200 ci Rebuild: Reuse head bolts okay?

[Mac]

Head bolts look okay... threads are even, dont appear stretched or scored. Would it be a bad idea to re-use them? There are some grade-8 7/16-14 bolts at Lowes but the bolt head isnt as thick as what Ive got, so I didnt buy them. Auto-parts stores around here and the Ford Stealership dont carry them. Whats the concensus?

 

[woodbutcher]

If you don`t feel comfortable reusing the original head bolts,call ARP to see about a set of head studs.
Leo

 

[The Plankster Prankster]

i'm comfortable re-using them, i wouldn't even think twice
but its your call

 

[fordconvert]

I reused mine and so far no problems.

 

[wallaka]

If there is no obvious damage, they should be fine to reuse. I've done it often enough.

 

[80Stang]

Two sets of ARP main bolts for small block ford, 2x $20.95. Part# is 154-5001. So cheap that I would not play with 40 year old stretched bolts but that is just my call.

 

[Anonymous]

Reusing head bolts are just fine

Later,

Doug

 

[rbohm]

8) i have never had a problem reusing head bolts. if you do have any question about the integrity of the head bolts, go to www.classicinlines.com and get a set of head studs from mike. they are arp studs, and mike includes one the is longer than the rest to allow for using it to bolt a bracket to.

 

[63redtudor]

Use the bolts. Many (most?) newer engines have head bolts that are "torque-to-yield" & have to be replaced when the head is reinstalled. Our older motors don't have this problem.
Edwin

 

[BaldvinE]

Many (most?) newer engines have head bolts that are "torque-to-yield" & have to be replaced when the head is reinstalled.

Also known by the amusing name of "Cheese-head" bolts.

Very descriptive, don't you think?

 

[Mac]

Thanks everyone.