Could I ask if the all the nust & bolts are UNC or UNF type as my enigne is missing quite a few as it was in bits when I got it. I've seen a couple of adverts in the back of Kit Car for "Selection Bags" of nuts & bolts but I'd like to get the right type first time.
Is there anyone else worth getting these from other than the adverts in the mag ??
I'm in West Yorkshire.
Thanks as always.......The help is Brill here !!

Your post doesn't say which engine you have. Anyway, the only types that Locost builders are likely to encounter are UNC (unified coarse) UNF (unified fine) and standard metric.
UNF are usually used in older designs for holding two steel parts together. The threads are very close together and the bolts are defined by their outside diameter measured in imperial e.g.5/16".
UNC are more usual where the bolt fastens into aluminium e.g. Rover V8's. Their threads are much coarser and the difference is obvious,measured the same way.
Metric are usually somewhere between the two, and have become the standard over the last 25 years or so, but there are plenty of exceptions, measured O/D and descsribed as M6,M8,M10 etc.
You should find a local firm under bolt and nut stockist in you yellow pages. Take some cash with you and make it obvious that you don't need a receipt and they are usually very helpful.
Invest in a Zeus book, a thread gauge(optional) and a cheap vernier caliper and you will be able to identify any thread.

John

Should have said that there for a 1300 X-Flow engine !

I'm not familiar with the 1300xflow but the above still applies, it's a good thing for anyone building a locost to learn about nuts and bolts, and to get a zeus book and a calipers.

John

Where can I get hold of a Zeus book >???

Just rebuilt 1600 X Flow the sump and manifolds are unc most of the internals are unf (but the most important nut is the one the holds the steering wheel) they come in all shapes and sizes. ive got the manual if you need any info.

You can get the Zeus engineer's chart book from most good engineer's supplies shops, check yellow pages, or online
http://tbx.toolbankexpress.com/searchresults.cfm?CFID=75627&CFTOKEN=23766130&rID=66&nx=C8079BB0E79E15685646860060047A66
and enter Zeus in the search facility shown. Cost is less than £6 You can get cheap vernier calipers and thread gauges from the same source. You dont have to have a thread gauge because if you measure the distance between threads with the calipers the Zeus book gives the pitch of all common thread forms and you can work out which one it is.



If the Haynes manual quote bolt sizes then it will be the first one that I have seen that does that.

John