Body Mounting Bolts

[Chuck W.]

On my CJ3B, there are two body to frame mounting bolts in the floor of the bed. These look like carriage bolts but with larger heads than a normal carriage bolt. Does anyone know of a source for these bolts?  Thanks!

[1955CJ-5]

The bolts I used are called "step bolts". Around here I found them at Tacoma *...Fastenal would probably have them...

Here is an example....may or may not be the size you need.....

https://www.amazon.com/Steps-Bolts-Grade-Plated-Quantity/dp/B07GT8NYBT/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=step+bolts&qid=1570072562&s=industrial&sr=1-1


Randy

I found a description and they are sold separately...

https://www.fastenal.com/product/fasteners/bolts/step-bolts/600033;jsessionid=8uVR5zLvpMN33qOukIHEpgOL.38536438-9c19-3947-9017-bf77ad0514fd?categoryId=600033&level=3&query=BOLTS&isExpanded=true&view=1


I found a picture too...if I keep looking I'm liable to find a couple of spares...I always buy more than I need.....

[Chuck W.]

Thanks! That's exactly what I am looking for! I have one original, but had to cut the other one off.

[Rus Curtis]

Chuck,
I have 2 extra (I buy more than I need sometimes just in case I break something).  They're zinc plated.  Yours if you want them.

[Chuck W.]

Thanks, Rus. I am in no rush, tub has not gone to blaster yet. Maybe if you get near B'ham sometime, we could meet.

[Rus Curtis]

...I am in no rush....

Yeah, boy.  I know that tune!  I've been clobbered with stuff to do and have been hoping to get back up to Decatur to see if I can have some more BBQ with Buddy.   

The bolts will keep just fine in my parts bin until then!

[Chuck W.]

I'm starting to think ahead to the day I start to put this jeep back together, and I am wondering what color the bolts should be, the ones that bolt the fenders to the tub and the grill to the fenders. Should they be black? Or the body color, or maybe event cad plated? Thoughts?

[Rus Curtis]

Chuck,
This is why I spend so much time scanning the 3B Page - looking for answers. 

Each "Paint" link will give some information on trim/part color:
https://cj3b.info/Paint2.html
Starting with the para, "Black Bolt On Parts."  This covers some parts but not all.  I also question whether footman loops are painted as I've seen plated ones in pictures.  I'm not sure if it was consistent.

Speaking of pictures, there are many historical photos scattered all over.  I particularly like the B/W photos of original jeeps as I can see what they looked like "back then" vs. what can be done in a modern rebuild. 

One place to start:
http://cj3b.info/Story.html

Examples:
http://cj3b.info/Factory/FactoryWorkers.html
http://cj3b.info/Photos/Toledo/Factory/FactoryLIFE/CJ3BEmployees1954.jpg

Also color examples:
http://cj3b.info/Photos/Finds/ReaganBaker1981.jpg
http://cj3b.info/Photos/Owners/Couvillon/MrsCouvillon1965.jpg

Then I took a lot of images of Lawrence Wade's 1955.  My initial and main reason was it was unrestored and well maintained.
http://cj3b.info/Owners/WadeDetails.html

You can see many of the pieces of hardware.  There has been articles describing how parts would be stacked and retrieved when needed.  You can find paint runs on parts like tubs, that run sideways.  To me, all this indicates painting was done before assembly.  When you see the shiny heads of the bolts on the photos it indicates most (if not all) hardware was plated and not covered in paint.

You  can also visit other unrestored jeeps to see what they look like:
https://cj3b.info/Siblings/Caprio3A.html
and you'll find a lot of that hardware plated vs. painted.

Possible exceptions:
I believe the tailgate hinges were installed prior to painting.  Also, here's a '62 that appears the fender bolts may be painted:


There are some parts I'd like to plate in my rebuild, e.g. the windshield clamps (current available replacements have an undesirable yellow zinc), but have gone the easier route and used paint to replicate plating.

[Chuck W.]

Thanks, Rus.  Like you, I have scoured the CJ3B page looking for answers to the bolt question, and I think this original photo of Chet Couvillon's 1965 may have answered my questions on my 64 model. It appears that all the hardware, especially the finder-to-body bolts and washers, are not painted. I think I will go with bare stainless steel hardware.  I think the paint on this jeep may be the same Spruce Tip Green that I am using, so it gives me a real idea of what mine may look like some day soon!
 

[Chuck W.]

I picked up the two #22551 Stepbolts from Fastenal today, and they are very different from the ones that were in my jeep. The heads are larger and they are flat, not domed. They will work, but I am just wondering if this is what everybody is forced to use now.
The one original that I was able to save is on the right:





Fasternal catalog shows this photo for the 22551, but it's not what I got:

[1955CJ-5]

Looks like you got elevator bolts instead of step bolts.....maybe they just substituted if the step bolts were out of stock?

I'd call  Fastenal and see what's up....

[Chuck W.]

The package tag said step bolt with the same 22551 part number. The Fastenal guy didn't seem to want to be bothered about it.  I guess I am done with them.
I really only need one, I can clean up the threads on the one I was able to save. Wonder if Harry Sheets might have one?

[Rus Curtis]

They do look like Elevator bolts.  Really surprised at Fastenal fail.

[Chuck W.]

Thanks to Rus for the care package with two new correct step bolts! Now just waiting on the body shop to finish the tub and parts!