The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop Bolts vs Rivits

I am replacing the damaged front crossmember on my 53 GMC 1/2 ton. The original crossmember is attached by rivits,so if I replace the crossmember, I will have to use bolts instead of rivits. Is it OK to use bolts instead? Has anyone else done this?

Any advise would be appreciated.

Just use some quality grade-8 bolts from a good hardware store. Grade-8 bolts have 6 marks, sort of like a * on the bolt head. Get nylon-insert lock nuts as well, and washers, and you should be just fine.

Cheers!
George

Strength-wise, the steel rivets are roughly equivilant to a grade 2 bolt. They weren't used for strength, but because they were cheaper to install in a factory setting. You can use grade 8 if you want, but it's overkill. I would drill out the rivet hole to the next size and put in grade 5 bolts.

Cost difference between grade 8 and grade 5 is negligible, and they're available at any good hardware store (and some Home Depots). They also typically come with a yellow coating that's rust resistant - unlike the grade 5s.

Just remember: you'll never think in hindsight, "gee I should've used cheaper bolts..."

-Boyo

In addition to low cost rivets are used when it is important that there be no movement of the two pieces being fastened and when most of the stress is shear. A rivet completely fills the holes whereas a bolt, even a close tolerance one, will not and allows some movement.

Bolts are better under tension than rivets.

Not only do grade 8 bolts help prevent corrosion but they look cool and we're not talking big bucks here for just a few bolts. I agree that
the hole should be made to fit the bolt very tightly and also recommend that a good lock nut
or washer be used.