valve cover bolts replacement question

saylor

saylor

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my car has the cheap chrome T handle valve cover bolts that you put a stud in, then the valve cover, then the chrome T handle thing to tighten it down, like these:
http://www.carid.com/1977-oldsmobil...&cagpspn=pla&gclid=CNzD_vH2yrgCFc9i7AodwEEA0g


They are all beat up lookin, and they also leak around the holes. I want to replace them with something better.

Can I go get a bunch of 1/4-20 grade 5 or 8 bolts from lowes and just use those instead? I don't see paying $30 bucks for 'mopar' bolts:
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/dcc-5007053?seid=srese1&gclid=CI_5tuH2yrgCFUxo7AodnREA5Q

??!?

- Saylor
 
Yes... I usually go with allen headed cap screws and washers because it's easier to get them in and started. I've got a bunch of factory bolts w/washers if you need them. Give me an address and $5 for the envelope.
 
saylor said:
Can I go get a bunch of 1/4-20 grade 5 or 8 bolts from lowes and just use those instead?
Click to expand...
Absolutely if they are not tin covers.
IIRC, 1-1/4" length will bottom out on the tin covers. And 1" is too short. Aren't the factory bolts 1-1/8" which you'll never find in a hardware store? Can someone confirm that?
 
Last edited:
The factory bolts have the small unthreaded tip on them to self align and help start the threads. The actual threaded length is around an inch on the factory ones. You do need to verify the length so you don't bottom them out - I figured that was just assumed. Also make sure the they have enough length to engage threads with an un-crushed gasket in place.
 
You have to use 1/4" drive to tighten hex head bolts on the Mopar Performance covers. 3/8" drive socket walls are too thick. I'm going to switch to allen head if and when I have to open her up again.
 
good stuff ^^ guys. I didn't think of allen bolts. I do have those mopar perf covers on there...what was on it when I got it. and thanks to the dudes that offered 'real' bolts. im tight on funds right now so im not doing anything yet, but I have to get this corrected before the show next month..
 
Fastenal has the proper 1/4-20x1.25 bolts with allen head. lowes and home depot didn't carry them at 1.25 length. grainger had a bag of 100 qty only...
 
why not just buy the 1.5" bolts, grind down to length, and chase the thread with a die?
 
That's a lot of mickeymousing when you can simply buy the proper ones in the first place.
Yah, for a repair I would grab one out of the coffee can and grind one down.
 
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