[49fordp/u]

Ok so the story goes like this, I was at an nsra show and picked up an engine bolt kit and was told to go with the chrome set from the guy at the westcott scan. I finnally got around to putting my motor somewhat together and found that some of the bolts wont work so i had to go get stainless steel and was told you could buff them and polish them up to look like chrome. My question is, is this true and has anybody done this and how. Thanks

[sonicweb]

Yes it is true. I have not done it, however I have bought a bolt kit from www.boltlocker.com . Was right around 30 bucks or so. Great guys, polished kit. Looked great on my LT1 Engine.

[Irelands child]

Just a word of warning about SS bolting - most of the common SS fasteners from places like Lowes/Home Depot, Gardner-Westcott and Stainless Specialties are only about a Grade 2 quality where you really want at least a minimum Grade 5 or better for parts that need a fair amount of torque. Their head bolts and manifold bolts are good stuff though (lots of ARP stuff is sold by them). Also, if they go through or into aluminum, don't forget the antisieze.

Dave W

[302 Z28]

Dave is "right on" about the quality level of local hardware stainless fasteners. I ordered all my SS fasteners from McMaster Carr.

Vince

[Irelands child]

Originally Posted by 302 Z28

Dave is "right on" about the quality level of local hardware stainless fasteners. I ordered all my SS fasteners from McMaster Carr.

Vince

Vince - thanks for the reminder - I have to place an order with them.

For me, order today,(usually) receive tomorrow.
Dave

[49fordp/u]

No the ss bolts i got were from a special bolt place and i belive they were grade 8. I was thinking of mabe just using chrome caps. Anybody use them before?

[steve392]

To answer your original question, yes you can polish stainless. If you do end up getting the stainless ARP bolts, they are already polished to a high shine. If you need to polish up some stainless yourself, visit www.eastwoodco.com. Eastwood sells all of the polishing supplies you would need including a stainless polishing compound, wheels, etc. They also have their own forum where reviews and tips are posted regarding their products. Very helpful in learning what you need to polish or finish just about anything.

Hope this helps,

Steve

[302 Z28]

Here is a short article on the Project33 website as to how Scooter polished his SS bolts. You do not need any specialty polishing materials.

Vince

[pepi]

ditto's on the polishing the stainless bolts and I would like to add this information. I personally like the look of the allen head style bolts for dressing out motors. I have used them for years, try 30, from Harley motors , side covers,transmission covers, to manifolds, water pumps, and carburetor tops, just to mention a few places. I get them at hardware stores and no they not grade 8 and work very well for the purpose. The only other consideration is that chrome and stainless are different in the look and sheen and that will stand out when the two are mixed.