The Ford Barn

Vic in E-TN · 02-03-2025, 03:27 PM

I am putting in the floorboards and will put back the seat assembly in a '31 coupe moveable track. The suppliers note #12-24 screws are used. Years ago I took out the floorboard screws and kept them in a bottle. I cannot get them back into the D-clips in the floor. I could not get the original screws into the D-clips. I pulled out a 12-24 tap and ran the tap through the D-clips. I checked the thread pitch and it was 24. I have some replacement screws and they are exactly they same size and pitch and also will not fit into the floor or seat support. Why don't these screws that are supposed to be #12-24 not fit into the support clips? What am I missing?

Vic

Oldbluoval · 02-03-2025, 04:03 PM

Use thread guage and tap to ascertain
If you’re like me “years ago” could be culprit
That’s what they’re suppose to be

JayJay · 02-03-2025, 04:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Oldbluoval

Use thread guage and tap to ascertain
If you’re like me “years ago” could be culprit
That’s what they’re suppose to be

Yup, I agree. Try running the screws in without the floorboard to make sure the D-nuts are canted the right direction. I’ve had the opposite issue: D-nuts stripped.

gdmn852 · 02-03-2025, 06:30 PM

Hello, after checking the fit into the d nuts , check clearance and alignment of holes in floor boards, wood holes may not be fitted to the d nuts.

katy · 02-04-2025, 10:58 AM

Are you sure you have 12-24 screws and not 14-24? Same thread pitch but slightly larger diameter.

Vic in E-TN · 02-04-2025, 03:56 PM

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Thanks katy, I did not know there is such a thing as 14-24. The screws could be a 14-24 but do not fit in a 12-24 hole. Next trip to the hardware store I will buy some 12-24 screws and see how they fit, if the local hardware stores carry that size.

Vic

nkaminar · 02-04-2025, 07:37 PM

If you cannot find them at the local hardware store, McMasters-Carr has them. Easy to use web site and fast delivery, but pricey.

JayJay · 02-04-2025, 07:55 PM

If it's the floorboard screws you are looking for, best to get them from one of the Model A suppliers, where you can get the special washers that go with the screws.

Y-Blockhead · 02-04-2025, 08:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by katy

Are you sure you have 12-24 screws and not 14-24? Same thread pitch but slightly larger diameter.

Quote:

Originally Posted by nkaminar

If you cannot find them at the local hardware store, McMasters-Carr has them. Easy to use web site and fast delivery, but pricey.

I could not find 14-24 screws on McMaster-Carr or Bolt Depot. I doubt your local hardware store will carry them. You sure you are not referring to the next size larger than 12-24, which would be ¼"-24?

The ones Bratton's sells are 12-24 https://www.brattons.com/FRONT-FLOOR...uctinfo/28090/

J Franklin · 02-04-2025, 09:21 PM

Check Bratton's, Snyder's, or Bert's. They sell as a kit with the right type washers.

Badpuppy · 02-05-2025, 10:06 AM

Hardware stores sell 12-24, but probably only philips head. Even the vendors' screw is not taper thread like the original. The head is also smaller and thicker.

JayJay · 02-05-2025, 10:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Badpuppy

Hardware stores sell 12-24, but probably only philips head. Even the vendors' screw is not taper thread like the original.

Really? I hadn’t noticed that.

Badpuppy · 02-05-2025, 10:14 AM

I believe all Henry's 12-24 were taper thread. Heads were flatter and wider than what you find today, also.

Joe K · 02-05-2025, 10:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Badpuppy

I believe all Henry's 12-24 were taper thread. Heads were flatter and wider than what you find today, also.

But running a tap down obviates the need?

I suspect any taper thread here was to work with the D-nut - and present a screw which didn't need any sort of "lockwasher" or similar. The dished washers by themselves wouldn't keep the screw from backing out.

I think the "kits" available are straight thread - at least mine was 40 odd years ago.

Loctite is a force today. I would go blue unless you have a special need to tear out the D-nuts.

Joe K

katy · 02-05-2025, 11:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Y-Blockhead

I could not find 14-24 screws on McMaster-Carr or Bolt Depot. I doubt your local hardware store will carry them. You sure you are not referring to the next size larger than 12-24, which would be ¼"-24?

The ones Bratton's sells are 12-24 https://www.brattons.com/FRONT-FLOOR...uctinfo/28090/

14-24 is an obsolete thread size (A.S.M.E.), used "back in the day". Some people think 14-24 is the same as 1/4-14, but it's not. #14 is slightly smaller than 1/4".
#12-24 screws are .216" diameter, #14-24 are .242" and 1/4-24 are .250"

JayJay · 02-05-2025, 11:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Badpuppy

I believe all Henry's 12-24 were taper thread. Heads were flatter and wider than what you find today, also.

I can relax - I’ve learned something new today!

katy · 02-05-2025, 11:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Badpuppy

Heads were flatter and wider than what you find today, also.

They're called bugle head.

Y-Blockhead · 02-05-2025, 12:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by katy

14-24 is an obsolete thread size (A.S.M.E.), used "back in the day". Some people think 14-24 is the same as 1/4-14, but it's not. #14 is slightly smaller than 1/4".
#12-24 screws are .216" diameter, #14-24 are .242" and 1/4-24 are .250"

Thanks for learning me on that. I have never heard of or can find anyone that carries a 14-24 screw.

