Nut and bolt gauge for Early Ford

[throwback]

Does anyone know if someone is selling a Nut and bolt gauge for Earl Fords?
Could you provide me with contact information?



Thank You!

[Kube]

Originally Posted by throwback

Does anyone know if someone is selling a Nut and bolt gauge for Earl Fords?
Could you provide me with contact information?



Thank You!

Do you mean a gauge to tell you exactly what size you have? If so, McMaster-Carr sells gauges in various ranges.

[throwback]

Looking for a gauge that will tell me the size (diameter), Thread count.



Thank You!

[supereal]

Ford used a variety of odd sizes and threads, many unavailable except from specialists. For that reason, we never discard bolts or other fasteners. We keep jars and cans full of them, and they come in very handy.

[nelsb01]

I have a Craftsman Tap and Die kit that covers the majority of the sizes. The thread gauge in the kit works for determining thread count and those that you arent sure of, I then use the taps to check.
If you are just looking for a thread gauge, good hardware stores like Ace, True Value and Do It Best still carry them.
As the recently departed Nut and Bolt man said -- you can't restore a vehicle without a thread gauge.

[Kube]

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Originally Posted by throwback

Looking for a gauge that will tell me the size (diameter), Thread count.



Thank You!

Check McMaster-Carr. I agree with Supereal that Ford used what we (these days) consider odd sizes. However, Ford rarely used anything (sizes) that isn't readily available even now. Nearly all fasteners were fine thread. Some were coarse thread. I can't think of any that were super fine thread.
You can purchase gauges in both fine and coarse thread sizes.

[DavidG]

There are some super fine threaded fasteners that were used, but off the top of my head the only ones that I came up with for now are the threads on the '32-'mid-'37 cowl vent handles.

[51 MERC-CT]

One of the 'odd' size screws that Ford used were the #12 size fasteners used primarily to hold window cranks in place and in a few other spots depending on year.
Other than that most of the fasteners are hardware store items.

[DavidG]

#12 screws are used extensively on '32s through '34s in both fine and course threads and at the time, #12 was a fairly common fastener size.

[Tim Ayers]

I have a really useful thread pitch and bolt size in SAE & metric and pipe. I'll snap a picture of it and post it later. I forgot where I got it, but I use it at least once or twice a week.

[Kube]

Originally Posted by 51 MERC-CT

One of the 'odd' size screws that Ford used were the #12 size fasteners used primarily to hold window cranks in place and in a few other spots depending on year.
Other than that most of the fasteners are hardware store items.

#12's are available through McMaster as well.

[DavidG]

There aren't a lot of hardware stores who these days carry fine thread fasteners. You have to go fastener specialty houses to get them, as Mike suggests.

[fordor41]

Originally Posted by supereal

Ford used a variety of odd sizes and threads, many unavailable except from specialists. For that reason, we never discard bolts or other fasteners. We keep jars and cans full of them, and they come in very handy.

Odd is right. I rebuilt the rear quarter windows in my '41 fordor and it had 2 screws that were 8-40 if I remember correctly.

[Tinker]

If anyone has 38-39 truck used stock bed bolts let me know. I have most, not all. no one makes the bolts.

[35fordtn]

Good luck finding fine thread 5/16, 3/8, or 7/16 carriage bolts they do not exist these days. They were used in mostly In body to frame, and pickup beds to frame. #12 hex bolts are also non existent these days.

[Tinker]

Ya basically carriage bolts with a y head finish and a square head insert fastener/wrench head. Roy told me, sorry, but no one makes them.


In a pinch you can use regular carriages and engine valve springs from where ever. I prefer the bolts with cotter pins for obvious reasons. They are available but not totally correct.

[frnkeore]

You can get a thread pitch gauge here:

https://www.victornet.com/detail/GA-44A.html

With it, you match the thread pitch, then measure the diameter of the bolt, or screw and you have it.

8 x 40 tap & dies are available, as well as a section of short screws. They are used in gunsmithing work.

Here is a chart that you can compare what you get with the thread gauge ans diameter:

http://www.shender4.com/thread_chart.htm

The first three columns, should get you the answer.

In this period ('32 on) we where on the USS & SAE bolt standard so, most Ford stuff will available, other than "specials" that had to be used for certain things.

SAE, extra fine is still a standard and although hard to find, they are mostly available.

Frank

[51 MERC-CT]

Originally Posted by Kube

#12's are available through McMaster as well.

Did not have to look any farther than my local Home Depot for what I needed.

[36rgtop]

Originally Posted by 35fordtn

#12 hex bolts are also non existent these days.

Just where were #12 hex bolts used by Ford ?

[oldandtired]

A bicycle I am trying to restore for a friend uses 12-24 machine screws and a long 12-24 hex head maybe 5-6 inches long. Maybe if they are unavailable elsewhere a bicycle shop would have them.