not-shiny bumper bolts?

NCBurb · Oct 22, 2020

Howdy. I am getting ready to put a set of CUCV bumpers on, as I like the matte painted look. I will be replacing the bolts since most of them got trashed in the removal process. My question is, does anyone make a paintable set? All I can find are stainless/chrome, which I am trying to avoid.
Thanks,

AuroraGirl · Oct 22, 2020

NCBurb said:
Howdy. I am getting ready to put a set of CUCV bumpers on, as I like the matte painted look. I will be replacing the bolts since most of them got trashed in the removal process. My question is, does anyone make a paintable set? All I can find are stainless/chrome, which I am trying to avoid.
Thanks,

could you scuff them and use a primer?

Craig 85 · Oct 22, 2020

Grainger has pretty much anything you need.

https://www.grainger.com/category/fasteners/bolts/carriage-bolts

RecklessWOT · Oct 22, 2020

AuroraGirl said:
could you scuff them and use a primer?

my thoughts exactly. If you can only find shiny ones, just rough them up so paint will stick then make them whatever color your bumper is painted

bucket · Oct 22, 2020

They are just 1/2" carriage bolts. Although the non-graded ones have smooth heads, they aren't up to the task of bumper use. Grade 5 is easy enough to get at a hardware store (an actual hardware store, not a giant home improvement store) but the little hash marks will need filed off before painting.

Bennyt · Oct 22, 2020

The original bolts were quality steel and then chromed...

Most of the aftermarket reproduction bolts that the online sellers have are steel carriage bolts with a chrome or stainless cap. Buy the cheapest ones and peel the cap off and do whatever you want to them.

If you have a chrome shop nearby, have them strip them for you. I've had bolts and other small parts(door handles, emblems, bicycle seat clamps, etc.) stripped for free when they are doing other parts. Maybe they'll hook you up or do it cheap. Last year I had 4 Nova bumpers stripped, straightened and door handles all for $300, so I'd think bolts would be pretty darn cheap.

bucket · Oct 22, 2020

Bennyt said:
The original bolts were quality steel and then chromed...

Most of the aftermarket reproduction bolts that the online sellers have are steel carriage bolts with a chrome or stainless cap. Buy the cheapest ones and peel the cap off and do whatever you want to them.

If you have a chrome shop nearby, have them strip them for you. I've had bolts and other small parts(door handles, emblems, bicycle seat clamps, etc.) stripped for free when they are doing other parts. Maybe they'll hook you up or do it cheap. Last year I had 4 Nova bumpers stripped, straightened and door handles all for $300, so I'd think bolts would be pretty darn cheap.

The factory bolts actually had polished stainless caps.

Bennyt · Oct 23, 2020

bucket said:
The factory bolts actually had polished stainless caps.

All years of Squarebody? Looks like I am wrong. I stand corrected.

I've cut the heads off probably 20-30 over the years when welding them to bumpers to shave the holes on various cars and have never noticed the caps except on the aftermarket bolts.

ali_c20 · Oct 23, 2020

My 74 c20 and my 79k5 had stainless caps. They all where original, not aftermarket. Both came with chrome bumpers. Maybe the painted bumpers had different bolts?

bigcountry78 · Oct 23, 2020

My painted bumper had stainless caps on the bolts as well. Unfortunately I lost 4 of the 6 along the way. I wish I could find a full set of originals, to replace the cheap parts store ones I had to get.

Keith Seymore · Oct 23, 2020

These are hardware store carriage bolts, with the markings knocked off and painted.

K

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legopnuematic · Oct 23, 2020

My 79 had a painted bumper and stainless caps on the bolts

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bucket · Oct 23, 2020

Bennyt said:
All years of Squarebody? Looks like I am wrong. I stand corrected.

I've cut the heads off probably 20-30 over the years when welding them to bumpers to shave the holes on various cars and have never noticed the caps except on the aftermarket bolts.

Yep, all the squarebody trucks and most other GM products too. Other manufacturers used stainless caps too, like Chrysler for example. I think many fords did not, but I've never really paid much attention to them.

WebMonkey · Oct 23, 2020

bucket said:
Yep, all the squarebody trucks and most other GM products too. Other manufacturers used stainless caps too, like Chrysler for example. I think many fords did not, but I've never really paid much attention to them.

when we say 'caps' do we mean a separate part that snaps on the bolt or just calling the rounded end of the bolt, the 'cap' ?

bucket · Oct 23, 2020

WebMonkey said:
when we say 'caps' do we mean a separate part that snaps on the bolt or just calling the rounded end of the bolt, the 'cap' ?

It's a separate piece, but it's crimped around the head of the carriage bolt, making it all one part.

not-shiny bumper bolts?

NCBurb

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