This is un-freaking-believable
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Instructor
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 111
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From: Philadelphia MS
This is un-freaking-believable
All I need is a bolt...
You know that bolt that your headlamps hinge on when they flip up and down? Mine worked its way loose. So I've been looking for another one for 3 days now.
GM won't sell you just the bolt. You have to buy the ENTIRE headlamp assembly to get it which costs over $400!
I won't do that.
But I'm really getting stressed now because I have a trip planned for the weekend and this whole situation is so STUPID!
Anybody know where I can get the bolt?
You know that bolt that your headlamps hinge on when they flip up and down? Mine worked its way loose. So I've been looking for another one for 3 days now.
GM won't sell you just the bolt. You have to buy the ENTIRE headlamp assembly to get it which costs over $400!
I won't do that.But I'm really getting stressed now because I have a trip planned for the weekend and this whole situation is so STUPID!
Anybody know where I can get the bolt?
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Try a hardware store. 
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2002
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From: Philadelphia MS
Sorry I don't have a metric tape measure but:
Length of bolt past the head = about 5/8" or 21/32"
Length of bearing part of bolt = about 9/32"
Width of bearing part of bolt = about 1/4"
Width of threads = about 3/16"
8mm nut
T-20 bolt (star)
Length of bolt past the head = about 5/8" or 21/32"
Length of bearing part of bolt = about 9/32"
Width of bearing part of bolt = about 1/4"
Width of threads = about 3/16"
8mm nut
T-20 bolt (star)
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2002
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From: Philadelphia MS
Originally Posted by JDs00PewterCoupe
Try a hardware store.
Tried that. But they always ask "what's it for?" If I don't tell them, they aren't willing to help me anymore. And if I do tell them, they say "we don't have anything like that."
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2000
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From: Syracuse NY
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Originally Posted by JDs00PewterCoupe
Try a hardware store.
.
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Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2002
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From: Philadelphia MS
i'm going to lowes to try to find a temporary fix until I can find the correct bolt, so perhaps I'll still get to go on my trip after all...
But I went to an auto salvage place today and they just laughed at me. Like if I needed something for a '73 pinto, they would be more than willing to help, but say the word "corvette" and you're hilarious for even walking in the front door...
But I went to an auto salvage place today and they just laughed at me. Like if I needed something for a '73 pinto, they would be more than willing to help, but say the word "corvette" and you're hilarious for even walking in the front door...
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Unless you get the whole assembly you are gonna have to improvise. I doubt you will find that exact bolt.
Try Lowe's or Home Depot. And don't ask for help. Search thru the bolts and see if you can find something that might work.
Lets see, you need a bolt, maybe a nylon spacer or washer... you get the idea.
Try Lowe's or Home Depot. And don't ask for help. Search thru the bolts and see if you can find something that might work.
Lets see, you need a bolt, maybe a nylon spacer or washer... you get the idea.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2006
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From: Middletown PA
Without seeing how that bolt actually works, it looks to me like the shoulder keeps you from overtightening it, and the nylon bushing helps whatever rotates on it rotate.
I don't think the thread has to be the same, as long as you get a new bolt and nut to match it. I'd get a bolt the same diameter and as close as possible to the same length. You can always cut it off if it's too long. I don't think the head style matters, but you'll have to figure that out by where it goes, etc.
Next I'd get a steel or aluminum bushing to fit closely over the bolt. Try to get it the same length as the shoulder on the original, but again, cut as required.
Lastly, get a nylon bushing to fit over the steel/aluminum bushing. It will probably be important that the outer diameter matches the original.
Second thought, if you have the original nylon bushing, just reuse that.
You should be able to find all of the above in a GOOD hardware store. They usually have bins or little divided boxes with all that kind of stuff in that you can search thru.
Good luck!
I don't think the thread has to be the same, as long as you get a new bolt and nut to match it. I'd get a bolt the same diameter and as close as possible to the same length. You can always cut it off if it's too long. I don't think the head style matters, but you'll have to figure that out by where it goes, etc.
Next I'd get a steel or aluminum bushing to fit closely over the bolt. Try to get it the same length as the shoulder on the original, but again, cut as required.
Lastly, get a nylon bushing to fit over the steel/aluminum bushing. It will probably be important that the outer diameter matches the original.
Second thought, if you have the original nylon bushing, just reuse that.
You should be able to find all of the above in a GOOD hardware store. They usually have bins or little divided boxes with all that kind of stuff in that you can search thru.
Good luck!
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N.A.P.A. sells bolts like that. They may be a little long but that's why grinders were invented.
Worst case scenario, get one that's a little long including the cylindrical portion. A machine shop can put it on a lathe and turn it to the size you need and then thread it with a tap&die set.
It's cheaper than buying from the stealership.
Worst case scenario, get one that's a little long including the cylindrical portion. A machine shop can put it on a lathe and turn it to the size you need and then thread it with a tap&die set.
It's cheaper than buying from the stealership.
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Joined: Sep 2002
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From: Philadelphia MS
Originally Posted by rwsr50
Without seeing how that bolt actually works, it looks to me like the shoulder keeps you from overtightening it, and the nylon bushing helps whatever rotates on it rotate.
I'm sure there are lots of temporary solutions at either lowes or the local bolt company. I'm just disappointed in GM's parts department this week.
Thanks for all the suggestions everyone.
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