Frame bolts

[Drewbee]

Ok, I hope this is the right place to put this. I have been searching and came up with grade 8 bolts to use in place of any rivets you take out of the frame. However, what size do you suggests? I am thinking of using 7/16 or 1/2, however what length do you use to bolt in the cross members? cab mounts? any other things....etc..

Please leave your suggestions.

[Ackattack]

Use as big as you can that will fit in the whole. Also, you can use as short of a bolt as you can as long as the nut is fully threaded on. If possible use bolt/washer/what ever your bolting together/washer/lock washer/nut. (or replace lock washer and nut with nyloc nut).

[cdowns]

measure the size of the hole then get the right size to fill that hole that's what i was taught in rocket science class

[hjewell2]

Originally Posted by cdowns

measure the size of the hole then get the right size to fill that hole that's what i was taught in rocket science class

Really!

[Drewbee]

I was talking about length, not the hole size itself. I already said I was going to use 7/16 or 1/2 bolt to make them really snug in the hole itself. I just didnt know if people had better suggestions on the length of the bolt itself - 1, 1 1/2.. I know some of the lines are ran through the frame channel. It is a simple question, and sorry if it comes across dumb. But like I said, as far as the width of the bolt - 7/16 or 1/2, whatever makes the hole super snug, but just seeing others suggestions on the "length" of the bolt.

Hope this clears up any confusion.

[hjewell2]

Originally Posted by Drewbee

I was talking about length, not the hole size itself. I already said I was going to use 7/16 or 1/2 bolt to make them really snug in the hole itself. I just didnt know if people had better suggestions on the length of the bolt itself - 1, 1 1/2.. I know some of the lines are ran through the frame channel. It is a simple question, and sorry if it comes across dumb. But like I said, as far as the width of the bolt - 7/16 or 1/2, whatever makes the hole super snug, but just seeing others suggestions on the "length" of the bolt.

Hope this clears up any confusion.

Dont worry Drewbee, some Members on here have no class.
There is never a stupid Question.

[Shyguy]

Just a rough estimate I would try a 1.5 inch bolt. I like to have full thread engagement as mentioned before.

Like stated before there is not such thing as a dumb question. If there was I would be in deep stuff sometimes.

I was at my local guy's, he restores these old trucks for a living, place yesterday asking all kinds of questions. I stop by his house at least once a week with questions. question.

[N2TRUX]

If you don't already know this, buy your bolts from a fastener supply company. They are going to be much cheaper buying a box full than ones and twos at a hardware store. Next best is Farm or Tractor supply stores.

[Shyguy]

They opened a couple of Fastenal stores close to where I live, but so far I have not been in one.

I have been buying my bolts and such at places like you mentioned and they are a lot cheaper than other places. Here we have Tractor Supply and AgMart.

[WETOWM]

has any one ever seen a pan head bolt that would look like a rivet on the one side

[ctandc]

Want to save even more money buying bolts?

http://www.boltdepot.com/

Hard to find fastener? Need an odd size? Stainless? Grade 8? They got it.
And even with shipping...cheaper than I can find anywhere near me (including Fastenal).

[Gobbles]

I recommend Stover Lock nuts, they are tapered and actually pinch the bolt. I prefer these over Nylocks or locking washers.

Also in gr8.

[dyrt]

Howdy,


I would measure the thickness you are trying to bolt together, add the thickness of any washers you plan to use, thickness of a locknut, and let the threads stick out one or two threads at least.

When i did mine, i drilled all of the holes out to 7/16 and went to fastenal. I purchased grade 8 flat washers, fine thread bolts in i believe 1.25 and 1.5 and a bag of 1.75s or 2s for good measure(this way i had all bases covered,) and grade 8 fine thread top locknuts. The bolts were a tight fit and if the threads were too long anywhere i just used a die grinder to take off the extra if i saw fit. I figured better to have too much hardware than not enough.

Whichever route you take, good luck.

[dyrt]

Originally Posted by WETOWM

has any one ever seen a pan head bolt that would look like a rivet on the one side

you can get grade 8 carriage bolts but then you have to file the squares. The other option is to buy a real rivet setup. At the end of the day, i think the hex is better because it is functional and easy to grip and tighten as opposed to the prettier looking bolts that often use an allen key or torx. They sure would look nicer though.