Screws for front grill - avoiding scene tax

Anyone know the specific type of screw required for the front grill. Mine appear to be 12-13mm depth of thread and a head of 9mm diameter. I want to source some stainless ones and there are loads of companies on the web. Anyone done this. Some VW suppliers want a quid+ per screw!!

 

Any fastener supplier will have stainless self-tappers of the right size, or you could try eBay. They'll be cheap. If I remember, I'll measure the size tomorrow - self tappers generally go by a number eg number 12, like woodscrews.

 

Yeah - figured that but just wondered if anyone knew. I'll take one with me into screwfix/homebase until I fund one and will post it up.

 

It's inability of the customer to specify what they want that allows scene tax. VWHeritage often say exactly what stuff is though I haven't checked these screws.

 

I got some from the local ship chandlery in marine grade stainless steel.

 

It's almost as cheap to buy a selection of sizes from eBay then you always have a chance of having the right screws, some eBay retailers have a selection of sizes in one package,

 

^yep, this. Good to buy a box of self tappers, so you can change every one as you restore. Stainless are best for the grille, tho'

 

ebay is not cheap for this sort of stuff though - as above find a ships chandler or fixings supplier and they'll be good quality and cost buttons.

in oxford there is http://www.oxonfastenings.co.uk/ who are great - used them several times.

 

Right. I've measured. You might find stainless No 8 x 3/4" self tappers do the job.

 

Loads in my garage if you want some.

 

Thanks - I took one up to Wickes to compare - looks like No. 10 x 1/2 inch to me. £3 for 50 stainless ones on ebay.

 

Glad I have a proper fixing supplier nearby. Today I bought:
M10 X 75MM H/T HEX HEAD BOLT X 1
M10 X 50MM H/T HEX HEAD BOLT X 4
M10 X 45 H/T HEX HEAD BOLT X 4
M10 NUT X 10
M10 FORM A WASHER X 10
M8 NUT X 10
M8 FORM A WASHER X 10
250MM X 4.8 CABLE TIE X 100
98MM X 2.5 CABLE TIE X 100
TOTAL INC VAT £7.69

 

Then I went 100m up the road and got 2m of R9 8mm fuel injection pipe and 10 proper hose clips for a fiver.

Christ knows what I'm going to do when I move.

 

Where do you live Zed ??

- i need to move closer or fix the damn time machine .... again .
Good result though - proves the point of nowt like a good local shop !

 

they dont see you coming then do they live on bread n pullit up their ?

 

I was talking to the chap today - he's like me and doesn't care much about making money as long as he can pay his bills. He has a narrowboat, his son also has one and lives on it and he also mech's for a saburu rally car for a hobby. We get on! He like me because I'm forever in there for bits to fit oil coolers and the like and other non-standard stuff. Half the time he just gives me stuff, other times I insist he takes some cash.

 

i know what you mean , nice to know they are still out their , my old school parts place rd corner , the son has now taken over n they have computer n prices are rising fast .

 

I suspect he makes his money from proper companies and people he doesn't much like - lorry air lines and hydraulics, garage air lines, JCB hydraulics etc and gives stuff away to the little man. Connectors that sell for a £10-15 on VWH to fit oil coolers are a quid. You have to chat to your suppliers.

 

I wondered if we should create some sort of "parts wiki". As people on the forum work out standard sizes and specs of items they add them to the wiki and we grow a central knowledge base. Perhaps a thread?

 

It's not a bad idea - stuff like crank shaft oil seals are 2 quid posted if you know the spec, bearing for sliding door runner £1.20 instead of a whole wheel for £25! Bolts and nuts are favourite though, but who will know all the specs? Knowledge is power and I ain't about to spill all the beans.