[Matt70ss]

Looking to find a die to chase the threads on a couple of 327 small journal rod bolts. They were removed by the previous owner and two bolts on different rods got a little bit boogered up. Don't want to replace all the bolts and have all the rods resized.

Searched the internet and local hardware stores to no avail. Anyone know where to find this dinosaur?

 

[gnicholson]

I wouldn't Chase Rod bolts with a die you might use a thread file and carefully straighten the threads up

 

[Bonkerman]

I doubt they are 11/32. I would replace them. Resizing the rods might be a good thing.

 

[Matt70ss]

I doubt they are 11/32. I would replace them. Resizing the rods might be a good thing.

They are 11/32" per my machine shop and i verified that as a 3/8" die is too big. 11/32" Standard on early model small journal 327s

 

[BillK]

I doubt they are 11/32. I would replace them. Resizing the rods might be a good thing.

They absolutely are 11/32. Most of the Small Journal small block rods used that size bolt.

 

[BillK]

Matt,
Where are they messed up ? If its just at the very end from someone hammering on them to get the rods loose then you can usually just grind the messed up threads off. The bolts are longer than they need to be and as long as the entire nut is on good threads they will be fine. I am almost certain that I have the right die but cant remember where I got it.

If you just need a couple of bolts I am certain I have a broken box of them. Just let me know. I definitely have nuts, just used some last week.

 

[Bonkerman]

Yes you are right. I must have been thinking of later small block bolts.

 

[Matt70ss]

Matt,
Where are they messed up ? If its just at the very end from someone hammering on them to get the rods loose then you can usually just grind the messed up threads off. The bolts are longer than they need to be and as long as the entire nut is on good threads they will be fine. I am almost certain that I have the right die but cant remember where I got it.

If you just need a couple of bolts I am certain I have a broken box of them. Just let me know. I definitely have nuts, just used some last week.

Matt,
Where are they messed up ? If its just at the very end from someone hammering on them to get the rods loose then you can usually just grind the messed up threads off. The bolts are longer than they need to be and as long as the entire nut is on good threads they will be fine. I am almost certain that I have the right die but cant remember where I got it.

If you just need a couple of bolts I am certain I have a broken box of them. Just let me know. I definitely have nuts, just used some last week.

Thanks Bill. Both nuts are fine. I attached a pic of the bolt. I will try a thread file as it appears to be the top thread on only one side. If that doesn't work I'll grind the thread off. If that fails, I'll pm you for a bolt. Thanks again.

 

[BillK]

I would take a grinder to it if the thread file doesnt clean it up. The bolts usually stick out through the nuts at least a few threads and that part doesnt do anything anyway.

 

[JJ'65]

More info re threads...

Minimum Threads Protruding Beyond Nut

A minimum thread protrusion length is given to ensure that all the threads are engaged. This is required to ensure a full-strength fastener. Equipment component drawings should specify the type, length, and size of bolt, stud, bolt-stud, etc. to be used to obtain the proper thread protrusion.

www.engineersedge.com

As a design criterion anyway...

 

[Tom Mobley]

What Bill said. Don't use any cutting tool on the rod bolts. the threads are rolled, not cut. a die will cut, leaving a handy place for the bolt to break. Don't use dies on rod bolts, main bolts or head bolts.

 

[Droptop72]

Of course the lesson here is if you REALLY see the need to bang on the threaded end of a rod bolt, for God sakes put a nut on there first. I swear some people could manage to break an anvil.