1980 SAE vs. Metric
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Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 91
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From: Flemington NJ
1980 SAE vs. Metric
I've been working on a few projects on my newly purchased '80. Interesting to find the mix of SAE and Metric fasteners used by Chevrolet at the time. I previously restored a 1980 Trans Am Turbo, and pretty much all fasteners were metric on the Pontiac. The '80 Vette still has a lot of SAE nuts/bolts. Do the '81/'82 owners find mostly metric? It sure gives the toolbox a workout!
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 956
Likes: 86
From: McDonough Georgia
Most of my 81 is SAE.
Unfortunately, I run across odd metric sizes from time to time.
The nuts holding the vacuum can switches on the heater boxes, for example, are 10 mm.
There are a few others I'be found as well.
Unfortunately, I run across odd metric sizes from time to time.
The nuts holding the vacuum can switches on the heater boxes, for example, are 10 mm.
There are a few others I'be found as well.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 5,116
Likes: 5
From: Livonia MI
Those were strange times, with the US in the process of changing over to the metric system. Many cars of that era, were metric on the chassis, and still SAE on the powertrain. Although US gave up on the metric idea for some reason, all late model cars are 100% metric now. Not sure why US did this, as the english system is pretty stupid when you think about it. 12 inches to a foot, 128 oz to a gallon, what the heck is this. Everything metric, is in 10's, and makes a lot more sense.
Pro
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 577
Likes: 6
I don't mind one or the other. I'm probably more comfortable with SAE because that's how I grew up and I see those sizes and recognize them instantly without needing to check. Metric isn't bad though and as long as I have both sets of tools I don't really care which I am working with. What bothers me though is when something has both. I hate having to use both SAE and Metric on the same project. Just pick one for pete's sake.
