Body Bolt Resto A simple How To

[beater68427]

I was at the shop today restoring some hardware for the beater and a friend came along for some sunday bench racing, to my surprise he had never seen the simple process I was doing. This gave me a idea on a how to thread. Now I know alot of you out there know how to do this but I thought some might like to see how to and be able to do it themselves.

This is a simple Body Bolt Restoration it can be done for next to nothing. A few items are needed a propane torch, some motor oil, pliers, and a way to clean the bolts, you can use a wire wheel bead blast etc but they need to be clean. Remember to check the threads! here are the items needed.



This is our example bolt in need of a restoration.



The first step is going to be cleaning the bolt you need to do a good job at this, it can be done a number of ways, I chose to bead blast them, remember to clean the threads.

[beater68427]

The next step is going to be heating the bolt, I like to use a propane torch, a actual cutting torch will heat way too fast and create a "gun blueing effect" heat the bolt to a goldish color first.



Next you want to soak the bolt in the oil.

[beater68427]

Remove the bolt from the oil after about 30-45 seconds.



At this point I like to do the whole heating process over without removing the oil.

[beater68427]

After you see the oil dissipate resoak the bolt for the last time in the oil.



Remove the bolt after 30-45 seconds.

[beater68427]

Let the bolt cool on its own, this is a before and after.



This a comparison with a new bolt out of the box, "upper bolt" and our restored original bolt lower.

[beater68427]

For around $4.00 and 2-3 hours on the weekend, you can easily restore your underhood body hardware. I thought this type of post might be informative to some, A "How To Post" if this is the kind of stuff you like please chime in, if not well I just wont do it again.....

[TDW]

I think it's a great idea. Do more, do more!!!

[ORIGLS6]

Good info. Probably best to use the propane torch vs. the oxy/acetylene? If you overheat the bolts could you possibly compromise the strength?

[Keith Tedford]

These bolts are not torqued very high. They are just compressing the body mount rubbers. They really are not getting much stress at all considering their number and size.

[beater68427]

[ QUOTE ]
Good info. Probably best to use the propane torch vs. the oxy/acetylene? If you overheat the bolts could you possibly compromise the strength?

[/ QUOTE ]

Oxygen-Acetylene will heat the bolt quite fast, you would anneal it greatly. (Kinda like sitting in the sun in the desert) the pores in the skin will be very open, also the burn from the torch will effect the finish, Hardness will depend on curing. With propane you will anneal it enough to pull oil in for the finish needed, If you were to rockwell test it, it would be just slightly harder than original using this method.