Question about bolts / hardware / fasteners

I am combing through a new purchase - a base 2002 4x4 extended with less than 50k miles and I am finding some rusted bolts here and there. The truck is completely Toyota with no damage and no aftermarket anything. I'd like to keep this one as stock as possible but I also want to swap out some of this old hardware.

My question is - where do you get automotive metric hardware? Is the stuff from the racks at Home Depot suitable or do I need to order a specific type of fastener for automotive purposes? I'm not talking about mission critical stuff like brake bolts, but more like skid plate bolts. Also, do I increase the chances for rust / metal reactions by using the wrong kind of fastener (zinc / stainless / etc?)

I know I could find he right size and thread - I just want to do it the RIGHT way.

I'm hoping someone has already thought this through - thanks in advance.

 

I have always found hardware easy to find in my neighborhood store, but just make sure you get a replacment as strong as the oem part.

As far as material like zinc or stainless, it wou.d depend on the location and purpose of the fastener. If you are fighting off a rusted to peices bolt, maybe a stainless replacment will be the best bet. And you can always add a little anti seize for insurance against any issues of steel on aluminium.

 

I purchase from NAPA or my local dealship if I must.

I prefer using bolts with a higher grade then was the original.
But if that's not obtainable... I'll get the original at the very least.

Only a dealership will offer the original hardware.
Maybe some can be found on ebay... listed by dealerships.

After market can meet or exceed oem specs...
But may not look exactly as did the factory originals.

 

I have a copy of the Toyota electronic parts catalog. I can find the nut and bolt part numbers from that, then order online, like from www.toyotapartsdeal.com. A little pricey, but I know it will be the correct part, like before I remove the nut or bolt. If you know the sizes, you can order online from a place like www.boltdepot.com. They have class 8.8 and 10.9 metric, zinc plated, and stainless steel depending on what you need. Also, flange bolts, the type that's like a washer built in.

 

Remember Toyota uses JIS Hardware (Japanese Industrial Standard) Which some places can be very hard to find local

The only local place to me is my dealer The hardware prices are quite good.

M6x1.00 M8x1.25 M10 X 1.25

$13 M12x1.25 mm Self-Locking Nylon Insert Hex Lock Nuts, Pack of 6

M12x1.25 are the most often used sizes

Bel-Metric out of Mass. I have ordered from in the past and I should order before the Holiday Season ramps up

Now I have a bolt bin for JIS Hardware so I am fixed pretty good .

 

Some of the odd-head/odd-thread JIS stuff is just not availible in local hardware or autoparts stores. If you need certain specific Asian nuts & bolts right away, the dealer may be your only choice.
Otherwise, when I'm looking for some part at the local Pick-N-Pull salvage yard, I'll often grab a handful of metric nuts & bolts. Usually, other people removing parts just leave the hardware on the ground. The fasteners may not all be brand spanking new, but they're factory hardware, you can select the best examples, and the price is right. Over the years, I've built up a decent stockpile of Asian & German automotive hardware.

Happy Motoring, Mark

 

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I use Ace Hardward in bolt's section ... good selection.
.

 

Great responses - thanks all.