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MG MGB Technical - Nuts and Bolts

So, I've just got my project car - 1974 mgb roadster. It has very solid bodywork but the mechanics need refurbishment due to it having stood for 8+ years in dry conditions.

Amongst other things, I want to get a box set of new nuts and bolts for use as I go through the project. So far I need some 7/16 nuts and bolts, I'm sure I'll need others. I know there are some special nuts and bolts for the suspension.

The questions I have are:

Are the majority of fastenings UNF sizes?
What are the most common sizes required?
Where, in Midlands/UK, are there good suppliers of either loose or box sets of nuts, bolts, washers etc?
What other areas need special nuts and bolts?

I have found Wurth (www.wurth.co.uk) on the internet who have a good range. Has anyone used them? MGOC offer a set, are they suitable?
Richard Evans

Richard. I have some of the information on bolt/stud sizes listed on my website, http://www.custompistols.com . Click on the MG portion, then on articles. There should be one on the 18V sizes and another more general article. Les
Les Bengtson

Richard,

I hate rusted, dirty, worn out nuts and bolts. I love the way new ones tighten correctly, and loosen without foul language years later.

When I recently rebuilt the motor in my '74 B (and a lot of other while-you're-at-its) I did similar as you. I bought a bunch of nuts and bolts in bulk. The piece of luck is in this year model there aren't any metric threads, except perhaps on the brake lines, and units that have been replaced over the years, like the starter or alternator.

The majority of threads on your car will be 5/16" x 24. The rest will be 3/8" x 24 and 1/4" x 28. Based on that, I'd get 100 of 5/16" x 24 hex nuts, and maybe 25 each of the other two sizes. Almost every nut gets a lock washer, so buy as many of these as you do nuts. Then buy about 25 flat washers in each size.

I found that of the bolts I replaced, I used more 5/16" x 24 x 1" than anything else. If you still have some cash after the nuts and washers, try this:

50 - 5/16" x 24 x 1"
25 - 5/16" x 24 x 3/4"
15 - 3/8" x 24 x 1"
25 - 1/4" x 28 x 3/4"
15 - 1/4" x 28 x 1".

Whenever you get down to five or so of something, remember to pick up a box of them on the way home from work the next day.

I don't think there's any way to make a conclusive list, but I think this is most of the common sizes you'll need. You WILL end up going to the hardware store for other sizes as you find you need them. You'll also end up with some spares from this list, but you'll use them as time goes by.


Anally yours,

Matt K.
Matt Kulka

Speak to John at Midland Sports & Classics - 0121 550 1140.

He can supply all you need.
Chris Betson

I'm slowly putting together a '72, and I'm finding that most of what I need are 5/16 in lengths of less than an inch. I've also used quite a few 1/4, as well as phillips head machine screws in 8-32 and 10-32 sizes. Follow Matt's suggestions and pick up a couple of packs of 8 and 10-32's and you'll have most of what you need.
Brian LaVoie

Guys, thanks for the bill of materials. Like Matt I want to replace all those old rusty fastenings, trouble is my perfectionist steak may cost me big money on more expensive items that will just have to look right.
Richard Evans

A couple of years ago I went through the MG parts list and identified a fair few fasteners, by size.

If you still need the info, I could probably dig out an Excel file out and let you have it.
Tom

Yes the MGOC pack is very good, each type of nut/washer/bolt comes in its own bag, with a sticker on it stating the part number so you can cross ref and/or order more, other suppliers I have used just send you one bag of nuts & bolts and you sift your way through.
Tatty

I've discovered www.namrick.co.uk who are the company referred to in Lindsay Porter's Restoration Manual. They do world wide mail order and have an excellent explanation of nut and bolt specifications.
Saying that I've asked a small outlet in Coventry to get a batch to gether for me. See how it goes.
RP Evans

This thread was discussed between 13/05/2002 and 14/05/2002

MG MGB Technical index

This thread is from the archive. The Live MG MGB Technical BBS is active now.