Starting to work on my lever action shocks and they use 1/2inch x 18tpi bolts. Searching the internet today and I can find 1/2inch x 13tpi or 20tpi bolts, but no 1/2inch x 18tpi bolts. Anyone have a source?
~ John in Utah 1946 1/2Ton w/4-speed manual transmission w/1960 235 engine Here We Go Follow in his DITY Bay
- If you think about it, it has been one year ago today!
What do those 1/2-18 bolts screw into. If they're screwing into the body of the shock absorber, then they're probably specialty bolts or plugs. If they're just attaching the shocks together with a nut on them, just use standard 1/2" bolts, either 13 tpi or 20 tpi. Are you SURE they're 18 tpi? Did you use a thread pitch gauge? Not disputing you, but I'm not seeing anything except 13 tpi or 20 tpi 1/2 inch bolts in the 1929-1954 parts listing.
Kevin 1951 Chevy 3100 work truck Follow this saga in Project Journal Photos 1929 Ford pickup restored from the ground up. | 1929 Ford Special Coupe (First car) Busting rust since the mid-60's If you're smart enough to take it apart, you darn well better be smart enough to put it back together.
The rear shocks have threaded holes and I did measure the threads with a pitch gauge. I was able to pick up a few bolts from a local bolt vendor, but he didn't have the short bolts (1 1/2"). I'm going back tomorrow to see if he has the same bolts I got today, but threaded all the way down. Then maybe I can cut them off. Otherwise, I might need to drill the holes out and use different bolts with nuts and lock washers?
Actually, the shocks have smooth holes through them, but this spacer plate has the threads to hold the shock to the frame.
Last edited by UtahYork; 01/14/20255:08 AM.
~ John in Utah 1946 1/2Ton w/4-speed manual transmission w/1960 235 engine Here We Go Follow in his DITY Bay
- If you think about it, it has been one year ago today!
Are you sure it's not a 9/16-18 thread? There is not much difference in the diameter and if you used a tape measure on a rusted bolt, it would measure about 1/2 dia.
Just my thought as I looked in my 1940, seventh edition of the machinist handbook. Don
1967 GMC 9500 Fire Ladder Truck "The Flag Pole" In the Stovebolt Gallery 1946 2-Ton grain truck 1946 3/4-ton pickup, 1953 1-ton pickup 1957 1-ton flatbed dually, 1954 Pontiac Straight Eight Of all the things I've lost in my life, I miss my mind the most!
Why not just run the long bolts through a die and thread them all the way and then cut them to length?
1950 Chevrolet 3100 (Ol' Roy)
1939 Packard Standard Eight Coupe (The Phantom) | 1956 Cadillac Coupe de Ville (The Bismarck) | 1964 Ford Galaxie 500 coupe |1966 Ford Mustang (Little Red) | 1969 Pontiac GTO (The Dishpit) I 1979 Ford F-100 | 1976 Ford F-150 (Big Red) | 1995 Ford F-150 (Newt)
This is why I keep you guys around! You guys are AWESOME!
Don, You were correct about the rusted bolt measuring around 1/2". I went back to the bolt store this morning and another guy helped me. He said the bolts were 9/16"-18. I took a couple bolts in yesterday and I asked for 1/2", but they actually gave me 9/16". I should have looked at the receipt I guess. Also, this morning they found me a bolt that I could cut down to the length I need. Life is good.
Thanks again for everyone's suggestions. The knowledge is amazing.
Last edited by UtahYork; 01/14/20254:27 PM.
~ John in Utah 1946 1/2Ton w/4-speed manual transmission w/1960 235 engine Here We Go Follow in his DITY Bay
- If you think about it, it has been one year ago today!
Another place you'll find those 9/16-18 bolts in on stovebolt main bearing caps. Jerry
"It is better to be silent and be thought a fool than to speak and eliminate all doubt!" - Abraham Lincoln Cringe and wail in fear, Eloi- - - - -we Morlocks are on the hunt! There is nothing noble in being superior to your fellow man; true nobility is being superior to your former self. - Ernest Hemingway Love your enemies and drive 'em nuts!
