Hey All,

Almost 20 years ago I worked in an auto shop as my first job. I remember that some of the mechanics there would use what appeared to be brass or bronze nuts on the connection between the ehx. mainifold and the header pipe. I assume this is because they won't rust or sieze?

Is this a common practice? If so, do you use brass bolts and nuts, or just brass nuts? Again, if so where do you get em'???

I had to cut the bolts off the 66 when I pulled the engine, so I need some replacements soon!

Thanks,

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-76 Cordoba, 360 4bbl
-68 Valiant, 273 2bbl
-67 Dart /6 4bbl, Leaning Tower of Power!!!

Yeah, that's pretty common--steel bolts and brass nuts. I usually use that combination when I put something together. Your reasoning is right--the brass doesn't get corroded and rust up the way steel nuts will. When you take them off, you may or may not be able to reuse them (the brass is soft enough that it may destroy the threads just taking them off since the steel bolt is going to be corroded regardless), but the one thing you can be sure of is that you won't have to fight with them to get them loose. Remember that dissimilar metals tend to self-lubricate. That's part of the reason you want steel bolts and brass nuts rather than having everything brass. (That, and the less brass stuff you have to buy, the easier it'll be on your wallet. lol)

As far as where to get the brass nuts, they should be available at any hardware store.