[ant_8u]

I'm going to be tearing my car down soon

As the car has already been taken apart by a previous owner, I'm guessing some of the nuts and bolts will be in good condition - good threads and heads, with corossion on them

What should I do with the old items that aren't butchered?

Should I replace them all with new pieces, or can they be cleaned and recoated?

I have no way to caot them right now, so I'd have to pay to get them done, or invest in some equipment, assuming it can be done in the garage

Thanks

[dinger]

You might want to do a check on electrolysis cleaning, there's some posts here on the site. Paint the nuts and bolts, if possible. There may be some alternatives to paint that some of the guys will turn you on to in posts right here. here Dan

[ant_8u]

Thank you

I've read about electrolysis previously, I'd quite like a go at that

Don't you have to clamp each piece though?
Could I do more than one item at a time?

Are any coatings other than paint advised or possible?

[OneMoreTime]

Get a rock tumbler and put them in that..then drill some holes in a board and set the bolts in the holes and shoot some paint on them..works for me..Wash the grease off before the tumbling step..

Sam

[technicaltom]

Originally Posted by ant_8u

Thank you

I've read about electrolysis previously, I'd quite like a go at that

Don't you have to clamp each piece though?
Could I do more than one item at a time?

Are any coatings other than paint advised or possible?

Its not too difficult to hang dozens of nuts and bolts on one wire that you would have strung across the tank you use for electrolysis , I use stainless wire and wrap it around the threads on the bolts and through the nuts
Another option is Nickel plating , I have never tried it my self, but have Googled up the subject And its not rocket science.I have however successfully Anodised Alloys.Once again from reading up on the subject on Google.

[DanielC]

Electrolysis can be a method of cleaning the bolts. But it is not perfect. Hydrogen gas is created on the parts you are cleaning, and that can lead to hydrogen embrittlement.
If you want to do electrolysis, here is what you need.



You will also need a piece of scrap steel.
Here is a picture of the electrolysis set up, ready for the water, and washing soda solution.



THE PARTS YOU WANT TO KEEP ARE CONNECTED TO THE NEGATIVE WIRE ON THE CHARGER!

Another method I have heard works is to but the steel hardware in molasses. I have not tried that before.

Do not use Stainless steel in homemade electrolysis setups, you can create hexavalent chromium, a toxic chemical.

Have you tried to find an industrial bolt warehouse in your area? Many sell on the retail level, often at a fraction of the price of buying the fasteners at a "big box home improvement store"

You can also find Stainless hardware at marine supply stores.

You could go to a junkyard, and salvage some bolts from a car there, this will get you factory OEM bolts. In some cases, for example, all the bolts holding a fender on the car are the same, the ones on the top are still good, but the ones on the bottom are bad, because they are exposed to road grime and chemicals.

When taking the car apart, get some baggies, and put the bolts from each individual part in a separate bag, and label it. When you put the car back together, you will really benefit from knowing what each bolt goes to, instead of having to rely on dim ancient memories.

[11echo]

Well I'm not going to bad mouth the electrolysis method ...I use it myself on larger parts. BUT on used nuts and bolts I just throw them in a box and use them as needed. When I do, I normally wire brush them (wire wheel brush on an electric motor) and maybe re-chase the threads with a tap or a die, and paint them as needed.

[technicaltom]

Another way is Soda Blasting. The link shows an easy way to blast small items and http://www.aircooledtech.com/tools-o.../soda_blaster/ is a true Hotrodders innovative way of home making something ,

[Oldguy48]

One way I've tried to remove rust is an acid solution. I used plain white vinegar (acetic acid) from the grocery store. Poured 3 gallons into a plastic bucket, put some very rusted body mounts in the bucket, put a lid on it and waited about a week or so. They came out great. Just needed a little touch of a wire wheel on a few spots. You'll need to neutralize any residual acid on the parts after you remove them from the bucket (I used baking soda) , and rinse thoroughly. Let dry, and give them a coat of paint. Don't forget to use safety goggles, rubber gloves, and be really careful. I'm sure it would hurt if you splashed any of the vinegar into your eyes This method worked for me, but try it at your own risk.

[37ford4dr]

i dont see what you are working on but for engine bolts you can buy kits that have all new bolts. for other bolts cleaning soloution and a mesh strainer work pretty well then use a thread chasing kit to clean them up. do not use a tap and die set just a thread chasing kit.

[66GMC]

NAPA Balkamp has a very good selection of OEM body bolts.

BALKAMP is a division of NAPA, and is often considered a "junk" or "odds and ends" line ... which I just love, as many of these items are also on many of our "hard to find" items list.
There are links to catalog request form on this site as well.

[hp246]

I never throw out original hardware (My wife says I'm a pack rat). I try (Not always successful) try to mark them and put them in plastic bags. Clean up depends on their condition. If painted, I will let them soak in the thinner for a few days. I'll wipe em down to finish removing the paint. If heavily corroded, I like the electrolysis method. If just a light rust, I'll throw them in a vibratory tumbler. They can be painted body color, powder coated, or a variety of other types of finishes available to match need.