As many of you know, my paint will be done on my '50 F2 soon, and I'll begin putting it back together. Many bolts are lost, and I've been seeing bolt kits offered in various catalogs, like LMC Truck Catalog link: http://www.lmctruck.com/icatalog/fa/t.aspx and National Parts Depot Catalog link: http://npd.dirxion.com/Main.asp , etc. I have a Master Parts Catalog on the way, which should mention bolt sizes. This leads me to my question: In your experience, is it cheaper to make the hardware store field trip and buy 'em that way, or to just buy the damned bolt kit? Granted, it takes away the thrill of the hunt (I do love me the hardware store, and common sense says this is the cheapest route), but I'm curious how much of a premium I'd be paying for the convenience of getting them all at once in kit form. I mean, if it's like $5 or $10 or something like that, for all the poking through all the bins at the hardware store, the gas, and time spent lurking around there it's probably worth it. Opinions? Experiences? Snide comments? Hey, I'd love to hear whatever y'all have to say. All input is appreciated. ~Jason
I deal with automotive fasteners on a daily basis so I hope I can help a little bit. You have 3 logical options I guess. 1. Go to the hardware store and pick out everything you want. It will probably be very time consuming and will probably be the most expensive, BUT you can get exactly what you want. (grade 5, grade 8, chrome, stainless, zinc, ****on head, allen head, etc.) 2. Buy the "kit" from the catalog. Im not sure if that would be more or less expensive than the hardware store but it will save you alot of time. I imagine it would be a little cheaper than option 1 but I can't say for sure. Even if you do buy the kit you will still probably make the occasional trip to the store for some nuts and bolts. 3. Find your local Fastener salesmen and see if he can set you up with a good nut and bolt ***ortment. This will probably be the most expensive at first but the most cost effective in the long run. You will get more than you need for your truck but you wont have to run to the hardware store nearly as much. You might use up all of one size but there will be alot of stuff that you will have for future projects and projects aroudn the house. It will save alot of time as well since you wont have to waste 10 minutes everytime you need 1-1/4" nut. If you decide to do this, be carefull that you find the right nut and bolt guy. Some guys don't know what they are selling you. Make sure he has a really good idea of what you need. If hes good at what he does he should be able to set you up with all the right stuff. If you have any questions feel free to PM me. If you want a nut and bolt ***ortment and cant find a local guy, let me know. We can set you up. We aren't a mail order company but if we can help you out then its definately no problem. PS sorry for the spam. Just trying to help out a fellow rodder.
Thanks, Nick32Vic. I actually live down the way from a huge Fastenal warehouse! I was just curious what the cheapest route was, or if folks have had any bad experiences with one method of obtaining bolts or the other. At this point I'm still pricing everything, but my stuff isn't back from the paintin' dude's place yet. When it comes back, I'll need a way to attack it all, or risk having fenders all over my house wrapped in blankets! ~Jason
I use McMaster for all my hardware. The prices are great and shipping is cheap. http://www.mcmaster.com/
I'll have to build an order and check it out - I think I even have a catalog on a CD somewhere around here... One of the main tempting deals here is that I work probably 5 miles away from LMC. ~Jason
Fastenal, usually local, big catalog. McMaster Carr for the cage nuts (tail light brackets, tailgate hinges, etc.)
I can't wait until my '28 - '56 Master Parts Catalog comes (a CD). That'll answer a lot of questions about exactly what I need. Anybody needs an exploded drawing later on down the line, hit me up. ~Jason
So far, $320.95 is the price to beat ($15.95 shipping). That gives me ALL the hardware, leaving me only the rubber to order to finish. Think I'd be getting hosed? It's cheaper through them than it is going through Totally Stainless themselves! http://www.totallystainless.com/ ~Jason Here's a link: http://www.cl***iccarrestorationparts.com/servlet/the-29113/1948--dsh--1950-Ford/Detail Choose Bolt Style from Drop Down Menu from Right Every body kit includes component kits for front bumper, cab mount, cowl vent, door hinges, latch & catch, door panel (interior),front/inner fenders, grill top & support, horn bracket, hood, interior, Radiator support & braces, seat mounts, steering column clamp bolt, and transmission cover. Body kits with beds also include kits for bed strip & side angles, front bed panel, running boards & brackets, rear bumper, rear fender, tailgate, and tail lights & plate kits -If you have a flatbed or a panel truck, order a bedless body kit- Price: $315.00 $315.00 ****on/Socket Head $305.00 Hex/Phillips Head
LOL! http://www.boltdepot.com/default.aspx Great marketing over there - I usually go for the guys that look like this at the hardware store - they're the ones with the answers (even though they take bad pictures)! ~Jason
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