Zinc/Grade 8 Hardware Upgrade

[Camaro.Mike]

What’s up guys, did a google search and didn’t come up with anything. I have a 1969 Camaro with Art Morrison front and rear subframes. I know they are a top brand but I have to say I’m not impressed with the hardware that they and many other companies use. I just think it looks like hardware store materials. I’m not saying it won’t do the job just fine, just doesn’t sit well with me. So what are good alternatives? Stainless or black hardware? Flanged factory style bolts so you don’t have to use washers? Open to any suggestions. Thank you!

[79 Camaro]

Kind of depends on the look you want. I buy grade 8 bolts in bulk from Fleet Farm. Never had an issue. Don't care for the grade 5 stuff. The local Ace hardware has a good selection of grade 8 flange head bolts but only up to 3/8" diameter.
Check out Fastenal. Check selection. Descent pricing.
No reason to do SS bolts unless you polish them for a show car.

[Camaro.Mike]

Thanks for the reply 79, I guess I just want a higher end look. Maybe I’m overthinking it.

[chevelletiger]

Don't take offense, but I don't see why guys want to build these hot rods with all this power and suspension mods,and the like,with aftermarket frames but balk at the hardware.
For one stainless is a soft material,and I don't understand how people want to use it as any kind of load,or strength fastener.
Grade 5,and 8 are usually gold zinc plated,or black oxide.
So you,yourself need to make the decision do you want pretty and weak,or strong and not look fancy.
If you look at most race cars there's not any stainless on them.
Kinda like powder coating,it hides cracks in weldments,which is why I prefer painting part,than the other.
Thinks to think about.

[marolf101x]

Part of the issue is availability/cost.
When I was at Ridetech we wanted to upgrade our systems with OE look and performance fasteners. (flanged, grey or black protective coating, etc).
I found it difficult to located modern OE looking fasteners in imperial sizes. . .and when you did the options (regarding sizes, lengths, etc) were limited and cost prohibitive compared to cad plated grade 8 "hardware store" bolts.
We could have just had ARP make us bolt kits, but that would have raised our overall kit price significantly.
Metric, no problem. You want a bunch? They'll sell them to you a single size and length bolt by the CONTAINER.
However, we didn't think changing all our parts over to metric was an option. . .not only time and cost wise, but pushback from the end user having to use a metric wrench on his/her classic muscle car.

[JustJohn]

I buy a lot of grade 8 and other fasteners from these guys:
https://boltdepot.com/

Never have been disappointed.

[ryeguy2006a]

Chevelletiger brings up a good point about strength. Before you swap out the fasteners, call AM. They may be using a specific grade bolt in a particular location for a good reason. Obviously not for suspension, but in some cases having a softer grade bolt will allow for some flexibility rather than just sheering off.

[79 Camaro]

Around here the grade 5 bolts are silver zinc. Grade 8 bolts are gold zinc. The flange head grade 8 bolts are typically black oxide.

[blklightning1]

AN and NAS bolts, nuts and washers are used on "fast" race cars, 1000hp plus. Prepare for a high cost, but there are no better fasteners available. I would never use anything less than Grade 8 on any suspension fastener! And if you are beating on an autocross, time attack car, NAS/AN only! If its metric, grade 10.9 and I would consider machining holes to use NAS AN fasteners. Stainless looks good for maybe hanging pretty things, but not suited for suspension anything!
When pricing fasteners, what is your life and high end build worth. Seems like a no brainer really.

[BonzoHansen]

You can try McMaster, see if they have anything that works. Or ARP.

[65 drop top]

ARP has a stainless bolt that has a higher tensile strength than grade 8