Origional vs. repro suspension hardware

[Tom L.]

I saw today a post that questioned the safety of re-using these old bolts. I tend to agree with those that responded that they will be fine unless overly corroded.

I'm creating a game plan to start going through the rear suspension on my car and have not decided what I should do about hardware. Is it worth having them replated (In terms of cost and origionality) or am I just better off buying new hardware? Thanks!

[Jack H.]

Re: Origional vs. repro suspension hardware

The decision is yours and there ARE pro/con issues regarding re-using factory original fasteners...

But, figure the going rate for 'reproduction' fasteners runs something like $1/bolt on average and you'll understand the attraction associated with cleaning, re-finishing, and re-using the factory original fasteners.

Most plating shops charge something like $75 to cad/zinc plate an entire bucket of bolts!

You have basically two risks:

(1) If the original fastener was over-stressed, it's likely to be enlongated and lacking its original tensile strength.

(2) If plating isn't done correctly, you might experience hydrogen embritlement with subsequent failure in the future.

BUT, plating shops that know their stuff SHOULD offer a post-plating anti-embritlement process at no extra charge. If the plating shop you deal with acts like they've never heard of this, take your work elsewhere. It's a common requirement for aviation/military grade plating work...

[Joe L.]

Re: Origional vs. repro suspension hardware

I saw today a post that questioned the safety of re-using these old bolts. I tend to agree with those that responded that they will be fine unless overly corroded.

I'm creating a game plan to start going through the rear suspension on my car and have not decided what I should do about hardware. Is it worth having them replated (In terms of cost and origionality) or am I just better off buying new hardware? Thanks!

Lynn------

There are fasteners and then there are fasteners. Many fasteners on a car have no real safety implications. However, some fasteners DO have such implications. These include most suspension, steering and brake fasteners. These fasteners have to be looked at VERY critically if they are to be re-used or restored. ANY corrosion damage to the fastener or any suspicion of possible previous under-torquing or over-torquing to such a fastener renders, in my opinion, that fastener not suitable for re-use. It's just not worth compromising safety for the sake of some nuance of originality.

Also, to expand on what Jack has mentioned, if fasteners are to be re-plated, you must MAKE SURE that anti-hydrogen embrittlement treatment is performed on the parts and that it's DONE CORRECTLY. Just because a plater might have the knowledge, facilities, and ability to do this does not mean that they actually will do it or do it properly. You can tell by looking at a fastener if it's been plated properly but you can't tell by looking at it if it's been properly treated to eliminate hydrogen embrittlement. The plater knows that. So, for safety- critical parts, I would suggest having the plater provide you with written certification that anti-hydrogen embrittlement treatment has been performed. That underscores how you feel about it and let's him know you have a "paper trail" to him if a failure occurs and someone is hurt or killed.

[Rich P.]

Re: Origional vs. repro suspension hardware

0-100 lbs cost $100.00 by most plating shops. This is for each color (silver, gold and black) Sometimes they'll also charge you a seperat rate for tumbling and hanging. What you need to do is get to know the plater and let them know these are very hard to replace pieces and none can be lost. Before you send a batch out itemize what you have and double check it against what you get back.
I have been working with MANCO Plating in Newark NJ for over 25 years. Dave is very carefule with your parts and is a car guy himself. They are one of the few shops in the country that still do cyanide base cad plating (the best and longest lasting silver finsh avalible)

Rich

[Gene M.]

Re: Origional vs. repro suspension hardware

Many of the high grade bolts are black oxide or phosphate coated that does not have hydrogen enbrittlement issues if refinished in the same.

The electro plating of hardware is prone to hydrogen enbrittlement.