Dave makes a very good point. Make sure you match up the bolt strength flexibility etc. I did check into this. Most of the original bolts/nuts/screws were either aluminum, zinc, or regular steel. For the zinc and aluminum, the stainless steel counterparts, I replaced them with, were much stronger. The steel bolts/screws, I replaced with steel as stainless steel can be more brittle. Bolts on the struts etc. were in good enough condition that I did not need to replace them, they just needed to be cleaned a little. Again, most of the bolts/nuts/screws on the DeLorean can be found at a hardware store. It's not hard to match the metal/strength/size. Don't skimp and buy a cheaper bolt/screw etc. And stainless steel isn't always your best choice. If you are not sure which way to go, ask someone who works at the store. Chances are they may be able to help you, and point out the pros and cons of each type of metal etc. Thanks for the heads up Dave. Dave -----Original Message----- From: Dave Stragand [mailto:dave.stragand@xxxx] Sent: Saturday, February 19, 2000 9:44 AM To: v-davidj@xxxx; eGroups Digest Subject: [DML] Re: Hardware DANGER WILL ROBINSON! DANGER! DANGER! You may be able to get lots of your nuts and bolts at local hardware stores (I do), but remember you ABSOLUTELY MUST replace every piece with the SAME STRENGTH hardware as the original. Do not think that all nuts and bolts are the same -- this is common for new mechanics and hobbyists. If you replace a hardened bolt with a standard strength one, it may shear even during simple torquing. Stainless fasteners are NOT usually rated for the same strength as other steel fasteners, and may have substantially different strength ratings and other important characteristics (i.e. thermal expansion rates). Use EXTREME caution when selecting those nuts/bolts. Oh, and don't over-rate either. I do recall a college materials professor mentioning something about a strut cracking off of his Cessna because the higher strength fasteners were also more brittle, and less forgiving/absorbing of sudden shock stresses. I assume the same would hold true for our winged vehicles. Engineers use a certain strength fastener for a reason, you know... Matching the strength rating is critical. Don't skimp, especially on suspension components. Your butt will only be 6" off the ground while driving. Don't let non-hardened fasteners make it 6' under the ground. -Dave http://www.ProjectVixen.com VIN 5927 (Yes, I hope to have an update soon!) ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Before posting messages or replies, see the posting policy rules at: www.dmcnews.com/Admin/rules.html To address comments privately to the moderating team, please address: moderator@xxxx ------------------------------------------------------------------------ -- Easily schedule meetings and events using the group calendar! -- http://www.egroups.com/cal?listname=dmcnews&m=1