1972 SB-oil pan bolts--head markings

[Jerome P.]

Does anyone know what head bolts (markings) are original to a 1972 (SB-LT1) for both the oil pan and the timing cover?

The bolts on my car have all different markings and would need to purchase replacements for some if not all bolts.

What vendor carries the correct bolts?

Jerry

[Patrick H.]

Re: 1972 SB-oil pan bolts--head markings

On my car's oil pan, the larger corner ones are L, the others appear to be anchors. Pics of the other 72 seem to match.

[Jerome P.]

Re: 1972 SB-oil pan bolts--head markings

On my car's oil pan, the larger corner ones are L, the others appear to be anchors. Pics of the other 72 seem to match.

Pat, three questions: 1) Are the "L" bolts embossed (raised) L's or stamped (inverted)? 2) could the anchors possibly be/maybe flags? 3) What about the markings on the timing cover bolts?

Thanks.

Jerry

[Patrick H.]

Re: 1972 SB-oil pan bolts--head markings

Pat, three questions: 1) Are the "L" bolts embossed (raised) L's or stamped (inverted)? 2) could the anchors possibly be/maybe flags? 3) What about the markings on the timing cover bolts?

Thanks.

Jerry

Jerry,

You're asking a lot when all I'm doing is looking at my pictures. Haven't seen the car in a few weeks.

All of them have a "sunken" top with the emblem / marking raised above the "floor". I can't tell from here if there "may" be flags or not, and really can't tell the timing cover bolts. You're welcome to look at my pics, else I "should" be by the cars on Friday. I "think" my timing cover bolts are L's too.

Honestly, I'd stop by your local machine shop and find what you need. Usually they freely give away the bolts that are removed from old motors.

Patrick

[Joe L.]

Re: 1972 SB-oil pan bolts--head markings

Does anyone know what head bolts (markings) are original to a 1972 (SB-LT1) for both the oil pan and the timing cover?

The bolts on my car have all different markings and would need to purchase replacements for some if not all bolts.

What vendor carries the correct bolts?

Jerry

Jerry-----

In the 50's, 60's and 70's, these bolts were being used by the multi-millions and there was more than one supplier. Among the suppliers were Lamson & Sessions ("L" headmark), Elco Industries ("EL" or "flag" headmark), Anchor Industries ("anchor" headmark) and likely more.

All of the 1/4-20 bolts used, regardless of supplier, were UNTRIMMED (i.e. "indented") hex head with captured, external tooth star washer. Any of the above headmarks could be used and it's VERY possible that more than one headmarking could be found on a single engine. The assembly line workers at the engine plants made no effort to use a "matched set" on an engine and the parts runners were likely filling the bins for these bolts as fast as they could, using boxes of bolts without any regard, at all, to manufacturer----all they cared about was the part number on the box and this was the same regardless of manufacturer.

[Don L.]

Re: 1972 SB-oil pan bolts--head markings

Just ran out to the garage and looked under mine best I could without moving the car that's parked underneath - I see what looks to be corner bolts on the oil pan that appear to be marked "B" in sort of a cross hairs config. Could be an "L". I need to move the other car and stand directly underneath to get a real good look. The smaller bolts along the sides are all but 2 what might be the flag you refer to. I see them as a waving rectangle. Same? There are 2 embossed anchor headmarked bolts. Now you have me wondering - do I have something wrong or could it be shared supply of bolts on the assy line?

As for the timing cover, they all (from where I could see) are the same waving rectangle/flag config. as seen on the pan.

Does this help you or hurt you?

[Patrick H.]

Re: 1972 SB-oil pan bolts--head markings

Just ran out to the garage and looked under mine best I could without moving the car that's parked underneath - I see what looks to be corner bolts on the oil pan that appear to be marked "B" in sort of a cross hairs config. Could be an "L". I need to move the other car and stand directly underneath to get a real good look. The smaller bolts along the sides are all but 2 what might be the flag you refer to. I see them as a waving rectangle. Same? There are 2 embossed anchor headmarked bolts. Now you have me wondering - do I have something wrong or could it be shared supply of bolts on the assy line?

As for the timing cover, they all (from where I could see) are the same waving rectangle/flag config. as seen on the pan.

Does this help you or hurt you?

As Joe points out, it helps him by giving him proof of variation.
I've seen all the variations that Joe mentions, and more.

Patrick

[Bill L.]

Re: 1972 SB-oil pan bolts--head markings

My 70 SB Oil pan had both Ls and flags. The larger were all Ls.


Bill

[Joe L.]

Re: 1972 SB-oil pan bolts--head markings

My 70 SB Oil pan had both Ls and flags. The larger were all Ls.


Bill

Bill-----


The "L" headmarking was very common for the 5/16-18 "corner bolts". I believe these had a captured, split lockwasher or a captured flat washer.

The "flag" or "EL" headmarkings were very common for the 1/4-20 bolts with captured star washers.

While the above were very common, they were far from the only ones used. The only way to know what headmarkings or combination of headmarkings were used on any given engine is to have the known-originals from that engine.

[Jerome P.]

Re: 1972 SB-oil pan bolts--head markings

Interesting. Thanks to all.

Jerry

[Jerome P.]

Re: 1972 SB-oil pan bolts--head markings

Bill-----


The "L" headmarking was very common for the 5/16-18 "corner bolts". I believe these had a captured, split lockwasher or a captured flat washer.

The "flag" or "EL" headmarkings were very common for the 1/4-20 bolts with captured star washers.

While the above were very common, they were far from the only ones used. The only way to know what headmarkings or combination of headmarkings were used on any given engine is to have the known-originals from that engine.

Jow, What about the head marking bolts type for the timing cover?

[Joe L.]

Re: 1972 SB-oil pan bolts--head markings

Jow, What about the head marking bolts type for the timing cover?

Jerome-----


Exact same as 1/4-20 oil pan bolts.