So the jack-wagon who owned my car before me (14 + years ago) opted for the cheap paint job at some time. Now all the bolts holding the fenders on are covered in paint and some kind of putty. On top of making these 10 1/2 MM bolts instead of the actual 10 MM, they look like junk. Can/should I strip them or is it just as good using Home Depot bolts?

 

dont get home depot bolts, at least get it the right size from autozone

 

Be easier to goto a junkyard & get all the bolts especially if the the bolts have the wider base (that looks like a built-in washer).These spread the load better & sometimes have a rust resistent coating on them.

 

Mine as well spend a few bucks and go with a boltboys setup

 

boltboys/ downstarinc.com ftw..i bought a dress up kit for 40bucks includes all bolts and beauty washers,may take couple days if if order. I WOULDNT VOUCH FOR HOME DEPOT BOLTS

 

The bolts may seem oversized but it is most likely the coating (paint, rust guard) on the bolts. Usually you can lightly tap a socket over them and the paint will chip off. (I worked in a body shop and this was common). The bolts you have are probably fine...

 

Yeah, they're fine just look like crap. Weighing the cost/benefit of new bolts vs. cleaning the paint and crap off the old ones.

 

I don't understand what the problem with "hardware store" bolts are I used stainless steel "countersunk" hex key bolts and stainless "finish" washers from a local hardware store (home depot on the other hand has a shitty selection of bolts and washers fyi) on my bay and they look just as good as anything you can get from pwjdm or boltboys, and they cost me like $20 for 100 count of both. just make sure you get the right thread/pitch and you are golden...