Correct finish for the engine bay bolts of a 1960

[Diego Montefusco #21886]

hi all,

waiting (and waiting and waiting...) for the 59/60 Authenticity Manual, I have a question: whats the correct finish for the bolts used in the 1960 engine bay? radiator support, fender aprons, under hood, etc...

I had settled my mind on the dichromate (yellowish) finish following a couple of other friends suggestions, but today another friend who owns a totally original 3,900 miles coupe deville he owned since 1961, swears that the correct finish is simply anodized.

does anyone have a definite answer on this?

thanks immensely!

diego
ps btw, if anyone is interested here you can find some pics of my car and the little work Ive done so far: http://tinyurl.com/4q3dl

[Bruce Reynolds # 18992]

Gday Diego,

You have started an extensive restoration, and should be satisfied with the final product.

It is good to see that you are taking lots of photographs, and they will come in handy when time comes to put it all back together.

But, I would be very careful when making the decision to replace the dual circuit Master Cylinder with a single circuit.   You are replacing the lines with Stainless Steel, so that isnt original.

There would be nothing worse than completing the car, then having one of the wheel cylinder rubbers or a hose blow out.

Bruce,
The Tassie Devil(le),
60 CDV

[Porter 21919]

If you remove one of the bolts you can see the original finish under the bolt head.

Porter

[Michael / Denmark CLC#21905]

Have also got`n a little confused about the galv.finish on things.Im doing a total restoration on my 58 fleetwood(all original,came from Fresno),but lookin`closely to details its getting really funny(?)..the brakebooster was gold, the right side bracket was silver and the left bracket seemed too be bare metal!!??..the master cyl. seems to have been paint in a light grey.Hood hinges is gold but the looking mechanism is silver....all bolts seem to have been gold or??
Any x-pert that can light`n up on this?

[Ed Mobley]

Diego,

A number of fasteners used in the engine compartment can be found under the dash where they will be preserved.  You will notice either a yellow/di-chromate finish or a clear zinc finish depending on the fastener.

Caswell Plating makes a nice kit to give you either finish.

I would not recommend plating any structural grade 5 or 8 bolts as hydrogen embrittlement could occur.

Ed

[Michael Stamps 19507]

Just wanted to say that its nice to see you posting again Ed.  You have a lot of knowledge to share with others.

Stampie

[Ed Mobley]

Thanks Stampie.  Ive just been overwhelmed with work and took some vacation time with the family.  Im glad my contributions are appreciated.

Ed