I’m in the process of replacing the rubber bushings and the end links on the ‘61 Olds. The rubber bushings are held onto the stabilizer bar by means of a bracket, bolted to the car. Only two bolts and two nuts per bracket, per side of the stabilizer bar.

Should I reuse the nuts and bolts?
Should I add washers? There were none originally.
Should I replace the nuts and bolts with brand new ones, with washers? Just trying to figure out how to approach this one. Not a huge deal, but I want some feedback on using original hardware vs upgrading.

 

If you can match up the old hardware with new, preferably grade 8 bolts, you might be better off starting fresh.

 

What week end is "Back to the 50's" ?

 

They are indeed grade 5, three lines on the top of the head of the bolts. I assumed washers would spread the force better, but if they weren’t originally used, I won’t worry about adding them. I have them pictured below. Back to the 50’s is the 20th, 21st and 22nd.

Look like fine threads. I may just clean these up and reuse?

 

I think they look fine to re-use. A wire brush or light touch on a wire wheel those should be just fine. The one thing about using OEM nuts/bolts is they were designed w/ the correct Coefficient of Friction & Nut Factor. I don't think it's necessary to run a thread cleaner into the holes, but if you have one that would be sweet. Spray some PB Blaster into the holes, run each bolt into each hole several times, then use air compressor to blow out the gunk. This will provide you the best clamping force.

 

Would a guy bother to sand blast and paint the brackets for the stabilizer bar and bushings? Is that going a little overboard? Maybe a quick wire brush and throw it all back together?

 

If the brackets visually appear to have cracks &/or significant metal pitting which might be considered to reduce the bracket(s) structural integrity - buy new brackets. If that is not the case, I'd clean 'em up wipe 'em down & re-install them.

 

Brackets look good, no pitting, no cracks. I will clean things up and reassemble and torque according to my CSM and then post some pictures. Thanks all!

 

They look fine. Degrease them, apply a small dab of copper anti-seize when re-installing if you have it. Power brush brackets and paint with semi-gloss black if you want.

Thanks, I plan to be at "Back to the 50's" this year unless something interferes.

 

As the others mentioned, bolts and nuts are fine to reuse. Nothing wrong with cleaning and painting parts that go back on the car.