Can't Find New Bolts for M416 Trailer

Calaski8123

New member
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

New member
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

Adventurer
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/
 
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krick3tt

Adventurer
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

Explorer
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

Active member
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

Well-known member
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.

1650551521013.png
 

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