What Grade/Strength are Control Arm Bolts?

TEAM CANADA · Aug 20, 2001

Hi, I'm rebuilding the entire front suspension of my 67, and I want to replace the Control Arm bolts, What grade did they originally come in?... and I was also wondering why GM did not use large washers when installing the lower control arm bolts..(between the subframe and the arms). There is a fastener outlet in my area which sells every type of bolt imaginable, they carry Grade 9 bolts which have a goldish coating.. They are multi-purpose bolts... I was thinking of using these rather than the originals.. What do you think?

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1968 Camaro RS SS

Everett#2390 · Aug 20, 2001

Check the head of the original bolt, there should be six radial lines from the center of the head going out. This means they are of the Grade 8 variety. Corresponding nuts and washers would be the same.

Grade 8 with yellow cadium plating would be just fine.

GM probably didn't put the washers in because of 1) cost and 2) too many pieces to lose and extra time in assembly of same. Think about how the time is used on an assembly line.

Everett 68/350/PG/11.90/115mph

davidpozzi · Aug 20, 2001

The big thing on bolts is streingth and quality control.
I would get a grade 8 bolt and make sure it is of good quality.
"Commercial grade" or "Industrial Grade" bolts are not typicaly used on race cars. They use "Aircraft Grade", the difference is closer inspection and quality control, and the aircraft bolts have more sizes to select from.

The grip length is important to the streingth. If you replace your factory bolts, make sure the threads of the replacement bolt match the factory bolt.
David

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67 RS 327
69 Camaro Vintage Racer
65 Lola T-70 Chev 350 Can-Am Vintage Racer

CarlC · Aug 20, 2001

I agree with David. There's a lot to be desired when purchasing the grade 8 hardware store bolts. If you ever get a chance to compare an ARP and a general grade 8 bolt you would be amazed at the quality difference between them. For an alternator mounting bolt the hardware grade 8 is fine but for critical structures only the best should be used.

Many of the so called grade 8 hardware store parts are made in China. Yuck.

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The Red Beast http://www.geocities.com/casanoc

RickD · Aug 21, 2001

What are some good soureces of grade 8 other than hardware stores, Lowe's or ARP?

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Rick Dorion
69 RS Conv,355,M20,4.10's

TEAM CANADA · Aug 21, 2001

Thanks for the info, I got the grade 9 bolts.

RickD: I'm getting my bolts from www.brafasco.com they have stores all over, I spent $65CDN for all body and suspension hardware. And everything is Grade 9.

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1968 Camaro RS SS

What Grade/Strength are Control Arm Bolts?

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