TF - Stock Bench Seat Shoulder Bolts

[Dan in Pasadena]

I am reassembling my stock bench seat after having it blasted & powder coated gloss black. It had one original, useable shoulder bolt. Another one was in a spare bench seat but it was stripped. The other bolts had been replaced with assorted bolts and EFFED up the holes in the frames - had to weld repair them and re-drill.

I bought a Lang thread chasing set from Amazon. Says "Made in USA - Racine, WI" - Anyone used this company's tools? Good/bad?

Picture is AFTER I chased the threads. They weren't so much stripped as flattened. Would a true die fix the threads further OR do I need a replacement original bolt? Still available? Source?

Sorry the pic's loaded sideways. The one on left (or bottom) is the one I chased. It's a LOT better than it was but I don't think reliable long term.

[1958Warrior]

I wouldn't use it , You could try to just replace the threaded part by cutting it off smooth at the shoulder and center punch it and drill it ,and tap it to whatever thread that is(3/8)? , take another bolt with enough threads as you need screw it in and locktite it in and cut it off to length.

Might get lucky at Ace hardware, they have a good selection of odd bolts and such.

[Dan in Pasadena]

Hmmm, I don't think I'm up for making a Frankenstein monster bolt - at least that's what it strikes me like. But I may have to do something odd to cope with this IF there is no replacement available.

[1project2many]

Hi Dan,

I have the same thread chaser set. It seems to work well enough for home use.

The threads would probably be cleaner after running the bolt through a die. But I don't know if I would run a die over those threads. A die cuts off any metal which doesn't fit the thread profile leaving less of the thread present. Those bolts appear to have less thread already.
Have you looked at old seat belt bolts as an option? Or thought about locating a bushing that will fill the void? These pages may help:
http://www.hotrodhotline.com/md/lapbelt/
http://www.oerparts.com/shop/search/...%20belt%20bolt

[tmoble]

Dan, that bottom bolt is toast. regular bolt with a spacer works. look at the threads in the seat bottom. Probably find a spacer at Ace, or use an old shock spacer or something. I had a buddy that had a small lathe in his garage, he used to "adjust" stuff like this for me if the OD or ID was a little off. YOu might be able to use a plastic bushing just fine.

[1958Warrior]

Frankenstein...Friend

Basic terms you'd just be drilling and tapping and inserting a stud to replace the worn threads.

What is the thread ? and shoulder diameters? and length ?
A lawn mower wheel bolt may work, depends on the size. Would have to cut to length.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/ACE-72557-Wh...gAAOSwImRYSEpv

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Perfect-Part...kAAOSwKrhVd1Fs

Item description

•Fits all wheels with 1/2" bore
•3/8"-16 thread size
•9/16" to 2 1/4" shoulder length

[Dan in Pasadena]

Originally Posted by 1958Warrior

Frankenstein...Friend

^^^ this made me think of Young Frankenstein and laugh out loud!

But the lawnmower bolts ARE a great suggestion. I also have a specialty bolt place I know of a distance away. Probably worth the trip.

Thanks everyone for the pretty much unanimous verdict that this bolt is a goner.

[Dan in Pasadena]

Originally Posted by 1project2many

http://www.hotrodhotline.com/md/lapbelt/
http://www.oerparts.com/shop/search/...%20belt%20bolt

^^^ Interesting threads, thanks!

I just did a search for 3/8-16 shoulder bolts. Which lead me to Fastenal and Bolt Depot. I didn't find exactly what I was looking for but they lead me to believe I probably will at the specialty bolt place.

Bonus is I may find a chrome Grade 5 bolt that I could use a spacer and if it works they'll look cool next to the gloss black powder coating!

[_Ogre]

shoulder bolts are still available just with typically an allen head

[dsraven]

I know, Canadian eh, but I have bought shoulder bolts for many projects with no problems. like ogre says, allen heads.
try a bolt from another seat year application?

[Dan in Pasadena]

Thursday, July 6, 2017

Took a trip over to Fastenal this morning. Luckily it was empty and a nice guy listened to what I needed & took the time to show me their options.

The factory bolt is 3/8-16 w/ a 1/2" shoulder & 3/4" hex head. He said they doubted I'd find the exact bolt elsewhere. I still have one specialty place near me - King Bolt in Azusa, CA to check.

Option #1
A cap screw bolt that's as near a match as I'll find except it has an Allen head - no real issue except future rust but I'd put Gibb's oil on it. I bought 1-1/4" stainless flat washers to offset the smaller-than-stock head size.

Option #2
Found 1-1/2" stainless hex head bolts that'll work w/a bushing or MAYBE w/o a bushing. The seat back frame hole "rides" the shoulder but will infrequently be tilted forward. These bolts have too small a head but I got stainless washers to make up for that. The (relatively) tiny head looks odd compared to the stock bolt but since it's all SS so I can polish these to look good. The extra length might not even be an issue under the seat, but I'll have to mock it up at home tonight to verify. Pic's below. Opinions solicited. Thanks, Dan

[G&R's57GMC]

The shouldered bolt is the one to use even with the Allen socket. After all you will probably never take it out again.

[tmoble]

the spacer needs to be longer than the seat back is thick or it will just lock the back when you snug it up.

[dsraven]

check out a seat belt bolt at an auto parts place that sells autobody fasteners, maybe get something std thread and the right, or close, shoulder and a large head. the ones that hold the shoulder straps to the B post may have the right length of shoulder so they wouldn't be too long there.
just a thought.

[1project2many]

It appears you have found a working solution. It seems like your final choice has to do with appearance rather than function. Paint the bolt head with a gray or black paint and it will not be the center of attention. If you would like to find a 3/8" coarse thread bolt with a 3/4" hex head there are some additional sources that can be investigated.

[1project2many]

Somebody gonna get banned!!

[bill3rail]

I just ordered the shoulder bolts, $10.00 for a pack of 5. Not original, but they will work.

Bill

[talmadgemoss]

I found these bolts at LMC

http://www.lmctruck.com/icatalog/ca/full.aspx?Page=46

[Divine 59]

Dan, Is there a Salvage Yard nearby. I'm sure there are many bolts there that will do. Besides walking through the treasures is therapy for the frustration.

[vintovka]

The allen head shoulder bolts worked as hood bolts as well. My "restorer" lost mine and had to scramble to get some of these and use washers to replace them.

[Russell Ashley]

Lot's of people here on the forum have swapped their TF seats. I'm surprised that someone hasn't offered one.

[Dan in Pasadena]

Thanks guys for all the suggestions.

But I've long since re-upholstered my stock seat with modern foam replacing the stock springs and I went with the Allen head both & stainless washer, though NOT for "looks" as 1project2many said. I did it because it was the first solution I found that worked good. I treated the Allen head bolt with Gibbs oil and it hasn't rusted at all. So it'll do just fine.