Fastner reference guide

[Tim S.]

Can someone suggest a good guide for fastner identification? As I proceed with restoring my 63, I have some bolts that I am questioning as to their originality.

Thanks,

Tim

[Scott S.]

Re: Fastner reference guide

Can someone suggest a good guide for fastner identification? As I proceed with restoring my 63, I have some bolts that I am questioning as to their originality.

Thanks,

Tim

Tim,

Obtaining a 1963 P&A catalog will help with the dimensions (e.g., 5/16-24 x 1-1/2") and occasionally other details like the type of tip and finish on SOME of the fasteners. Also, the Chassis Restoration Guide by Tripoli has a section on fasteners and headmarks, but it is not a complete reference. Dobbins' 1963-1967 Fact Book also has a few pages with fastener details, but again, far from a complete reference.

If possible, post pictures of the fasteners in question, and someone here should be able to identify it/them.

Also, after finding the correct part number in your 1963 Assembly Manual for the fastener you are trying to identify, try searching this forum by the part number only, often you will find old Threads with photos and discussion of the fastener in question.

[Randy C.]

Re: Fastner reference guide

I also suggest obtaining a hard copy AMK catalog. They have all kinds of fasteners with actual size pictures. They even have a cross-reference in the back of the catalog for some GM part numbers to their stock number. As well, when I couldn't find the same stock number, I could take the dimensions of the fastener and search the catalog for the same (or very similar) fastener, as the AMK catalog also shows dimensions and finish(es) for their fasteners. See www.amkproducts.com.

Randy C.

[Monte M.]

Re: Fastner reference guide

Tim,

How did you do with your 1963 fastener list.
I too am in the middle of sorting out nuts, bolts and screws.
Any list you might have would be huge help to me. I have about 50% of the bolts figured out, but very few of the 5/16" bolts/screws with bolt head figured out.
I got all my fasteners in one bucket. I have figured out that a lot of the replacements fasteners they sell are not the same as the originals.
Any help would be appreciated.
Monte

[Patrick N.]

Re: Fastner reference guide

Similar to Randy, I use the AMK catalog and cross reference from the AIM. I have found their parts to be very close if not spot on to the crusty fasteners I am replacing. Try it out on their web site as Randy mentioned, it is very helpful.

Best,
Pat

[Monte M.]

Re: Fastner reference guide

Randy,

Thanks for pointing the AMK Catalog out to me again. It is a great reference, but my problem is, not knowing which bolts go where.

I am one of the lucky ones. My 63 was a Summer Queen when it was in Detroit, for the first part of its life. From Detroit it was brought out here to sunny California. So, crusty fasteners are not really the problem. Yes, I threw all the fasteners in the bead blaster to clean them up a bit. The bumper bolts and a few others had a layer of rust on them.

There are only a few that actually need replacing. So, as soon as I can figure out which bolts go where and if I want to replace them, the AMK catalog will be a great reference and a simple way to get whatever it turns out that I need.

When I got my 63 Coupe, the fasteners for the whole car were in a bucket and the occasional box.

Thanks,

[Gary C.]

Re: Fastner reference guide

I have a copy of the '63 Fastener Reference that I believe was put together by Country Corvettes many moons ago. It's too large to post.

Gary
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