Front panel bottom nuts & bolts

[Cam]

Any idea what the correct sizes for the front panel bottom nuts, bolts & washers are?

Also who supplies them?

Thanks.

[Pyoor_Kate]

In my case the correct size was 'whatever came out of John's imperal thread tin'.

It appears to still be attached ;-)

[Cam]

Yeah, I could do that, but I was thinking that I would like to put new bolts/nuts/washers on and if I am going to do that, then I might as well get the correct size......

If not, then out with the huge tub(s) of nuts & bolts!

[chickenjohn]

funny you should say that, but I was thinking exactly the same thing! Where to get the correct nuts and bolts from. ESM are pretty good at supplying the correct imperial sizes (or close enough anyway).

I've just started stripping the front panel off my traveller this week (co-incidence!) and the one nut and bolt that didn't shear or need to be ground off, the one that actually undid, had a 3/8" head nut and bolt, bolt about 3/4" in length.

Judging by the state of the front panel and the buts and bolts- I'd say they're original.

I'm going to have to get some small metric nuts and bolts, in the interim to get the car ready for its MOT, but if I can't find anywhere locally to get a cheap supply of imperial nuts and bolts, then ESM will get my call.

Its not that I'm fanatical about originality ;), I just get irritated if the nuts and bolts on the car are all different mish-mash of metric and odd sizes. Its annoying when doing a job to have to keep changing tools when all the bolts holding one piece on should be the same size.

Ditto the sill finishers!

[Cam]

Yeah, I've just placed another order with ESM and I could not find any nuts & bolts for the front panel on their website......

[57traveller]

Cam - I use 1/4" BSF set bolts and nuts. 3/16"Whit spanner size. 3/4" long is usually enough but can be cut to length if necessary to avoid excess thread exposure. I also fit a flat washer under the bolt head as well as under the nut.
namrick.co.uk are good and have a good selection of imperial sizes. They will post using 1st class rather than full p&p for smaller amounts. To do this though I've ordered over the 'phone.

[Cam]

Thanks!

[Alec]

Hello all,

the best suppliers of fasteners are, surprisingly, fastener suppliers or engineering suppliers. A lot of them do stock BSF and BSW as well as Imperial sizes. You can usually locate them in Classic Car magazine adverts, but if you have a large engineering supplies dealer in your area give them a try.
Just for a bit of trivia, did you know that William Morris bought a French engine company at one time, but built the engines in the UK using the original metric threads but with Whitworth head sizes!.

Alec

[chickenjohn]

Yeah, I've just placed another order with ESM and I could not find any nuts & bolts for the front panel on their website......

its worth phoning them as they often have stock of the suitable nuts and bolts, but just not on the site yet...

[SR]

i too have been giving this panel some thought, on all 3 moglets,the seam where front panel and engine bay meet is a water trap,so im going to fit zinc plated nuts/bolts with an extra washer inbetween the panels to aid drainage,so there!

[chickenjohn]

Thats a good idea! Or stainless steel nuts and bolts.

[Cam]

Just for a bit of trivia, did you know that William Morris bought a French engine company at one time, but built the engines in the UK using the original metric threads but with Whitworth head sizes!.

Yes, I did know that! We have spoken of it before on this very messageboard!

SR, that's a good idea for the drainage.

[SR]

ello lads,ive put a lot of thought into rust prevension, got extra drain holes planned,also making ally splash shields to go inner wheel arch ,extending to underside of front floorpan ,same for rear ,anywhere stones chips are likely really ,dont wanna do all this welding again soon,steve