Can't Find New Bolts for M416 Trailer

[Calaski8123]

I'm rebuilding an M416 that's in good shape but a lot of the bolts are pretty rusted. I figured it would be easier to just replace them with some new galvanized hardware. I went to several hardware stores including big box stores and I have been unable to find any 3/8 galvanized bolts that are 1 or 1.25 inches long.

I see longer bolts over three or four inches and I see carriage bolts but I cannot find the shorter galvanized bolts anywhere. I never thought these would be a hard to find item.

A couple places suggested stainless steel however they are not as strong and I'd rather not spend $2 or $3 per bolt.

Does anyone have an idea where I can buy these bolts? Am I wrong to be thinking galvanized would be the best option? I'm not new to restorations, I've restored several old Mustangs, however this is my first overland trailer.

Thanks,

Jim

 

[Calaski8123]

My restoration plan is to treat everything with POR15 and then coat it with a bed liner. I guess with this extra protection I could get away without galvanized? But I just figured if I could get galvanized I'd be as protected as possible.

 

[Wallygator]

I used stainless bolts and nuts as much as possible. Took all the old bolts I needed to a nuts and bolts store (not a hardware store) and they had everything I needed, including the big bolts for the lunette ring area. A lot of them were not the same thread as the originals but that didn't matter since I replaced all the bolts. A specialty store like this will have any type of nut and bolt you want. Hopefully you have one in your area.

Another possible source would be here....

https://www.mcmaster.com/

 

[motovan_mn]

McMaster.com for all your hardware needs

 

[Wallygator]

McMaster.com for all your hardware needs

Literally just edited my post after I remembered about mcmaster, saved it, then saw your post. . They do have a lot.

 

[m-l_johnny]

McMaster is an awesome supplier of almost anything.
Another source is Fastenal.

Fastenal Industrial Supplies, OEM Fasteners, Safety Products & More

Fastenal is the largest fastener distributor in North America. Shop our huge selection of OEM, MRO, construction, industrial, and safety products.

www.fastenal.com

 

[krick3tt]

I get almost all my metric and odd sized stuff from Ace hardware. When I did my 416 I went to Ace. there is also a bolt supply place close to me. Also Ron Fitzpatrick Jeep Parts in Grants Pass, OR. 866-812-4272

 

[NatersXJ6]

Why use galvanized? I don’t have a vintage trailer, but are they completely galvanized?

In any event, those should be a commonly available size.

Did you try Amazon?

 

[m-l_johnny]

I should throw this out there in the off chance you don’t know this already, if you go the stainless fastener route, make sure you use a dab of some kind of lubricant
(doesn’t take much) before assembly. Stainless on stainless will gall and seize in a heartbeat. Sometime the residual oil from the manufacturing process is enough, sometimes it isn’t.

 

[WillySwan]

When I built/rebuilt my M416 several years back, I ordered my bolts from Fastenal. I used Grade 8, fine thread bolts throughout which is what these trailers were originally built with. I went with yellow chromate finish.

Here is my bolt list for reference.

 

[Calaski8123]

Thanks