Thread: Model A body bolts

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When I bought my 29 Tudor the body was just sitting on the frame with no bolts.I'm about to box the frame and want to put nutserts into the frame.Can anyone tell me what the thread pitch of the original bolts were? Thanks,Glenn

I'm a little confused. If you are using nutserts, why does it matter what the originals were? You can use any size bolts you want. Why is it critical to use the original Model A bolts, this isn't a restoration ?

I would just use 3/8 bolts and appropriate size nutserts. I considered using nutserts to install the body on my T, but instead cut little square tabs out of 3/8 thick plate, welded them on top of the frame, and tapped 3/8 threads into them. Nutserts should be ok though.

If there is some specific reason why you want to use the model a bolts, let us know.

Don

Thanks Don,I was just wanting to use bolts of the same size and thread pitch.I like the 3/8 plate with threads tapped in it idea,that would be a lot stronger.Thanks for the tip,Glenn

Here, if this helps. This is the boxed Model A frame under my '27. See the little square pads with tapped holes welded on top of the frame? Those are what I am also using on this latest T. I like 3/8 plate because it gives you lots of depth to get threads into. A 3/8 course thread bolt is fine threaded into these.


Don

Thats a good looking frame,Don,did you build the x member?

Thank you. Yeah, I did. Fiberglass bodys hate any flex, so I built the crossmember pretty stout. Musta worked, never got a stress crack in lotsa years.


Don

Here is a side shot to give more detail. BTW, the color is NOT PINK. I is actually purple, but photographs pink.


Don

Thanks for the pics,Don,that is a first class job you did there.I might just have to copy that.Thanks again,Glenn

I use a unibit step drill bit it gives good round holes I use unplated nuts or grind off the cad or zinc plating then drill the holes just smaller than the od of the nut, I screw in a long bolt then tap the nut into the hole the smaller hole will deform and hold the nut,, then use the bolt to get the correct angle you need weld then retap the holes I get strong flush nuts that way

On the 29 tudor bodies there is a wooden block that goes between the frame and each of the body mounting points. Weld the 3/8 plates on the underside of the top of the frame then box it. Set the body on the frame. Get everything lined up then center punch the holes in the plates through the body holes, drill and tap for the 3/8 bolts. This keeps you from having to hog out the holes in the body to line up with the tapped holes in the frame if something is a little out of alignment