I started out using stainless steel in some locations then I started
re-plating original nuts, bolts and washers because some are unique.
Nuts with circles on the flats, bolts that I could tell were
originals by the markings and specially sized washers. In some not
very visible areas subject to rusting, I used stainless steel. I also
used some SS fasteners in the engine compartment too. I mixed things
up a bit. I have been using a Caswell plating kit to zinc plate. A
restorer I talked with recommends clear cadmium but you need to send
that out to a plater. He just loads everything into a box and sends
to somewhere in southern California.
John
At 04:33 PM 11/20/2011 -0800, mark lapierre wrote:
>I just watched a video about refurbishing old nuts, bolts and even washers to
>reuse on restorations and general maintenance on our cars. The fasteners
>were tumbled clean and then zinc plated.
>
>At what point and in what areas is it not a good idea to reuse these
>fasteners. I have mixed
>emotions on which way I would want my total restoration handled. If I was
>paying the big bucks
>then I would expect to have new hardward used.
>
> Seems like there would be a failure issue or a stretching of the threads
>coming into play here after 40 some years.
>
>Is the old style British hardware with the circles on the heads still
>available new anymore or is it necessary to use old hardware to get the
>original look?
>
>I guess my point here is that I am very surprised that old hardware is used on
>high dollar
>restorations. Curious how other restorers handle this issue.
>
>Mark
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