6 replies to this topic

[Gaz66]

Does anyone happen to have an accurate list of all the nuts and bolts used on a mini?
Length, thread, quantity etc
It would be nice to know so i can buy enough to set me up for the nut and bolt rebuild.
Also...would plated bolts and nuts be better than stainless?
Ive read somewhere that stainless doesn't nip up as well as steel or plated steel due to the characteristics of the material. Not sure why this could be.

[nicklouse]

Stainless fixing are not better. They are often completely unsuitable. Many are not the correct grade, they can gall if not correctly lubricated. And then they promote the corrosion of Mild steel parts they are in contact with.

 

as to the specs of the bolts you need most of the Mini parts suppliers have that info. Some places will sell you a box of bolts covering everything you need. But the old ones can be better than some of the new ones. 

[Gaz66]

So are plated bolts ok?

[Cooper Mac]

As Nick says, never use stainless fittings, especially on suspension components or subframe fittings. You will have more problems getting parts apart, and anything touching the stainless fittings will corrode at a quicker rate!

[nicklouse]

So are plated bolts ok?

Sone might be others will not be. 
 

just get the correct ones.

[johnR]

So are plated bolts ok?

you can get your old serviceable nuts, bolts and fixings re-plated with zinc for not much money. I de-rust mine with deox c then take them to a local zinc platers - they look like new when they're done - have a look through my build blog '89 city to Mk1 mini cooper s' 

[Spider]

Like Nick, I wouldn't recommend Stainless Fasteners, they will give you grief.

Nearly all the original fasteners were Zinc Plated. Be aware, there was a few different tensile grades used too.

For what ever it's worth, I use Zinc Plated (ZP) throughout all my builds. If I'm concerned about rusting in the threads, I just put a lick of grease on the threads before fitting together. There are special products available for this, but I've had good success with grease and never found a need to look elsewhere.