fender bolt ?

[Kris 90]

I am curious if there is any real reason to use the fender bolts that have the built on washer. I would assume that a regular bolt with a lock washer would work just as well as long as it was large enough to not have a change of going through the hole. I am wanting to use stainless bolts on most of my car but the stainless fender bolts are pretty high compared to regular stainless bolts and I have a ton of these. I have all the original hardware that was on my car also but really don't want to have to clean them and unless you take them and have them plated again they will rust rather quickly with just paint.

[LiLMike 42]

I'm not sure why you couldn't use Stainless bolts. Perhaps there is a reason not to but my PO used Stainless bolts and all I know is I haven't had any trouble so far. Maybe down the road something will happen to verify this but for now that is what I have in my car.

[miketyler 15]

I am a big fan of stainless. I used it all over the car including stainless brake and fuel lines. Also bought the AMK stainless kits for fenders, front sheet metal structure, engine kit, etc. I even made my auto shift linkage for the AOD conversion out of stainless rod and threaded the end. Just be sure to use anti-seize on the engine applications.

[Infanti Machine 10]

Stainless bolts are great way to go. They look good and won't rust. Like miketyler said , be sure to use anti-seize on the threads. Stainless threads have a tendency to gull and can be a problem getting them apart if you put the nuts on dry.

[RogerC 136]

I am curious if there is any real reason to use the fender bolts that have the built on washer

 

Cause the panels they secure have slotted holes. Whether you use stainless or not you'll want a washer under the head of the bolt.

[BuckeyeDemon 211]

you will completely chew up your fender at the mounting hole locations if you use a lock washer.

 

instead, use a fender washer.

[buening 63]

I used regular grade stainless bolts on my fenders. I took the bolt heads to a bench grinder to grind off the stampings, then sanded and polished them.

 

Another option is these:

 

 

http://forums.vintage-mustang.com/mod-custom-forum/536455-custom-stainless-body-bolts-here-you-go.html

[Kris 90]

Thanks, i know to use a waher under the regular bolt. I was just curious if there was a reason or advantage to using the ones that have the washer built onto them instead of a regular bolt with a seperate washer.

[Infanti Machine 10]

I believe the reason they used those bolts at the factory was for speed in assembly and less parts (no washers) to add. Other than that I see no advantage in using the factory style bolts.

[Kris 90]

Ok thanks, didnt think it would matter but wanted more opinions.