thx. I am just planning on leaving it glossey. To me it gives it a nice clean look even though it didn't come from the factory that way.

 

that's cool probably easier to get any grease off too. I like the factory look but I am not married to it.. looks good either way!!

 

Group
Needed some thoughts on nuts and bolts. I am waiting for the bushings to arrive so i can start the suspension assembly. I was looking over the bolts which look a bit rusty. I have wired brushed them up to look clean but look like hell up against the painted frame and suspention. So in doing a resto what are the options? Do i assemble then go back and touch up the visible portions of the nuts and bolts?

 

I going thru the same thing now.
For some of the bolts I bought replacements from AMK ( http://www.amkproducts.com/ ).
Another option is to throw them in a parts tumbler & paint them once they're clean...

 

Im 5 months into my resto and my advice is unless the old parts are in very good condition or restorable, throw them away and buy new. Its well worth the few extra bucks

 

After my restore I could not agree with you more!!!!!

 

while I agree if you get the exact repop pieces it is better to toss out the old, and old pieces being saved do pile up quick, I would recommend tossing them out only after that assembly is redone. I bought a complete engine bolt kit in stainless, and now I am going back and cleaning the old bolts cause I like the style of the stock bolts better, same for the brakeline clamps etc. I was VERY unimpressed with the new clips that came with my new lines...

That said my friend used his tumbler on a whole can of my bolts and they came out great then used a black oxide kit from caswell plating
http://www.caswellplating.com/kits/black.htm

they look NEW and are original

 

I keep mine ole parts. There's always someone needing something for a driver or temporaryly until they can save up the bucks. Give them to your Olds buds don't toss them.