350 hardware: 2 part-question

[Kenneth Pagel]

Just like to know if some hardware/fasteners on the 350 (i.e. my '67 GTR) had any markings on the bolt heads. For example, the bolts on the front fender braces are marked. I'm not sure if this is stock, or if the previous owner replaced with local hardware store bolts.

Also, is it more economical to replace, or re-plate (zinc) original hardware? Perhaps Richard can chime in on this. Another option, at least for the more common bolts, nuts, etc., would be to go the stainless route.

Looking forward to the responses, and thanks!

Ken

[ziggy stardust]

Ken, on my front fender that I'm sure had the original bolts there were no markings on the head.

I zinc plated my nuts, bolts, spindles and other parts as they were original and correct. The kit I bought was not expensive, it was fun to do and I lost no pieces as with some platers.

These are the original engine case bolts that I replated.



Look at the results you can achieve here, they do dull after a few months but shine up very quickly if that's the finish you want.

http://bridgestonemotorcycleparts.com/index.php?action=gallery;su=user;cat=92;u=1350;sortby=date;orderby=asc;start=72

Z

[Bikenstein]

Grade 2 bolts have no lines, grade 5 bolts have 3 lines and grade 8 bolts have 6 lines on the head. That's for US bolts. Metric bolts are marked 8.8, 10.9, and 12.9. The grading signifies the hardness with 2 and 8.8 being softest. I like Ziggy's idea of diy on the bolts. If you purchase new bolts it can add up and some of the thread sizes can be hard to find in metric. If you do buy new bolts grade 2 or 8.8 will be cheapest and in most cases they will be of sufficient hardness. Grade 8.8 is actually equivalent to a grade 5 US bolt and grade 10.9 is the same as a grade 8.
Only socket head metric bolts are as high as 12.9. On a second thought, if you replace metric with US bolts, such as through bolting a fender with an unwelded nut on the backside, I would recommend grade 5. 2's will do the job but they are so soft you can stretch the threads if you overtighten them.  And I don't like loose nuts on my bikes. (That's why I never let my brother ride 'em )

[Kenneth Pagel]

Thanks for your input, Bikenstein and Ziggy!

[Kenneth Pagel]

What zinc kit did you use?

[ziggy stardust]

http://www.gaterosplating.co.uk

but you can get this

http://www.caswellplating.com

Z