

Duly noted- Thanks for posting.

[MrGoodpliers]

I bought polished stainless bed hardware from Doc's House of Bolts and they were very nice. He offers all sorts of kits for 67-72s, but at the time he didn't have a kit for a metal bed floor. After giving the list of what I needed, he said he would probably offer it in a kit.

[elcaminodragster]

Sorry to hear that but thank you for letting us know I am days away from placing an order for a wood bed bolt kit for my 71 c20.

Brotherstrucks has a sale going on and I believe they have a bolt kit in that sale but I'm not sure. I guess I will call them instead of buying online to make sure it's a full stainless kit.

Thank you for the heads up!
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[stealthy '69]

But what some fail to realize is, stainless nuts and stainless bolt don't always like to play well together.

I work for a large soft drink company and we use stainless on almost everything. Many times if you don't use some type of anti-seize on the bolts, the stainless threads will get gulled. Then the only way to remove said nut and bolt is to break it or cut it off. We've gone through this a lot at work. We mix stainless bolts and steel nuts all the time with out issues. I guess what I'm saying is, they may have a reason they went with zinc plated over stainless. Just some food for thought.

I just finished reading the rest of your post.
As far as the washers all being the same size, that doesn't make sense. Maybe it was just laziness.

[mixermike]

Originally Posted by stealthy '69

But what some fail to realize is, stainless nuts and stainless bolt don't always like to play well together.

I work for a large soft drink company and we use stainless on almost everything. Many times if you don't use some type of anti-seize on the bolts, the stainless threads will get gulled. Then the only way to remove said nut and bolt is to break it or cut it off. We've gone through this a lot at work. We mix stainless bolts and steel nuts all the time with out issues. I guess what I'm saying is, they may have a reason they went with zinc plated over stainless. Just some food for thought.

I just finished reading the rest of your post.
As far as the washers all being the same size, that doesn't make sense. Maybe it was just laziness.

We are helping a buddy build a 52 truck and just installed the bed last week. My buddy said the same thing about stainless nuts and bolts not playing well together....learn something new everyday!
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[elcaminodragster]

Would using a standard anti seize prevent any issues with it???
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[davepl]

I bought mine from Totally Stainless, and they look like they're all great quality. Unfortunately for my Longhorn I received some stepside and some shortbed, but I'm trying to sort that out now...

[Hellbent]

Originally Posted by elcaminodragster

Would using a standard anti seize prevent any issues with it???
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S/S nuts and bolts work fine for our trucks. How often do you plan to remove the bed bolts once in place? Hopefully- if done right, never. Don't loose sleep over it. If in doubt use Locktite anti-seize.

[bollybib]

Interesting thread.

[SCOTI]

Usually the issue w/stainless bolts & nuts galling is from really cranking down on them w/o anti-sieze. If you really need to crank down on the hardware for a SS bolt, use a brass nut spec'd for the task.

[six-T-seven]

ALWAYS use anti-seize on SS nuts on SS bolts.

[hjewell2]

Originally Posted by stealthy '69

But what some fail to realize is, stainless nuts and stainless bolt don't always like to play well together.

I work for a large soft drink company and we use stainless on almost everything. Many times if you don't use some type of anti-seize on the bolts, the stainless threads will get gulled. Then the only way to remove said nut and bolt is to break it or cut it off. We've gone through this a lot at work. We mix stainless bolts and steel nuts all the time with out issues. I guess what I'm saying is, they may have a reason they went with zinc plated over stainless. Just some food for thought.

I just finished reading the rest of your post.
As far as the washers all being the same size, that doesn't make sense. Maybe it was just laziness.

You are 100% correct on your statement. I found out the hard way. Now I use black oxide nuts on said bolts. Stainless will fatigue and or stretch over time. Grade 5 rating.

[SCOTI]

Originally Posted by hjewell2

You are 100% correct on your statement. I found out the hard way. Now I use black oxide nuts on said bolts. Stainless will fatigue and or stretch over time. Grade 5 rating.

Just like standard hardware, SS comes in different grades.

[lolife99]

Totally Stainless will fix you up.
Great products.
I always use anti-seize lubricant with SS hardware.

[no moa]

Been refabbing boats for 22 years, never used anti seize on SS, but then again, what i do i don't intend to remove them again.

[hjewell2]

Originally Posted by SCOTI

Just like standard hardware, SS comes in different grades.

I never knew that, every place I went to did not supply Grade 8 in SS.
Where do you go to get the Grade 8 SS? I was told there is no such thing as grade 8 in SS.

[hjewell2]

Originally Posted by SCOTI

Just like standard hardware, SS comes in different grades.

This is what I found on-line about SS hardware......
It is a common misconception that stainless steel is stronger than regular steel. In fact, due to the low carbon content, stainless steel cannot be hardened. Therefore when compared with regular steel it is slightly stronger than an un-hardened (grade 2) steel fastener but significantly weaker than hardened steel fasteners.

[blown 72 gmc]

Yes there is truth to the fact of stainless galling and the hardware is not as tough as hardend steel. I am an electrician by trade we have had to use stainless on waste water treatment and compost facilities. I always used antisieze and had to go back and remove a bolt later and it has come right off. My main point about the zinc was the finish will only hold up for so long before the plating wears away. The quality of hardware made these days I'm sure it would not be long before the rust would start.