Any help regarding a good source for manifold lug bolts???
 

I will be replacing the head on my 85 300D in a couple of weeks with a rebuilt head. Ive obtained all the parts I need except for the threaded lugs that hold the manifold onto the head. Fastlane/partsshop do not carry them.

The price for these at the local MBZ dealer is $13 each!!!! and there are seven of them!!! $100 for the set!!!! Give me a break!!!

If I cant get new ones for $2-$3 each, I will try pulling out the old ones and re-using them. I hear I can get a "lug bolt puller" at Sears....I have no idea what this is or what it looks like.....i'll look into it.

My main concern is to do this job quickly over two days....I dont want to spend one day fighting with the G__ D___ lug bolts!!!!

If I can get a set of new ones for under $25 or so I would do it for peace of mind, unless you folks can give me good indication that removing and reusing old ones will be very straightforward.

Thanks in advance

MarkM

Go buy some long threaded bolts and cut the heads off and make them the right length.

Thanks....is it really that simple??
 

I know that head bolts are very special (high grade steel, stretch bolts, etc.) and I would think that manifold stud bolts are not very special at all. But is it really that simple (no disrespect intended...just asking to make sure)?? I dont know anything about grading systems for bolts, as to hardness etc. Can I just use the metric bolts in the bins at Pep Boys? Also, on the OE studs, is the thread size the same on both ends??

At any rate, I may still use the old ones, but having some extra bolts of the proper size ready to cut and use as studs sounds like a good backup plan in case I cant get old ones out.

Any further advice??

Thanks,

MarkM