Looking for a source for rod bolts for my 30-U as mine are stretched beyond use. There must be something close that is being used on recent rebuilds but I have not been able to find what it is. Thanks.
What is so different about these bolts that make them so hard to find.
Form, Fit, Function, Thread size ?
They have a tapered shank above the threads and then a straight shank above that with a groove just under the head. I assume the taper and groove are there for a reason as I doubt they would go to the trouble otherwise. I was hoping that someone has come up with a modern substitute that works even if it is not exactly the same. The guys who rebuild these engines professionally must have come up with something that works as I can't believe they are using the old rod bolts on a rebuild. They look like standard 3/8" 24 threads and the overall length is 2-7/16" measured from under the head to the end of the threads. They have 13/16" of thread and a slight taper over 11/16" of the shank right above the threads and the rest of the shank is not tapered. There is a 3/32" groove right under the head.
I will email your description to J&M Machine and ask them what they are using on my engine.
That would be great! Thanks
We probably won't hear back until Monday. I don't think they are working this weekend.
Hi Rusty,
This is what I received back from J&M Machine concerning the rod bolts.
"Chet:
Thanks for the e-mail.
I have been out for several days with the stomach flu so I didn't see your e-mail.
We are trying to find a modern replacement for those bolts as naturally all Nos ones are long gone.
Will let you know what we come up with."
Rusty when I know you'll know. Sorry I guess this is going to be one of those simple things that turns into a big project. I would guess that they would have to re-tap a standard rod bolt if one exists. I hope they don't have to change the connecting rods ? Now you got me worrying. $$$
Chet...
Chet I have been searching for a replacement for several months so I am not surprised. It really is a problem as it is not good practice to use old stretched bolts. I had less trouble finding rod bolts for my 1908 Locomobile! I will keep looking too and let you know if I get anywhere. This is obviously going to be an issue going forward as more and more tired engines need rebuilding. I believe the same bolt was used on the PA and PB rods so locating a replacement will help them also. Thanks again for the help.
Just in info on the Rod bolts:
Hello Chester:
Actually replacements are available.
Since we had done a PB engine a few years back I had in my memory we used ARP.
Tell your friend that the modern replacement is for a 440 Chrysler, of course.
Part number for the bolt is AR312-1 and nut is N503-RE He'll need 8 of each.
Thanks
John
Hi Russ, Please verify before ordering but hopefully this will work, Chet...
Thanks Chet! That's great news. I will contact ARP tomorrow.
Russ, FYI:
From J&M Machine:
Hello Chester:
The rod bolts we received for your engine won't work as he left off one dimension when I ordered them.
The correct one is ARP AR343-1 this bolt is right one fits Studebaker.
John
Quote from: chetbrz on April 05, 2018, 01:21:09 PM
Russ, FYI:
From J&M Machine:
Hello Chester:
The rod bolts we received for your engine won't work as he left off one dimension when I ordered them.
The correct one is ARP AR343-1 this bolt is right one fits Studebaker.
John
J&M Verified that ARP AR343-1 is the correct rod bolt for our engines.