Source for Correct Strut Rod Adjusting Bolt / Cam

[Thomas H.]

Working on a 66 rear suspension build. I order what I thought was the correct strut rod adjusting bolt kit but the plating is not correct, bolt should be black phosphate along with (possibly) the washer attached to the bolt head. what I received is all cad / zinc plated. Looking at all of the usual vendors looks like nobody has the black phosphate bolt.

Looking for a source for the correct setup - quick search on ebay turned up nothing.

Thanks,
Tom

[Gary B.]

Re: Source for Correct Strut Rod Adjusting Bolt / Cam

Tim,

As far as I know, none of the repro bolts/cams the correct finish. Rich Pasqualone can help you with refinished, used originals.

You can email Rich at: richp6372@gmail.com

Gary

[Frank D.]

Re: Source for Correct Strut Rod Adjusting Bolt / Cam

When I rebuilt my 63 suspension I ordered repro strut rod can bolts, cam plates, spacers, etc..
Aside from the finish they were just cheap looking and ill-fitting, the markings were ugly and
the parts not accurately sized......I cleaned up and used th originals.

[Thomas H.]

Re: Source for Correct Strut Rod Adjusting Bolt / Cam

Thanks Gary.

I don't understand why companies go to the effort making "reproduction" parts and miss the mark. With just a little attention to detail they could be spot on.

Tom

[Thomas H.]

Re: Source for Correct Strut Rod Adjusting Bolt / Cam

When I rebuilt my 63 suspension I ordered repro strut rod can bolts, cam plates, spacers, etc..
Aside from the finish they were just cheap looking and ill-fitting, the markings were ugly and
the parts not accurately sized......I cleaned up and used th originals.

These are a little beyond cleaning them up............

[Don H.]

Re: Source for Correct Strut Rod Adjusting Bolt / Cam

Call David Sokolowski in So CAL. He'll have a good OEM set for you. He's in the Driveline.

[James W.]

Re: Source for Correct Strut Rod Adjusting Bolt / Cam

Tom,

I agree with Don, give Dave a call and see if he has some "California clean" cam bolts.

I am reusing mine from my '65. After soaking them in Evapo-Rust I took them to Industrial Plating here in Omaha, NE. and had them re-plated.

James

[Scott P.]

Re: Source for Correct Strut Rod Adjusting Bolt / Cam

Thomas, I believe I can send you some. Email me a picture of yours and I will look in the box for a pair. Fogaley@sbcglobal.net Scott

[Thomas H.]

Re: Source for Correct Strut Rod Adjusting Bolt / Cam

Tom,

I agree with Don, give Dave a call and see if he has some "California clean" cam bolts.

I am reusing mine from my '65. After soaking them in Evapo-Rust I took them to Industrial Plating here in Omaha, NE. and had them re-plated.

James

They came out great! I'll try Dave a call. Called him before and left message about other parts and never heard back.....

Tom

[Michael V.]

Re: Source for Correct Strut Rod Adjusting Bolt / Cam

Call Rich Pasqualone at 610 462 4441 (ie.originalgmhardware) he will have exactly what you need in great restored condition and he answers his phone. He lives in New Jersey. You cannot go wrong going with Rich.

[Thomas H.]

Re: Source for Correct Strut Rod Adjusting Bolt / Cam

Thank you for all of the suggestions. I have been able to source a set.

Tom

[Joe L.]

Re: Source for Correct Strut Rod Adjusting Bolt / Cam

All------


One thing to keep in mind: most chassis fasteners are safety-critical. When such fasteners are re-plated, either zinc, cadmium, or phosphate, they must be PROPERLY heat treated after the plating process. If this is not done and/or not done PROPERLY, the fastener is weakened due to hydrogen embrittlement. I would never use a re-plated chassis fastener unless I knew FOR SURE that it had been PROPERLY heat treated subsequent to re-plating.

[David L.]

Re: Source for Correct Strut Rod Adjusting Bolt / Cam

I have an extra pair of NOS GM adjusting bolt assemblies in my collection that I no longer need.
Each GM box is labeled "CAM" and part # 458979 (Gr. 5.417).
Dave

[Joe L.]

[David L.]

Re: Source for Correct Strut Rod Adjusting Bolt / Cam

Dave——-

These are the 77-82 bolts which were SERVICE for 1963-76.

Joe,
I replaced the 3820253 Cam/Bolts and the 3790331 cams on my 1966 when I did a 15-years frame up restoration starting in 1980.
GM # 3820253 was replaced by GM # 458979 in Oct. 1977 as per my GM Parts History for service parts but the 3790331 cam was still available for very cheap $. I assume that I still have my original 3820253 Cam/Bolts but have no idea which of the hundreds of boxes they might reside.
Looking at the photos of the original 3820253 bolts as compared to my NOS 77-82 bolts I see no difference other than plating.
Is plating the only difference?
Dave