Author Topic: Correct Bumper Bolts?  (Read 2433 times)

Offline filmsurgeon

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Correct Bumper Bolts?
« on: April 21, 2013 - 08:55:30 PM »
Looking for advice on correct bumper bolts.  I don't know if year/model makes a difference, but my '70 Challenger currently has pan-head bolts on the front, and round-head bolts on the rear.  Is polished stainless capped correct, or chrome, or does it really matter?  What is the correct bolt size, 3/8-16 x 1", or 7/16-14 x 1-1/4"?  Should the bolts use a nut with a free-spinning captured washer, or a nut with a serrated flange, or flat washer/split-lock washer with nut?
1970 Challenger Convertible (JH27N0B); Resto-Mod; 605 HP, 412cid Small Block; Holley 750CFM Carburetor; A-833 23-spline 4-SPD; A-body 8.75 rear-end w/3.55 gears; 3" mini-tub; leaf spring relocation kit with split-leaf mono and Caltracs; American Racing AR500 Wheels, Rears = 15x10 (5.5" BS) with 315/60-15 BFG Comp T/A Drag Radials; Fronts = 15x7 (3.5" BS) with 215/70-15 BFG Radial T/A Radials.




Offline filmsurgeon

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Re: Correct Bumper Bolts?
« Reply #1 on: April 23, 2013 - 01:22:13 PM »
Since there were no responses, I went ahead and bought these:

Looked like the best deal for correct bumper bolts after comparing countless sellers/products.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/390323609571
1970 Challenger Convertible (JH27N0B); Resto-Mod; 605 HP, 412cid Small Block; Holley 750CFM Carburetor; A-833 23-spline 4-SPD; A-body 8.75 rear-end w/3.55 gears; 3" mini-tub; leaf spring relocation kit with split-leaf mono and Caltracs; American Racing AR500 Wheels, Rears = 15x10 (5.5" BS) with 315/60-15 BFG Comp T/A Drag Radials; Fronts = 15x7 (3.5" BS) with 215/70-15 BFG Radial T/A Radials.

Offline Katfish

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Re: Correct Bumper Bolts?
« Reply #2 on: April 23, 2013 - 04:31:38 PM »
Please post if you're happy with them.  These look like the one's with a "cover" over the head.
Some people recommend getting SS and polishing them.

I've yet to find those, I'm looking too.

Offline filmsurgeon

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Re: Correct Bumper Bolts?
« Reply #3 on: April 23, 2013 - 08:52:39 PM »
Please post if you're happy with them.  These look like the one's with a "cover" over the head.
Some people recommend getting SS and polishing them.

I've yet to find those, I'm looking too.

These bolts are SS capped.  They may not be polished, but I can take care of that very easily, and if necessary.  Some suggested just getting SS carriage bolts at you local hardware store and polishing them.  The problem with that is, standard carriage bolts (the kind you find in your local hardware store; and maybe ALL carriage bolts) have a "rounded" head.  The correct head for the bumper bolts is "Pan-Head".
1970 Challenger Convertible (JH27N0B); Resto-Mod; 605 HP, 412cid Small Block; Holley 750CFM Carburetor; A-833 23-spline 4-SPD; A-body 8.75 rear-end w/3.55 gears; 3" mini-tub; leaf spring relocation kit with split-leaf mono and Caltracs; American Racing AR500 Wheels, Rears = 15x10 (5.5" BS) with 315/60-15 BFG Comp T/A Drag Radials; Fronts = 15x7 (3.5" BS) with 215/70-15 BFG Radial T/A Radials.

Offline 73EStroker

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Re: Correct Bumper Bolts?
« Reply #4 on: May 06, 2013 - 11:26:22 PM »
Got my correct ones from R/T Specialties. They are unique and I could not find an auto parts store that had the correct Mopar products (at keast in Canada).
Barry (Salmon Arm)

Offline filmsurgeon

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Re: Correct Bumper Bolts?
« Reply #5 on: May 12, 2013 - 11:52:12 PM »
Wanted to post an update regarding correct bumper bolts.  In an earlier post, I gave a link to the bolts I purchased.  I really didn't want to use the supplied washers/lock washers/nuts (although I'm sure they would've worked just fine).  I had also seen a listing for bumper bolts that had a nut with a free spinning captive washer (listed as "correct").  When I took off one of the rear bumper bolts, I found it had a captive washer nut (the captive washer is 1/8" thick and 1-1/8" diameter.  I searched and searched, but could not find these for sale.

I did find these: http://www.clipsandfasteners.com/3_8_16_Free_Spinning_Washer_Nut_7_8Od_p/a15351.htm
However, these have a 7/8" diameter captive washer that is only 1/16" thick.  I felt it was best to find a solution where I could simulate what I believed to be the correct nut/captive washer.  Fender washers are typically 1/16" thick, but I did manage to find these:  http://www.clipsandfasteners.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=A17095
I decided on the 5/16" x 1-1/4" x 1/8" extra thick fender washer (instead of one for a 3/8" bolt) because I could drill out the center hole with a 3/8" bit and it would fit the bumper bolt better than a 3/8" fender washer.  IMO, using the larger diameter extra thick fender washer is better than just using the nut with the thinner 7/8" captive washer.  Hope this helps others.

First two photos are what I pulled off the rear bumper.  Last two are what I ended up going with.
1970 Challenger Convertible (JH27N0B); Resto-Mod; 605 HP, 412cid Small Block; Holley 750CFM Carburetor; A-833 23-spline 4-SPD; A-body 8.75 rear-end w/3.55 gears; 3" mini-tub; leaf spring relocation kit with split-leaf mono and Caltracs; American Racing AR500 Wheels, Rears = 15x10 (5.5" BS) with 315/60-15 BFG Comp T/A Drag Radials; Fronts = 15x7 (3.5" BS) with 215/70-15 BFG Radial T/A Radials.

Offline Topcat

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Re: Correct Bumper Bolts?
« Reply #6 on: May 26, 2013 - 10:54:09 PM »
Captive washer nuts weren't the only ones used.
I was going thru my original hardware today of my bumper bolts OEM to my car and there were none.
Mike, Fremont, CA.


Offline dusty

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Re: Correct Bumper Bolts?
« Reply #7 on: May 26, 2013 - 11:02:16 PM »
I've got both bagged up on the hill. I can take a picture, but my car was built Oct 13'th, 1969 so they might have changed at some point...

Offline dusty

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Re: Correct Bumper Bolts?
« Reply #8 on: May 27, 2013 - 06:58:37 AM »
Captive washer nuts weren't the only ones used.
I was going thru my original hardware today of my bumper bolts OEM to my car and there were none.
Exactly :)

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