Lotus Elan and Lotus Elan Plus 2 Forums

I recently removed my rear strut assemblies to fit adjustable platforms, new springs... My cv driveshafts are probably 30 years old and the bolts that held them to the hub assembly were drilled and wired 8MM hex head bolts, stamped SPS MS20007. A couple were damaged in the process of removal and I would like to replace, but can't seem to find anyone in the US that carries them as they are MS (military spec). Maybe this is a bit overkill. What are others using? Any thoughts on where I could source replacements? The fit is really tight, so the head can be no bigger than these. Thanks, Dan

Dan,
I don't understand why you refer to these as M8. By the table you attached these are 7/16-20 which is correct for the three bolts that joint the CV adapter plate to the outboard drive shaft after passing through the brake disc. Dave Bean used to supply SPS bolts with their CV joint conversion, however they had a reduced 12 point head rather than the Allen recess shown on your table. So you could call Bean. I don't recall the length under the head. These MS fasteners can be a pain because of the larger than normal shank diameter. With my Bean kit I had to switch standard SAE bolts because they didn't hold tolerances on the bolt pattern of the adapter plate well enough and this caused a pretty hard interference with the bolt shanks. You could also use ARP bolts:
http://arp-bolts.com/
These have a nice, reduced twelve point head as well. ARP bolts are widely available in the US from places like Summit Racing.

Russ, Thanks. I'll check them out. As to the 8MM reference, I thought that was the size of hex wrench that I used to remove them, but I may be mixing things up. Easy enough to check when I get home. Dan

collins_dan wrote:As to the 8MM reference, I thought that was the size of hex wrench that I used to remove them, but I may be mixing things up.

Dan,
Got it, from the table I would say they were designed for a 5/16" (0.313") Allen key, although 8 mm (0.315") might work but a tight fit.

Dan,
You could try an aircraft supply company, might be easier to find exactly what you want plus pre drilled for lockwire.
This company had a load of stuff for sale at last year's Oshkosh:
http://www.bandbaircraftsupplies.com

Colin.

You might try Coast Fabrication in Costa Mesa, CA., coastfab.com. They have a great supply of high quality bolts, nuts and washers. Their main stock is AN, which can be configured with a specific shank length, so no threads are in shear. Bolts are available as individual units. Have not checked lately, but they may still have 12 point bolts. Much easier to work with than allen headed bolts. Especially if you are using allen heads to hold on you headers.

Rob