Ball Joints : Bolting ????

[CamarosRus]

I'm using Bolt In Upper Ball Joints in my driver 73 Camaro R/S project.

I'm thinking to use 1/4-20x1" Button Head Allen Bolts for a more
"rivet like" appearance. Not sure what kind of nut (grade 8 ??) my
fastener store can offer me.

Ball Joints made off shore did not come with (metric ??) zirc fitting !!!!

Any problem with this idea ???

[WILMASBOYL78]

After you install the allen head bolts use a little 'all-metal' filler to hide the hex shaped hole..smooth it over...finish with some cast steel paint and the average Joe won't know the difference.

[earntaz]

I would use grade 8 fasteners (bolt/nut) ... TAZ

[RPOLS3]

After you install the allen head bolts use a little 'all-metal' filler to hide the hex shaped hole..smooth it over...finish with some cast steel paint and the average Joe won't know the difference.

Most of the Corvette restoration parts houses sell the threaded "rivet" for this application

http://www.zip-corvette.com/68-82-c3/suspension-driveline/corvette-front-suspension/ball-joints-hardware-kits/63-82-upper-ball-joint-rivet-nut-set.html

[WILMASBOYL78]

Do those Corvette fasteners have an 'allen head' ...can't tell from the photo.

-wilma

[RPOLS3]

Do those Corvette fasteners have an 'allen head' ...can't tell from the photo.

-wilma

Typically they do not and from the top look just like the rivets - so no need to fill anything in. They are sold from other vendors as well.

Ground up sells this kit which the rivets look a little different than the Corvette guys.

http://www.ss396.com/chevelle/DRVT-33.html

[WILMASBOYL78]

What holds the bolt in place as the nut is tightened??

[RPOLS3]

What holds the bolt in place as the nut is tightened??

I'd be curious what others have done on this as well. Looks like the torque spec is about 60# from a quick google search.

[WILMASBOYL78]

Maybe it is a tight fit, but I'm not sure how that would hold up to 60 lbs. of torque??

I suppose you could hold the rivet w/vise grip, but that mark them up and ruin the look. There must be a trick..

-wilma

[WILMASBOYL78]

I called both places and neither of the sales reps. knew the answer...the Corvette place sent me to their tech line...just got a voice mail...Ground Up guy placed me on hold and asked someone...he tells me the bolts have a knurl on them that secures them in place to facilitate tightening the nut...he also said they carry the actual rivets if you are going that route.

***the knurls don't seem to be shown in the website photos for the item

Tom from the Tech Dept.

[CamarosRus]

Thanks for you replies.......
As I said this is a nice street, driver build.....

I called local fastener supplier and they carry 1/4-20x1"
Button Head Allen in Grade 8 Black Oxide.

Not trying to trick anybody into thinking these are rivits,
just didnt like the cosmetics of regular hex head.

I will use AN washers against the powder coated A-Arm
and thread locker....need to find inch lb torque for above

I'll post pics upon completion !!

[jasonL78]

I called both places and neither of the sales reps. knew the answer...the Corvette place sent me to their tech line...just got a voice mail...Ground Up guy placed me on hold and asked someone...he tells me the bolts have a knurl on them that secures them in place to facilitate tightening the nut...he also said they carry the actual rivets if you are going that route.

***the knurls don't seem to be shown in the website photos for the item

Tom from the Tech Dept.

Tom I have used them and once the lock washer is crushed the nut will turn against the washer allowing you to torque then down. I usually spot torque them. (That is tightening to you see spots...LOL)