Re: Rusty Nuts and Bolts

Posted by BH On 2011/1/1 10:08:25

Gary -

It all depends on whether you want quick-n-easy or original/authentic. Going beyond basic function, some fasteners used on older cars have unique appearance that discriminating judges look for, but may no longer be in production.

If you're bound and determined to purchase locally, I can't offer much help. Though the site has Packard friends around the globe, the vast majority of its members are in the US. However, if you're open to the possibilities afforded by international shopping, online, I can proved a few pointers.

Member Randy Berger frequently cites McMaster-Carr as a source for hardware - see their Fastening & Joining page.

Our webmaster, Big Kev, used a vibratory tumbler from the selection available at Harbor Freight to clean up many original fasteners and other small parts in preparation for re-use. In fact, you might find BigKev's Project Blog enlightening. Other companies, like Eastwood also offer these tumblers, and a whole host of restorations supplies.

Yet, before you even bother to go shopping for any fasteners, you'll want to get very organized as to your needs. Bag and tag all parts as you remove them, together with their fasteners, and take plenty of specific notes about those that you need to replace.

If you take the time to download and learn to use the entire 48-54 parts book, you will find some helpful information on fasteners.

Part numbers for standard hardware usually have a "G" prefix, and the application listing will often include size information. If you're unsure as to the style of the fastener, you may want to check out a Utility section that was only added with publication of the 55-56 parts book. It includes a chart of basic images as a visual reference, but the pages that follow contain even more details for many, though not all, of their standard hardware.

Fasteners that have a part number without a "G" prefix are more likely to be something special and won't be found in mass-market hardware assortments. You'll have to look to Packard specialists for new or good used replacement of those.