Locating odd sized bolts

[TX87R10]

Hey guys -

I'm working on another car at the moment that I need a 3 and 11/16" hex head 18NC bolt for. 3 1/2 and 4 aren't working. I've checked McMaster Carr, Fastenal, all the local hardware stores, but so far no dice.

Any ideas on locating odd bolt sizes like this? I would love to pick it up locally so I don't have to wait a week from a random ebay seller or something but...

 

[Frankenchevy]

Can’t you cut down a 4”?

 

[Big Chip]

Hey guys -

I'm working on another car at the moment that I need a 3 and 11/16" hex head 18NC bolt for. 3 1/2 and 4 aren't working. I've checked McMaster Carr, Fastenal, all the local hardware stores, but so far no dice.

Any ideas on locating odd bolt sizes like this? I would love to pick it up locally so I don't have to wait a week from a random ebay seller or something but...

The dealer maybe?

 

[TX87R10]

The dealer maybe?

Possibly, I'll check. It is for '66 mustang water pump so hard to imagine they still use an odd size like that but it's worth a shot

 

[Big Chip]

Possibly, I'll check. It is for '66 mustang water pump so hard to imagine they still use an odd size like that but it's worth a shot

That does definitely make it more difficult. Maybe try a junkyard if all else fails.

 

[TX87R10]

I see online people sawing to saw it off but I can't imagine that is great for the integrity of the bolt.

 

[Doppleganger]

I had a similar issue with a front cross member to frame bolt on an old Euro I was working on several years ago. Was an odd duck metric length. I got a longer bolt, screwed a thread die / chaser onto it high up toward the head, then cut it with a grinding wheel. Used a bench grinder to get it where I wanted it, then removed the thread die which cleaned the threads perfect. UFB how much a single bolt of length and size goes for now. I just bought a 14mm by around 5 1/2" and it was $7. wtf

Its a Plan B perhaps.

 

[Blue Ox]

I see online people sawing to saw it off but I can't imagine that is great for the integrity of the bolt.

It's not going to hurt it. If you have to cut one down remember to file or grind a 60° chamfer on the end.

 

[Squirrely Brother]

If you’re still in the Dallas area you may want to check out Garland Bolt & Supply Company. They’ve helped me out several times in the past.

Garland Bolt & Supply Company
2907 National Drive
Garland, TX 75041
(214) 349-6834

 

[Backfoot100]

I had a similar issue with a front cross member to frame bolt on an old Euro I was working on several years ago. Was an odd duck metric length. I got a longer bolt, screwed a thread die / chaser onto it high up toward the head, then cut it with a grinding wheel. Used a bench grinder to get it where I wanted it, then removed the thread die which cleaned the threads perfect. UFB how much a single bolt of length and size goes for now. I just bought a 14mm by around 5 1/2" and it was $7. wtf

Its a Plan B perhaps.

+1
Have done exactly this several times when I needed a bolt or screw that was a touch too long.
Worked out well whenever I had to do it.

 

[Keith Seymore]

+1
Have done exactly this several times when I needed a bolt or screw that was a touch too long.
Worked out well whenever I had to do it.

+100

One of the things Roger Penske and Mark Donohue would do is cut the extra length of all the bolts - for a mass savings.

Part of the "unfair advantage".

K

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[Doppleganger]

+10000

What he said...that he said...that I said.

You must be registered for see images attach

 

[Grit dog]

You could stack up a few washers if you’re still against cutting a bolt to length.
Nothin says “I fixed this myself” like extra washers! Lol
But it works.

 

[PrairieDrifter]

I 4th or whatever it's at to just cut a bolt. Done it many times, no issues. As said before grind a chamfer after you cut it and maybe chase the threads with a nut first.

 

[1973c10]

Could you use a stud and nut