Nuts Screws Washers And Bolts

[steveww]

Any recommendations for suppliers of imperial nuts, bolts etc for the Elan here in the UK?

Is it worth using stainless steel?

Anyone know what type(s) of threads are used on the Elan? I only know the sizes by how big the spanner is

[M100]

"Nuts Screws Washers And Bolts"

As the famous newspaper headline said ....something about an escapee from a lunatic asylum who happened to call in at a launderette


The threads are usually UNF, occasionally UNC (engine studs/chassis fixing) with some BA ones used on the instruments. General rule is to avoid stainless for any load bearing safety related fixings, in its normal commercially available forms it is not up to the job strength wise but on an all year round car and for non stressed parts then it does the job just fine. If its summer only vehicle not exposed to road salt then normal zinc plated passivated fasteners last for ages, are original and are much cheaper.

There are loads of industrial supply places out there who carry stock, just have a look in Yellow Pages. If its the chassis/suspension bolts you need then Classicar Brakes do (or did?) a full fixings kit all bagged up and labelled. Buying in bulk is elsewhere is much cheaper in the long run, for instance Lotus charge a minimum of ?0.49+VAT for anything now, even a solitary plain washer.

Towards the front of he parts manual there is a breakdown of the fixing parts numbers when they are non specials so you can see the exact specification

i.e Caliper bolt XUFB 0720

X = Hex head
UF = UNF
B = Bolt
07 = 7/16 inch diameter
20 = 20/16 inch long (1 1/4 inch)

Standard specification in this case is a grade 5 fixing but buy grade 8's and you can use them anywhere (almost?) on the car.

[The Cyclist]

www.Namrick.co.uk are good & have info on sizes etc. www.stainlesssteelcentre.co.uk are tremendously helpful & cheap but you have to phone them. Previously posted advice excellent. Also watch out for tooshort bolts with loads going through the threaded portion - improve on the original even if it means cutting off part of the threaded bit.

[steveww]

Very useful info, thanks all

I see you know the old jokes as well the subject title was chosen specifically