Cadillac & LaSalle Club Discussion Forum

Cadillac & LaSalle Club Forums => Technical / Authenticity => Topic started by: craig-o on April 02, 2012, 04:48:13 PM

Title: 1955 molding clips/carriage bolts
Post by: craig-o on April 02, 2012, 04:48:13 PM
Can anyone help me locate a source for the correct carriage bolts (12-24 x 3/4) to go into the molding clips on my 1955 CDV?

I am the second owner and am nearly complete with a frame-on restoration.  I believe that most of my car was untouched before I pulled all the trim off and sent it to paint, so the fasteners should be original.  I have the clips (fender, door, fender skirt, etc; rusted but salvageable), but as they were not stainless, most of the studs were so badly rusted, I broke them off when removing them.  A 1/4-20 carriage bolt is too big (the square fitting on the head will not fit into the hole on the clips), and a 10-24 carriage bolt will fit, but is smaller than the square hole in the clip which will easily round off in the future.

I have discovered that some of the fasteners on this car are a very uncommon 12-24 thread, and I believe a 12-24 x 3/4 carriage bolt is what I need.  However, the only source I can find for such a thing will sell only in quantities of 4000... for $246!  I only need 46...  I've tried Mr G's in Texas (that's where I got the 10-24 x 3/4), but they don't stock any length 12-24 carriage bolt.

Has anyone else found a source for these?
Title: Re: 1955 molding clips/carriage bolts
Post by: Eldovert on April 03, 2012, 06:17:33 AM
Look for a large Ace Hardware.
Cheers,Pat MacPhail
Title: Re: 1955 molding clips/carriage bolts
Post by: gary griffin on April 03, 2012, 11:15:27 AM
I don't know where you are but most major cities have fastener stores. For example here we have Tacoma Screw with several branch stores in the Seattle Tacoma area. If they don't have it they will get it for you.  I would also look for a supplier on line. I have had some unusual needs in this area and know that somoene out there has what you need. Years ago I aquired a thread gage to take the mystery out of shopping for fasteners.  I still have a little trouble finding "Whitworth thread" fasteners as used on old British cars and motorcycles but they are out there with a little work they can be found.
Title: Re: 1955 molding clips/carriage bolts
Post by: craig-o on April 03, 2012, 03:02:49 PM
I've been to a local agricultural supply hardware store that frequently has obscure parts, and 2 different ACE Hardware stores; one local neighborhood store and one industrial supply in San Francisco - no luck.  I've also tried Grainger on-line - again, they have #10-24 and 1/4-20 carriage bolts, but nothing in #12-24.

Gary, based on your suggestion, I have called a friend who is a sales rep for Fastenal (not sure why I didn't think of that myself).  He said it's not something they stock in their stores, but he's going to see what he can find with their suppliers.

If the Fastenal connection isn't fruitful, I'll ask the question again:
    Anyone ever found a source for carriage bolts that fit into the stock door,  fender and fender skirt molding clips on a 1954-56?
Title: Re: 1955 molding clips/carriage bolts
Post by: craig-o on April 03, 2012, 05:25:49 PM
Fastenal (and 2 local fastener companies) could only get me the 4000 unit carton, and McMaster-Carr and Grainger's catalogs list carriage bolts in #10 and 1/4" (skipping the coveted #12.)

It looks like I'm going to have to use the #10 carriage bolts that are a touch too small, but will function unless anyone has any other ideas?
Title: Re: 1955 molding clips/carriage bolts
Post by: J. Gomez on April 03, 2012, 08:14:23 PM
Craig,

I shopped at this location about 4 years ago on my last visit to L.A., they had a large selection on the main floor but since then they mostly have special bolts on-line.

http://www.hillcofasteners.com/default.aspx

I’ve also shop at this place you may need to check the on-line catalog or give them a call.

http://www.mrgusa.com/

Here are just a few I’ve found but have not done business with them.

http://www.nutsandbolts.com/

http://www.thefastenerwarehouse.com/page/page/584919.htm

http://oemhardware.ca/index.htm

http://autobodyclips.com/index.php

Good luck..!