Converting Engine Compartment Nuts/Bolts to Stainless

[Vipuronr]

Okay, we've had discussions of this previously and they have been helpful. Now, in the process of converting many of the nuts and bolts in my engine compartment to stainless. The reason? Aside from looks, my car spent nearly its entire life in Boca Raton where it was driven rarely and subject to the very high humidity. The result was the surface rusting of nearly all the fasteners in the engine compartment.

Though some wouldn't care, I prefer the engine comparment to be at least, presentable.

My question now is.....I have a '98 RT/10 and behind the headlights there are four (2 on each side) wing nuts that hold a plastic cover. The wing nuts are larger than the standard one you would find in any hardware store AND they are metric size - 8mm x 1.25. Making it even more difficult, they have nylon insert that acts like a stop.

So far, stainless???? Seems like not until hell freezes over will these be found...but thought I would ask.

Speaking to Chuck, his suggestion was to clean up and spray black. I don't want to do anything to the originals and that is why I am looking...my ideal would be similar wing nut in stainless.

Sorry for the long explanation for an insignificant part...but what the hey.

Any suggestions? For those who have made this change - Baz? - what did you guys do?

I have tried the two nut/bolt suppliers, but they don't list anything even close. Then, wondered if there is such a thing as plating a metal wing nut with stainless steel?

Thanks much.

Peter

 

[AviP]

I'm not sure of the sizes you need but I came across "stainless steel wing nuts" on McMasterCarr. Just search for the words.

 

[plumcrazy]

you must have a local stainless distributor. i have one luckily. everytime i take off nuts and bolts, i run there and he matches them up for me.

im sure you could do the same

 

[Vipuronr]

Yes, and I failed to mention (sorry) that I have found a few stainless wing nuts in this metric size. However, me being as obsessive as I am, rejected them since the are much smaller in size. This is because the factory wing nut wings are larger and it comes with a nylon insert which also makes the wing nut larger.

My goal is to find something similar in look and size that is in stainless. If you need a pic, I can take one to show what I mean.

By the way, I have found a similar wing nut in non-metric, non-stainless...but because it isn't stainless it will probably rust. Besides, I have to buy a tap to change the threads to metric.

Obsessive huh???? Yes, given way to much thought to such an insignificant thing. But, in my mind, it becomes a challenge for me to tackle. Somebody must (hopefully) make that type of nut in stainless......ugh!

Thanks

 

[Vipuronr]

Okay, here are pics to clarify. The wing nut on the right is the factory one, the one on the left is the regular metal (non-stainless) that is also non-metric. Notice the similarity as a result of the nylon insert and indentations on the wings.

Closeup of factory wing nut:

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Similar in shape, size and indents to wings:

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Notice the nylon insert:

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Hope that helps.

 

[Vipuronr]

Oh, and Plum, I was referred to a nut and bolt supplier in the area who is great at finding hard to get pieces. They had no clue who would make such a wing nut in stainless and, worse, none of their suppliers showed one.

 

[Chuck 98 RT/10]

You might have an easier time finding psychological counseling.

Sorry. Couldn't resist since you opened the door with the "obsessive" references.

Seriously, good that you pay such attention to detail.

 

[Vipuronr]

At the rate I'm going, I would certainly have greater success treating my obsessive, did I also tell you that I am obsessive, issues then I would finding four darn stainless steel, wing nuts that...oh by the way, also have nylon inserts and gee, are also metric size!

My need to have things like this stay original or as close to original as possible is my goal. This type of thing is strictly for appearance and has nothing to do with mods.

Thanks for the comment though.....hey, did I mention that I am a tad bit obsessive???????

 

[CPPRHD265]

What about finding one is a standard or metric size just a bit smaller than the 8mm, then drilling it out and tapping it? If your willing to go that route you may have a bigger selection to start off with.

 

[Vipuronr]

Going to try that this week with the non-stainless wing nut in the photos (on the left). But, not as nice as stainless...may have to do though.

Thanks.