CarlG · 02-05-2025, 02:23 PM

So, what is the correct size? #12 or #14?

Ernie Vitucci · 02-05-2025, 02:42 PM

Good afternoon...Do get a kit from one of our suppliers mentioned above. Or, I like Arizona Model A...the bolts and washers come together. Also drill out the floorboard holes to 5/16 inch to give a bit of flex to get the bolts started...Call Sammy at 480-782-0266. Tell him Ernie sent you. Ernie in Arizona

02-03-2025, 04:03 PM	#2
Oldbluoval Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2015 Location: Signal Mtn, TN (SE TN) Posts: 2,591	Re: Screws #12 - 24 Floorboard Use thread guage and tap to ascertain If you’re like me “years ago” could be culprit That’s what they’re suppose to be

02-03-2025, 06:30 PM	#4
gdmn852 Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2019 Location: Erie Pa Posts: 961	Re: Screws #12 - 24 Floorboard Hello, after checking the fit into the d nuts , check clearance and alignment of holes in floor boards, wood holes may not be fitted to the d nuts.

02-04-2025, 10:58 AM	#5
katy Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2015 Location: Red Deer, Alberta Posts: 5,712	Re: Screws #12 - 24 Floorboard Are you sure you have 12-24 screws and not 14-24? Same thread pitch but slightly larger diameter. __________________ If you don't hear a rumor by 10 AM, start one!. Got my education out behind the barn!

02-04-2025, 03:56 PM	#6
Vic in E-TN Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Maryville, TN Posts: 531	Re: Screws #12 - 24 Floorboard Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) Thanks katy, I did not know there is such a thing as 14-24. The screws could be a 14-24 but do not fit in a 12-24 hole. Next trip to the hardware store I will buy some 12-24 screws and see how they fit, if the local hardware stores carry that size. Vic

02-04-2025, 07:37 PM	#7
nkaminar Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Western North Carolina Posts: 5,854	Re: Screws #12 - 24 Floorboard If you cannot find them at the local hardware store, McMasters-Carr has them. Easy to use web site and fast delivery, but pricey. __________________ A is for apple, green as the sky. Step on the gas, for tomorrow I die. Forget the brakes, they really don't work. The clutch always sticks, and starts with a jerk. My car grows red hair, and flies through the air. Driving's a blast, a blast from the past.

02-03-2025, 03:27 PM	#1
Vic in E-TN Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Maryville, TN Posts: 531	Screws #12 - 24 Floorboard I am putting in the floorboards and will put back the seat assembly in a '31 coupe moveable track. The suppliers note #12-24 screws are used. Years ago I took out the floorboard screws and kept them in a bottle. I cannot get them back into the D-clips in the floor. I could not get the original screws into the D-clips. I pulled out a 12-24 tap and ran the tap through the D-clips. I checked the thread pitch and it was 24. I have some replacement screws and they are exactly they same size and pitch and also will not fit into the floor or seat support. Why don't these screws that are supposed to be #12-24 not fit into the support clips? What am I missing? Vic

02-04-2025, 07:55 PM	#8
JayJay Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2020 Location: SF Bay Area Posts: 2,104	Re: Screws #12 - 24 Floorboard If it's the floorboard screws you are looking for, best to get them from one of the Model A suppliers, where you can get the special washers that go with the screws. __________________ JayJay San Francisco Bay Area ------------------------ 1930 Murray Town Sedan 1931 Briggs S/W Town Sedan It isn't a defect, it's a feature!

02-04-2025, 09:21 PM	#10
J Franklin Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Oregon Posts: 6,370	Re: Screws #12 - 24 Floorboard Check Bratton's, Snyder's, or Bert's. They sell as a kit with the right type washers.

02-05-2025, 10:06 AM	#11
Badpuppy Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2017 Location: Guthrie, OK Posts: 1,247	Re: Screws #12 - 24 Floorboard Hardware stores sell 12-24, but probably only philips head. Even the vendors' screw is not taper thread like the original. The head is also smaller and thicker.

02-05-2025, 10:14 AM	#13
Badpuppy Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2017 Location: Guthrie, OK Posts: 1,247	Re: Screws #12 - 24 Floorboard I believe all Henry's 12-24 were taper thread. Heads were flatter and wider than what you find today, also.

02-05-2025, 02:23 PM	#19
CarlG Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Anchorage, Alaska Posts: 9,192	Re: Screws #12 - 24 Floorboard So, what is the correct size? #12 or #14? __________________ Alaskan A's Antique Auto Mushers of Alaska Model A Ford Club of America Model A Restorers Club Antique Automobile Club of America Mullins Owner's Club

02-05-2025, 02:42 PM	#20
Ernie Vitucci Senior Member Join Date: May 2016 Location: Scottsdale, Arizona Posts: 656	Re: Screws #12 - 24 Floorboard Good afternoon...Do get a kit from one of our suppliers mentioned above. Or, I like Arizona Model A...the bolts and washers come together. Also drill out the floorboard holes to 5/16 inch to give a bit of flex to get the bolts started...Call Sammy at 480-782-0266. Tell him Ernie sent you. Ernie in Arizona