Frequently Asked Questions

What if I can't open your PDF pages?
1. You may not have the current version of Adobe Acrobat Reader which is required to view PDF files.
2. You may have a number of computer problems.

Is Adobe Reader the only way to view your pages on line?
Yes.
The pages are saved in PDF file format, which requires Adobe Reader or compatible PDF reader to view.

Why are some words underlined on your pages?
That means it is a button connecting that page to a linked page. If you click on it, you will go to the linked page.

What if one of my mounts is broken off or cracked?
We can weld plastic and usually rebuild the mount. There will be an extra charge for the repair.

What if someone cut my radio out bigger?
We can weld plastic if the repair is minor. We can fix the knob holes if enlarged. We cannot rebuild the raised lips and grooves or pattern in the finish.

Why do you charge $8.50 to ship via USPS?
We found several years ago that our shipping cost was difficult to prefigure consistently. We established the 11% across the board shipping generally covered our cost of packaging, postage, basic insurance, invoices, and labor to do all of the above. Packaging alone involves boxes, stuffing, tape, bags, labels, tape, ink, computers, printers and other consumables. There is no way to track a package, just taken to the post office and mailed the cheapest way. We normally ship by UPS in the USA. Our manifest shows when and where the package is shipped and there is an automatic insurance of $100.00 with not extra paper work. Some small packages and some oversized packages cost more that the minimum H&S. We will figure H&S on those orders at time of shipping.

What if my part gets broken in shipping?
UPS requires the shipper to file the damage claim. So if it gets broken coming to us from you. You will have to file the claim. If it gets broken going to you from us, then we have to file the claim. The post office requires us to take your package to the local post office for their handling. If your part/ parts are hard to replace and are repairable, a postal claim may not be your best bet. UPS will pay for the part to be repaired if the claim is valid. You are required to package your parts in a box with 2 inches of packing on all sides.

How long have you been in business?
We have been at this location since 1974.

Can you tell me what fasteners fits my car?
We don't work on cars, so I don't have the knowledge to advise what all my fasteners fit. That is why I have spent thousands of hours compiling my catalogs. Our fastener catalog has actual size pictures (if printed out) of all our fasteners with a side view and an end view, so customers can shop at home and match up those hard to find fasteners.

Can I send in my samples for you to match up?
Since our pictures are actual size (if printed), we don't feel we should have to spend hours and hours a day doing unpaid additional research. Many of our fasteners will do dozens of jobs, but may not look like the original. So we cannot make the right decision as to which fastener would be the best for each customer. If you don't have our CD catalog. You can down load the pages you want and if you print the page the pictures will be actual size.  If you don't find it in the catalog then we probably don't have it.

Not all your fasteners say what car they fit?
Many of our fasteners are universal and do hundreds of cars. Some Mopar customers would not buy a fastener if we told them it was made for a Ford or vise versa. Remember the pictures will print out actual size.

What if we don't see the right fastener or clip in your catalog?
Then we probably don't have the original. However many of our fasteners will work in place of the original, And some can be modified to do different jobs.

Will the bolt heads have the same markings as my originals?
Not always. Bolt head markings are the logo of the manufacturer of the bolts. If your car was built in one part of the country, it would not have the same supplier as someone's that was built in another part of the country.

Will the screws/ bolts have the right finish?
Not always. We first find the closest screw size, then we find the closest head size, then we find the closest washer size (if applicable), then we find the closest finish (color). They are exchangeable free, if you prefer a different screw/ bolt of same value.

What is in a bumper bolt kit?
We try to be uniform in what is in our kits. A bumper bolt kit includes the bumper bolts, washers, and nuts that hold the bumper to the bumper arms and brackets.

Are bumper bolts stainless steel?
No.
The bumper bolts are zinc finished steel with a stainless steel cap, just like original.

What is in a bumper mounting  kit?
We try to be uniform in what is in our kits. A bumper mounting kit includes the bolts, washers, and nuts that hold the bumper arms and brackets to the car. Other bolts, washers, and nuts are available but  just, not in the kit.

What is in a exterior screw kit?
We try to be uniform in what is in our kits. If you go around your car with a screw driver, any screws that you can remove without opening something or removing something will be in that kit. Other screws are available but just, not in the kit.

What is in a interior screw kit?
We try to be uniform in what is in our kits. If you open the door of your car any screws you can remove on the interior with a screw driver, without opening something (glove box door) or removing something (instrument bezel) will be in that kit. Other screws are available but just, not in the kit.

