Specialty Bolt/Screw Question

[newkitman]

Looking for a few specialty bolts/screws. The best way I can describe it is a self-tapping screw on one end and regular threads on the other end. My TDr (VW based) is missing the grounding stud that grounds the engine/transaxle to the rear fork. Same as a non-VW based car where the battery ground cable connects to the chassis somewhere. I have a small one under the front hood that was in my old Air Force “scrounge bin” for all the grounds up front but know neither the name or anyone that would sell them. I want to screw the self-tapping portion into the chassis, weld it in place to ensure security and then hook the engine/transaxle ground cable to it and secure with a washer, lock-washer and nut.
Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Allen Caron
VW based 53MGTD - "MoneyPenny"
"If one thing matters, everything matters" - from the book The Shack

[Toller]

What you are describing is known as a hanger bolt. Check local hardware stores. I found one on Home Depot with 8/32 machine threads and #8 course threads on the other end
Another option would be to just drill and tap hole where you want. Then screw in a bolt with nut threaded on, tighten the nut then weld bolt and nut. Cut off head of bolt, clean up the threads an attach your ground strap

David B Dixon
Port Perry ON CA
Sabine

[edward ericson]

Long as you’re welding anyway you could just weld the nut on and cinch the ground strap on with the bolt & a washer or two. Good idea to do several ground straps on these cars and/or run a negative ground wire from the battery with a few sets of terminals on it.

[newkitman]

Toller. I have to run buy Home Depot and Lowes later today so I’ll check in their hardware department. Ace Hardware is just down the street from them so I’ll check there as well. Wonder if a boat parts supply place would also carry them. Had a friend suggest fasten all but I don’t need a hundred of the hangar bolts. One large and three small will do.

Ed. Having multiple ground locations is my intention. One ground in the front trunk, one on the tunnel under the dash (but up front out of the way of feet) and one in the engine compartment for lights, etc. Plus a separate larger one for the ground strap. I’ll probably run it from the engine/transaxle split line to the trailing arm stud.

Thanks guys for the help.

• This reply was modified 7 years, 12 months ago by newkitman.

Allen Caron
VW based 53MGTD - "MoneyPenny"
"If one thing matters, everything matters" - from the book The Shack

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