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Nuts and Bolts Frustration

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bberwick

Freshman Member
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I posted this on the Austin Healey Forum, but it was suggested that this might be a better place. So here it goes.

I'm frustrated. Each time I go to mount a part on my '61 Bugeye it seems that I need a fastener of a size I don't have. I have every manual known to mankind, but none shows the size fastener needed. For example, what size bolt is needed to mount the water pump? Is there some reference book I don't have that will give me this information? Home Depot and I are way too familiar with each other.

Bob B
 
If you are buying all your hardware at home depot you are spending too much. Find a local hardware store with bunch of bins and men that smell of cigars.

You need to have a book that lists the factory part numbers. I think Moss Europe catalog does. (It is available as a pdf). Then you can decipher the part number to know the type of bolt. I'll be back in a minute with a link to help.
 
How are you finding British fasteners at Home Depot. I've not quite figured out the whole British thread deal yet. I've resorted to just buying new fasteners from Moss or Vicky Brit whenever I order anything.
JC
 
All the standard hardware is fine or coarse thread. Some of the plumbing and carb stuff is wacky, but the bulk of the stuff is 1/4,5/16,3/8 fine threads. Only when bolts go into threaded aluminum are they coarse (as a general rule)
 
Bob,

If you go to the following site, you will see a list of manuals that were produced for Healeys (including the Sprite models) https://www.austin-healey-stc.org/resto.htm You should be looking for the Mechanical Service Parts list for your car. This has exploded view illustrations of all the parts and fasteners along with a list of the name and quantity. The codes listed for the fasteners will tell you size, length, thread type and finish. This takes a little cross referencing but I do have an excel spreadsheet that makes this easier for the big Healey. I would guess that it is the same codes for the Sprite models. You should be able to find a workshop manual at www.books4cars.com Just search under the Healey heading.

Cheers,
John
 
I buy boxes of 100 each of the nuts, bolts, and washers at a local industrial supply. $50 will buy you enough assortment to restore a few Spridgets.
1/4 x 28 3/4" long
5/16 x 24 1.25" long
3/8 x 24 1.5" long
And nuts and washers to match.
I also pick up some 1/4 28 pan head philips in nickle finish for the under bonnet bolt ons.
A box of 10/32 x 5/8" stainless machine screws with keps nuts makes installing all the little things a breeze too.

For the occasional longer or shorter bolt, any local hardware store will have it.
Ask for grade 5 across the board on the bolts.
Grade 8s are harder but never came as stock.

Of course none of this is for you concours guys but I restore at least a car a year and having all new nuts and bolts at hand can't be beat.
 
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