What is in a underhood and trunk kit?
We try to be uniform in what is in our kits. If you open the hood and trunk of your car all the bolts/ nuts/ u-nuts/ washers/ and screws will be in that kit. Except for the motor bolts, etc. and lower suspension. Other bolts/ nuts/ u-nuts/ washers/ and screws are available but just, not in the kit.

Why do some bolts rust quicker than others?
I learned from a local plater that black oxide and black phosphate are a treatment not plated. I noticed a lot of bolts come in oily. They do that to keep them from rusting too quick. Zinc, cadmium, and chrome screws/ bolts/ nuts/ washers are plated. They will not rust until the moisture touches the steel under the plating. This can happen even though you don't see the exposed steel. It doesn't take much of a scrape for the moisture to get to the steel.

Is stainless steel a better bolt?
Not necessarily. A grade 5 or 8 are harder bolts than a stainless steel bolt. There are different type stainless steel bolts, 18-8 Stainless steel is less likely to rust then 410 stainless steel.

Is there anything furnished telling me where the screws/ bolts go?
Yes.
We enclose a list with bag numbers listing all the different items and what they are to be used for. If a particular size screw is used for several different uses. There will be a listing for each use. Each use will have the same bag number. and all of the same uses will be in the same bag. Example: Bag # 3 has 4 windshield mould screws, 2 seat side mould screws, and 2 coat hook screws. There will be 8 screws in bag number 3 if all are the same size.

Can you make a screw kit that is not on your list?
If you send in the original screws/ bolts with an explanation as to where they are used. We can make you a custom kit. Some people order a kit of a similar car to start with, then send us the information of which screws are different or not enough of, for their car.

Some of your screws are shorter or longer than my original screws?
In my extensive research, I found variance in the length of screws used on same make and model. We do guarantee all our screws and bolts to fit. We will exchange any you feel are not right for your car.

Your catalog doesn't say it is Phillips head, why?
Due to space on many pages we tried to conserve words, so we defaulted the listing to be Phillips head unless otherwise stated. The pictures show the head type.

What is the difference in 6D, 8D and 10D that I see in your catalog?
Those numbers are descriptions of the head size if different that the screws size. If a number 8 screw has an under size head it will say 5D or 6D. If it has an over size head it will say 10D. the same holds true for other size screws. If a number 8 screws has regular size head we don't list it. It would be a 8D head. Again the picture will show the head size, if printed.

What is the difference in HWH and H/L washer bolts?
HWH stands for Hex washer head and means the head is hex in shape with a fixed washer made into the head. The washer does not turn.
H/L washer stands for hex head with a loose washer made attached to the bolt. The washer turns separately from the bolt.

What does 1/4-20, 5/16-18, and 5/24 mean?
1/4-20 stands for #1/4  or #14 screw or bolt with 20 threads per inch.
5/16-18 stands for #5/16 screw or bolt with 18 threads per inch also referred to as USS course thread.
5/16-24 stands for #5/16 screw or bolt with 24 threads per inch also referred to as SAE fine thread.
Also 8-32 is course. 10-24 is course while 10-32 is fine.

What is the difference in cadmium, #1 cadmium, and yellow cadmium?
cadmium could have been yellow or dull silver. #1 cadmium is soft silver. and yellow cadmium is yellow in finish. I have found cadmium to come in several colors.

Will a kit from a similar car work on my car?
In my extensive research, I found variance in the length of screws used on same make and model. But most screws will interchange with a car of similar make and model. Example a particular year Chevrolet Chevelle, Buick Skylark, Pontiac Lemans, and Oldsmobile Cutlass will be similar. there are minor differences. Second example a coat hook screw may be 1/2 inch long on one car, 5/8 on another, and 3/4 on another and even 7/8 on another. This is true on the same make and model not just between different models.

Are your kits guaranteed?
In my extensive research, I found variance in the length of screws used on same make and model. We do guarantee all our screws and bolts to fit. We will replace any screw/ bolt if you feel it is different on your car. The kits are refundable if you are not satisfied with them.

Is your set of 3 catalogs on CD refundable?
The cost of catalog set on CD in the USA is refundable with a $20.00 purchase. Catalogs outside the USA are not.

What credit cards do you take?
We take Visa, Master Card, American Express, and Discover.