DocTock993

I am having a lot of trouble sourcing the Allen head M8x20 pitch 1.25 bolts for the OEM seats.
None so far at my local Home Depot, Lowes, or Westlake/Ace Hardware.
I "need" them by April 14 for a "wrench" day.
Anyone have any suggestions?

Adam5oh

If you can't find them locally, www.mcmaster.com should have what you are looking for though you'll probably have to buy more than you need. I know I've seen cautions about replacing these bolts with anything other than OEM due to safety issues, but I'll leave that up to someone who knows what they are talking about.

Sooner

I picked some up at Lowes last week. I still have the package & can provide you the sku #. I would think they should be able to order them for you, they are in a package of 2 for around $1.70 or so.

Let me know if you want the sku info.

DocTock993

Yes! SKU please!!!

Also, and OT, I am VERY interested to hear what it is like to live in Portland. All the pluses and minuses. I am seriously considering trying to get a job there.

jaholmes

I really hope the M6 and M8 bolts I buy at the hardware store are good. Another option may be fastenal.

chris walrod

Order them from Sunset Imports -- ground shipping will arrive in time.

DocTock993

Isn't the problem with the OEM that they are too soft and the heads strip out when you remove them?
I thought that is why I needed to get replacements - in anticipation of not having the originals after removal.
Therefore, why would I want exactly the same issue all over again with OEM from Sunset?

Steve Weiner-Rennsport Systems

Russ,

I've had few troubles with the OEM ones,...

I think a lot of folks strip the heads due to the quality & fitment of the tool used to do the job. I use a Hazet that fits very nicely.

FWIW, I do have those bolts if you cannot get them in time.

gordo993

Russ,

I got mine out and back in with no problems - just so you know...

stace

I got mine at Fastenal - much more substantial than OEM and something like 10 cents each.

And I lived in Portland for a few years. great city if the NW rain doesn't bother you. Lots of people try to move here without a job - depending on your field its not that easy to find a job in many cases. Also you will find the cost of living much higher than MO. Good luck - lots of great Rennlisters in the area and of course Rennsport Systems!

DocTock993

Thank you everyone!

OK gordo993 - I wanted to be ready "just in case" - not that it totally matters if we can't get the seat in immediately - it's not like the car is going anywhere any time soon
I also have changed plans - let's not mess with the top. Instead - strut-bar install, Ultimate pedal/ footrest install, and the seat space check. Sound reasonable?

Re: Portland info. I have heard it is very expensive, although after 6 months in Miami, everything but California and NYC seem pretty "reasonable". If the move looks more likely, I'll seek more info. Thanks again...

RallyJon

Couple of notes:

McMaster sells the grade 12.9 bolts for ~$9 for 50. Hard to beat.

The older cars didn't have room for the full-size head of the 12.9 bolts since the upper and lower bolt heads need to pass each other when sliding the seat. You needed to use the low profile head version, which is only available in grade 8.8. The low profile head also had a shallower hex hole of course, which made them easier to strip.

Depending on which seats you have and which holes you use, there may not be enough room to fit a normal ratchet in there. So you can either spend 10 min per bolt turning them a few degrees at a time with an L shaped allen wrench, or get this mini ratchet. Perfect for getting into all those tight spots on a Porsche:

http://www.newmantools.com/wfmc.htm

JasonF

I've bolted and unbolted my seats several times (for cleaning, chip install, etc..) using a hex ratchet head. A proper tool makes all the difference in the world, and my bolt heads have no visible signs of wear. On the other hand, using an allen wrench would seem like torture to me and would make the job very tedious.

ddz

Eagle day has bolt kits for 8.95/set- http://eagleday.stores.yahoo.net/911intr.html

Sooner

Sorry for the delayed response, busy day at work.

Seat Bolts from Lowes
Brand: Hillman
M8 1.25X20
Scoket HD Cap Screw
Class 12.9
SKU#0 08236 7 1225 4
QTY:2

As for living in Portland, it's great. May-October is fantastic & pretty dry. Novemeber-April very wet. I moved here from South Florida, so the cost of living is pretty comparable. Coming from St. Louis you'll prob be in for sticker shock, though it's nothing like Calif prices. The people are great, beach is 1.5 hrs away (though not like Florida at all), Winter sports on Mount hood 1.5 hours away. FANTASTIC driving roads, good track for DE days.

Not much downside to the area. Job market can be a bit limited.

Hope that helps.