Bolts

[NJTB]

One of my rear upper control arms rusted through, and being cautious, I ordered a kit with all 4 arms. They came without bolts, so I'm hoping one of the learned people on this list knows the size. Further hoping it will be a Home Depot, or a hardware store item.

 

[bfairweath]

Make sure whatever you use is Grade 8. Some big box home improvement stores sell Grade 8.

 

[Sparky]

I do not know the size but you may find something at HD. I got replacement upper ball joint pinch bolts at HD. Be aware that you may end up with a different bilt head size than original though - for example, the front UBJ pinch bolts originally are a metric head, but I found out that the shank was actually SAE after doing comparisons. Stupid I know, mot sure what GM was thinking there. But after seeing that it makes me wonder how many other bolts are metric sized heads on SAE shanks/threads.

 

[mrrsm]

Before condemning the OEM In-Dwelling Bolts... after De-Greasing the fasteners or ferrous components with Brake-Kleen, try dropping them into little plastic tub along with this Non-Toxic, Re-Usable "Evapo-Rust" Solution.

I've used as much as 5 Gallons of this stuff in tall containers to completely De-Rust Steering Knuckles and all 10.9 Hard (Grade 8) Bolts and Brackets. It just WORKS. You can either re-use the stuff or harmlessly wash it down the drain in your Kitchen Sink.

Then you can give them all a very close visual inspection and go from there. For the amount you would require, it only costs around $10.00 for the container via Amazon and is a much better alternative to using a sketchy clean up using the Wire Wheel Brushing Technique.

I'll be very surprised if they don';t come out looking Brand New and turn out to be completely serviceable...and if NOT you'll have a definitive answer as to whether or not to purchase Automotive Grade New Fasteners:

Amazon.com: Evapo-Rust, The Original Super Safe Rust Remover, Water-based, Non-Toxic, Biodegradable, 32 oz: Automotive

Buy Evapo-Rust, The Original Super Safe Rust Remover, Water-based, Non-Toxic, Biodegradable, 32 oz: Tools & Home Improvement - Amazon.com ✓ FREE DELIVERY possible on eligible purchases

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This Video will more than convince you of just how good this stuff really is:

 

[NJTB]

Thanks for the answers guys, I do appreciate it.
I got under the car yesterday and tried to change the control arms, but in my tiny garage with the car on ramps I just couldn't get the leverage to break the bolts free. Used a 3 foot breaker bar with a pipe on the end, but ran out if room to swing the wrench. Plus the amount of rust worries me a bunch. I really don't think the bolts will come out without breaking, plus I'm hoping they're not rusted to the bushings which makes it almost impossible to remove.
Wound up calling a shop near me, he said he'd replace them, so Tuesday I'm bringing it in.
I did manage to measure the bolts, and I THINK they're 9/16 x 12 x 3 1/2. Used the new control arms to measure the 9/16.
Wish me luck.

 

[Sparky]

They're big enough that you probably won't be able to break them off, but there is the chance they could be rusted to the bushings.

 

[mrrsm]

For anyone else faced with this situation and in desperate need of Automotive Grade GM Fasteners (10.9 for Metric or Grade 8 for SAE) ... Browse what they have offered online ...HERE:

Automotive Flange Bolts & Specialty Bolts

Find affordable and low-priced automotive flange bolts and specialty bolts, available in a wide range of diameters, lengths, grades and finishes, to fit your automobile repair needs.

www.clipsandfasteners.com

 

[NJTB]

Guys
It wasn't so bad. Took the car to the local guy, who seems to thrive on rusted stuff. I really thought he was going to say buy a new car, but no, he got the control arms in no problem. Bolts weren't even rusted to the bushings, surprised me.
All in all, it was $100 for the 4 control arms, and he charged $200 to put them in. Thinking about me sweating and swearing under the car to put them in, the whole thing was cheap.

 

[Mooseman]

Sometimes it is worth it to pay someone to do it for you. Driveway mechanical work is getting really old.

 

[NJTB]

Yes, Mooseman, being 70 I just can't do things like I did 20 years ago. One of them is fitting under the damn car.