Anyone have a source for proper nails? Looks like the existing nails are at least 16 ga, and 1/2", 3/4" and 1" long depending on where located on the car. Any nails that short that I have found are too thin.
Found some from Restoration Supply. They show two types of body nails. 7/8 and 1" with slightly different thickness and head size and style. Which is closest to correct?
Found some from Restoration Supply. They show two types of body nails. 7/8 and 1" with slightly different thickness and head size and style. Which is closest to correct?
Neither but what choice do we have. I bought a few different ones from them and they are also not 100%. I've been modifying as I go. I had tried to find a nail manufacturer to make correct ones but no luck.
I found early Chevy nails here: http://www.earlychevyparts.com/ if you go to the Online Catalog option and then Exterior Body section, they are right near the top
Body Nails--Stainless Steel Grip Type 3/4" 100 per Pkg. $12.00 Body Nails--Stainless Steel Grip Type 3/4" approx. 650 per Pkg $58.00 Body Nails--Stainless Steel Grip Type 1 1/4" 80 per Pkg $14.00 Body Nails--Stainless Steel Grip Type 1 1/4" approx. 450 per pkg $58.00
They are for 1925-1931 but should be close enough for 32
I found early Chevy nails here: http://www.earlychevyparts.com/ if you go to the Online Catalog option and then Exterior Body section, they are right near the top
Body Nails--Stainless Steel Grip Type 3/4" 100 per Pkg. $12.00 Body Nails--Stainless Steel Grip Type 3/4" approx. 650 per Pkg $58.00 Body Nails--Stainless Steel Grip Type 1 1/4" 80 per Pkg $14.00 Body Nails--Stainless Steel Grip Type 1 1/4" approx. 450 per pkg $58.00
They are for 1925-1931 but should be close enough for 32
I asked him for photos of these nails to see what they are like. No word yet.
I too was looking for nails to reattach the wooden roof to the metal portions of 48 station wagon that I am working on. The original spiral nails are 3/4” long with a .080 diameter shank. The head on the original nails is .150 diameter. A fellow member of this forum suggested that I contact Lang’s Old Car Parts that supplies Model T parts and order their item number B-NAIL1. Here are a couple pictures of the nails that I purchased from Lang’s. You can see the replacement nails are also 3/4” long and the shank also measures .080. The head of the replacement nails is .187 diameter. They may have other sizes. Mike
So I got a picture from Gary Wallace and he is suppling flat head nails which is not what is needed. Having said that these could be used for attaching the sheetmateal to the underside of the main and floor sills. At the moment I have been using the countersunk ones offered by Model A suppliers but have to grind the heads to the correct size.
Whodathunk finding the correct nails would be so complicated. So we have Lang's Old Car Parts. Gary Wallace and Restoration Supply. Looks like the ones from Lang's are the closest? Anyone have a preference of one over the other based on experience?
Mike, I’m glad Don was able to help you out. Those nails appear to be the closest I’ve seen. The countersunk head nail is really no longer made, at least the way we need them. I spoke with a customer of mine who has nails made for him and the amount needed for a special run is ridiculous so I do the best I can and actually save nails that are good for the areas that show.
Quick update on this post .. I ordered nails from the Restoration Supply, based on the suggestions above. I got the "body nails". the 7/8 tapered head and 1" flat head. For my 32 so far they work good. The 1" flat head works good for the metal to wood inside the doors, though I will say they do bend really easy, so if you going into new hard wood, you'll want to drill a pilot hole first.
Got nails from them also. Drilling pilot holes and it's going OK. I have all new hardwood so drilling is a must. I drill about 1/2 length of the nail so they grab real good. Use a nail set to drive them home. Looking at finished product, they look as good as original IMO.
Sounds good Bertus, sounds like you're making progress. I'm doing the same, drilling about half way and using a nail set also. I put new wood in my doors (4-door) one is done, just finished last night... and three more to do, but like you said.. it's looking good! Only hard part i'm having is getting the new nails in the metal window channels .. that's where the nail set comes in handy :)
