now that most manufacturers are world market I would expect metric to be more common than SAE. all of Detroit outsources components and subassemblies from beyond the states ...

----- Original Message -----
From: Dennis Haynes <d23haynes57@HOTMAIL.COM>
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Cc: 
Sent: Monday, December 19, 2011 11:02 PM
Subject: Re: nuts/bolts

Almost all VW hardware conforms to DIN specifications and with some effort
is readily available. Depending on application you need to be aware of not
only size but grade, (property Class) and finish, (plain, Black Oxide, zinc,
etc.) Washer selection is just as or more critical for many applications.

Lawson products has a line (metric-torq) that is amongst the best in the
business. American made and the plating alone is worth the cost. P.C. 10.9.
Fastenal and McMaster Carr, are also great sources. McMaster has great
prices and selection of Stainless Steel fasteners. Do some learning to get
this right. Torque wrenches and charts, never seize, and Loctite� should
become your friends.

Dennis

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of
Jabin Newhouse
Sent: Monday, December 19, 2011 10:17 PM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: nuts/bolts

When completing repairs to my bus, I want to switch out the heavily rusted
nuts and bolts as needed.� I am having trouble finding the identical
nuts/bolts in metric sizes that match my owner's manual (the existing
nut/bolt) and the general internet instructions for repairs.� Not only is
this compromising the integrity of this great vehicle, but also I think
long-term this could be an issue by swapping out metric for SAE sizes and
possibly stripping out nuts/bolts during future repairs by not realizing its
a SAE nut/bolt or creating a problem for the next owner (my son hopefully).

Any suggestions?

jabin
1987 Vanagon Transporter