Thread: Bolts

You can buy full stainless steel bolt kits for series land rovers, so I guess they're fine - I've also been pondering this a bit myself recently.

A reaction between the 2 metals will only occur if the joint is wet, so unlike a boat the reaction won't be continuous. I also think zinc would be fine IMO.

Looking forward to what others think too.

As most of the bolts on an outboard motor are stainless steel and they are made mostly out of aluminium then I would think that SS bolts would be the best choice albeit an expensive option.

Where in contact with aluminium and likely to get wet, stainless steel must be insulated from the alloy or it will result in corrosion. Although it is not an issue for most body bolts on a Series Landrover, as they are lightly stressed, you need to be aware that most stainless steels will work harden and eventually crack when subjected to vibration. They are probably satisfactory for a vehicle that is rarely used, and kept dry, however.

The original bolts were sherardised, and this is the best replacement, but these are not readily available. Galvanised (as opposed to zinc plated) are next best (not easy to find either!), followed by zinc plated (readily available).

A font of knowledge as always John - thank you.

Originally Posted by Homestar

A font of knowledge as always John - thank you.

High school chemistry - with fifty years of sailing experience to reinforce it!

I've been investigating importing sheradised bolts from India. A lot of companies list it but......when I look at BSF bolts for example they want to only sell each size by the kilo. I'll push my contact again and try and get some samples.
A lot of bolts on my Series I haven't rusted in over 60 years and they were sheradised. Looking at the process it may be OH&S issues that have stopped it in the 'developed' World.....

Personally I've used zinc plated or zinc passivated and they don't hold up too long in the wet. When you go into the local bolt shop they just ask 'black or bright' not even specifying the type of protection just 'bright'.

I've used stainless bolts against aluminium mudguards on bikes in the UK.....the aluminium dissolved due to water & rocksalt (used to de-ice the roads in winter). You need to consider using anti seize on the threads otherwise they can cold weld and some barrier between the stainless and aluminium.

As John mentions, stainless has its limitations but it stays 'bright' & shiny for longer so I guess do you want functional, or pretty ?


Colin

Just looked up how this process works - and yeah, sounds highly toxic... maybe a group buy from your contact Colin?

Thanks for the input.
so what is sheradised ????
Looking at zinc maybe. How many 1/4's then ????

whitehillbilly