need help with bolts.

[JRouche]

I think you can re-use the bolts no problem. As long as you didnt make a stupid move like I did

Yeah, when I was building my front end the first time I needed to weld in some heavy walled tube and a gusset for the lower control arm. It is a mustang II suspension. So what did I do (this was back in 1997).

I put the bolt in along with the heavy spacer, control arm and gusset. Lined it all up and tightened the nut down so the hole would be centered. Tacked the tube and gusset on, making sure not to get it too hot cause the bushings were in place. I felt so good, here I am, installing a suspension. I removed the control arm then put the bolt back in to keep the tube and gusset from wandering as I laid the major heat down ( used spacers to simulate the control arms so I could tighten the nut down). I put the coals to the weld joints. It was hotter than HOT. Let her cool down and the bolt slipped right out. Yeah!!! Im doing great!! NOT!!!!!

I reassembled the car, but never drove it (thank god) cause life got in the way. Several years later I decided to change to an air ride suspension with the same control arms. And as I was working on it, and doing more welding (with a lil more knowledge by now) it hit me.. I ruined the original bolts!!!!

I know they got to a cherry red when I welded in my tube and gusset before. When I did that I took the bolt, a high carbon bolt to a critical temp and let it cool down slowly.



And really, it didnt take the worst course, like say I decided to quickly cool it. But IMO the bolt was still ruined. No longer a grade 8 bolt. Im glad I caught myself. I must have some peeps from above watching out.

Sorry for the long story.. I just think it helps some guys (not necessarily you, but maybe someone) if we show some examples of our mistakes then others can learn also.

Oh, and I kept the bolts. But sanded off the lines on the head so Ill know not to use it for any critical uses. In the bolt bin it went. JR