PINTO CAR CLUB of AMERICA

Welcome to FordPinto.com, The home of the PCCA => General Help- Ask the Experts... => Topic started by: Trisa on June 05, 2013, 09:22:09 AM

Title: Caliper bolts
Post by: Trisa on June 05, 2013, 09:22:09 AM
Caliper bolts

Still looking for caliper bolts for my daughters 72 pinto runabout....be en looking for 6 months they gotta be out there somewhere!?....please call or message its the only part holding us back from finishing!


More Information (http://www.fordpinto.com/index.php?action=classifieds;sa=view;id=2504)
Title: Re: Caliper bolts
Post by: Scott Hamilton on January 16, 2014, 11:13:25 AM
Moved to General Help...

Don't have any myself- Does anyone have any laying around?
Title: Re: Caliper bolts
Post by: HOSS429 on January 16, 2014, 02:08:11 PM
i cant believe no one has any .. i will look at mine and see if i can make some ..if i can i will give you mine ..it`s just a simple little bolt with a big head on it ....
Title: Re: Caliper bolts
Post by: jeremysdad on January 21, 2014, 02:09:23 PM
(1) Does it have to be authentic (like for a Concours-level resto)?

(2) You are referring to the bolts that hold the bracket to the spindle, correct? (If not, I am at a loss as to what you are referencing. lol)

If the answer to #1 is no, then you should be able to match the thread size to a proper length *Grade 8* bolt from a auto parts/hardware store. Even if you had to buy a longer one and cut it down to length, it's what I would do if I needed one.

*Because it is brake related, make sure that you use Grade 8 for safety reasons. A Grade 5 might be more than adequate, but overkill with brake/suspension hardware is always a good decision.
Title: Re: Caliper bolts
Post by: Wittsend on January 21, 2014, 04:29:14 PM
Also critical is the shoulder length.

[Hex Head] [Shoulder = unthreaded portion of the bolt] [Threads= threaded portion of the bolt].

The shoulder is important because it provides strength. If the bolt is threaded all the way to the head it won't be as strong.  If the shoulder is too long then the bolt will run out of threads before the part itself is tightened.  The bolt will get tight, but the part (caliper in this case) will still be loose.

Perhaps one of the companies that sells aftermarket brakes (Wilwood) might be able to help.  It just seems sad that you have been waiting 6 months for four bolts. The correct length (shoulder & thread), and thread count bolt is out there somewhere.  Even if you had to order them from pricy McMaster Carr.  Hopefully someone on this forum has a loose caliper and spindle that they could give you the correct sizing.

Fast Update:  Right after I posted this I did a search on Google (yea, I know, should have searched first) and found this information that was previously posted.  It already has the sizes I mentioned. http://www.fordpinto.com/general-help/caliper-bolt-question/ (http://www.fordpinto.com/general-help/caliper-bolt-question/)
Title: Re: Caliper bolts
Post by: hotrod_man36 on January 21, 2014, 05:13:30 PM
I can help you with your problem if you want to give me a call any time at 304-952-7498. Thanks Chester
Title: Re: Caliper bolts
Post by: jeremysdad on January 22, 2014, 12:12:37 PM
Also critical is the shoulder length.

[Hex Head] [Shoulder = unthreaded portion of the bolt] [Threads= threaded portion of the bolt].

The shoulder is important because it provides strength. If the bolt is threaded all the way to the head it won't be as strong.  If the shoulder is too long then the bolt will run out of threads before the part itself is tightened.  The bolt will get tight, but the part (caliper in this case) will still be loose.

Perhaps one of the companies that sells aftermarket brakes (Wilwood) might be able to help.  It just seems sad that you have been waiting 6 months for four bolts. The correct length (shoulder & thread), and thread count bolt is out there somewhere.  Even if you had to order them from pricy McMaster Carr.  Hopefully someone on this forum has a loose caliper and spindle that they could give you the correct sizing.

Fast Update:  Right after I posted this I did a search on Google (yea, I know, should have searched first) and found this information that was previously posted.  It already has the sizes I mentioned. http://www.fordpinto.com/general-help/caliper-bolt-question/ (http://www.fordpinto.com/general-help/caliper-bolt-question/)

Good points about the shoulder and it's effect. It's been too long, I can't remember if the stock bolts had one or not. I know the top bolt has a 3/4 head and the bottom is a 5/8, iirc. Had them on and off about 3000 times. lol
Title: Re: Caliper bolts
Post by: HOSS429 on January 22, 2014, 02:02:18 PM
it has been my thought from the beginning that what she needs is the little bolt that holds the sliding part onto the caliper .. the little spring loaded part you have to drive out with a screwdriver then swing the caliper out of the spindle ... i think it has an allen head on it .. 
Title: Re: Caliper bolts
Post by: jeremysdad on January 22, 2014, 03:40:56 PM
On the early models, the 'springy thing' is supposed to have one hole on each side of it provided in the bracket, and those should be filled with cotter pins, according to Chilton.

The only bolts in the 71-73 front disc brakes are the 2 holding the bracket to the spindle, and the one holding the brake line bracket to the frame.

As always, iirc. I'm human, but I'm almost 100% sure that is correct information.