Packard Forum Index » V-8 (1955-56)

Actually, mine are being repainted, but the bolts are rusty and it occurred to me that chrome or stainless bolts would dress it up a bit.

Are these standard size bolts? What size?

Suggestions for sources?

Thank you!

The parts book listed on this site has the sizes listed. I used that info and bought stainless bolts with the correct recessed head. I got them from an eBay vendor, you should not have too much trouble getting nice new correct looking ones.

Pat,

Stainless steel nuts, bolts, and washers are a great way to dress up an engine. Not authentic, but they sure look nice. I prefer them over chrome for a more subtle but distinguished look.

Also, regular paint will work on the engine, no need for "engine enamel". The intake manifold hot spot will quickly discolor paint, but that cannot be helped.

If you are going all-out, Eastwood makes a nice exhaust manifold paint, that when seasoned looks like new cast iron.

I also prefer gloss black for those parts painted black (air cleaner, oil filter, generator, fan and pulley, etc). Again, not authentic, but it sure looks better than stock.

You can get decals from the PAC.

Now let the stone throwing begin.

(o{}o)

You can get all your stainless steel fasteners from "Totally Stainless". Just Google them and all will be revealed.

As I understand the parts book...the correct bolt is 5/16 coarse 5/8 long.

Where does the recessed head come from?

Should one use split ring lock washers, or bolts with the washer built in? Or no washer?

Apologize for making the simple complicated and the obvious obscure. It's my gift and I have to roll with it.....

If you look at the original screws, the head has a recessed area. There is a correct name for that type but I don't remember it. I have seen many cars with nice shiney modern flat head bolts and they don't look close to correct.

I believe they are called indented hexagon bolts. Here is one place that carries regular cad plated like factory used.http://alloyboltz.com/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=48_49_99_234_235&products_id=1534&osCsid=r9apn052ui6nr5952j8cpb03l2 Need more searching to find stainless in that size but out there.

The Packard version head is on the ends in the photo and without the flange. It is normally used with a washer. The indented hex flange type shown in the middle seems to be much more common and is available many places -- either in plain to use with a washer or with antivibration notches under the flange.

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I went to my local True Value store and they have chrome nut, wahers and bolts in various sizes. I picked up several and used them to hold down the rocker arm covers.
Of course they don't look a original.

Ordered everything from totally stainless today.

Fingers crossed and breath drawn.....