Steering Bolt C31996

[Paddy]

I am mid restoration of my series 3 and have somehow managed to misplace a steering arm bolt, the part number is C31996 and is no longer available, with no alternative that I can find. I have found one supplier at stupid money, so there is hope that there is a source.
Does the knowledge community know the dimensions of the bolt in question so that I may seek a replacement or could offer up an alternative source.
Many Thanks

[bitsobrits]

It should be "just" a high strength bolt with defined grip length (smooth part of the shank below the head) and a shorter than normal thread length. Suitable AN spec (ofttimes called military or aircraft spec) bolts are available from fastener suppliers. Simply measure the required grip (including flat .032 or .065 AN washers at each end) then order the nearest grip length that is that dimension or shorter. Important to go shorter, not longer. While the larger size AN bolts are not exactly cheap, they should be much less coming from a fastener supplier. As you are in the U.K. I'm not sure how common is imperial AN spec hardware, but in the U.S. they are available from many suppliers. I use AircraftSpruce.com or PegasusAutoRacing.com. Or just Google AN hardware.

[angelw]

Hello Paddy,
Fairly much invariably, you will find that you can get a Grade 5 or 8 bolt that has the matching Grip Length, but overall length is way too long (much longer Thread Length). In this case simply purchase the bolt with the correct Grip Length and cut to the correct, overall length.

Regards,

Bill

[mgcjag]

Hi Paddy...look at xj6 parts could possibly be the same...also try Norman Motors they quite often have difficult to find parts...Steve https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/JAGUAR-XJS-X ... ect=mobile

[bitsobrits]

AN bolts, besides being high strength, also have the correct shorter thread length for a washer and full height locknut, or about 1.5 diameters for proper engagement in a blind hole.

[Paddy]

Many thanks fellow enthusiasts, it has given me a few ideas to overcome my dilemma.
All the best.