Local fastener supply (Atlanta): Grassroots Motorsports forum: Grassroots Motorsports Magazine

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Dec. 28, 2010 11:28 a.m. dgtrials New Reader

So I'm looking at the latches and such on Pegasus, and they are great. Problem is, I have never installed latches for quick mounting body panels before, so I have no idea what I need. I would like to find a local place that has the stuff, but I've only come up with Grainger and they are 2-5x more expensive for the same types of latches that Pegasus carries. Any suggestions on the types of stores to look for? Generic searches for fastener/latch/etc in Atlanta isn't coming up with much.

The car is an SC300 (the picture is not my vehicle). I'd like to have quick disconnect for all the body panels, as it will make trailering and jacking much much easier. Plus, it kind of looks cool. I'm not really sure what would be the best latches to use. The rear bumper looks like some toggle latches will be easy. The side skirts same story. The front bumper is just odd.

What are people's thoughts?
Dec. 28, 2010 11:54 a.m. WilberM3 HalfDork

dzus fasteners are nice too and theyre available all over the place.
Dec. 28, 2010 12:56 p.m. dgtrials New Reader

Dzus / quarter turn fasteners are also an option. I'm having as much trouble finding a source for them in Atlanta as anything else.
Dec. 28, 2010 1:01 p.m. oldtin Dork

I've had good luck at fastenal stores - usually well hidden in commercial developments. If they don't have it - can order stuff - usually in within a day or two.
Dec. 28, 2010 1:14 p.m. dgtrials New Reader

There's totally a Fastenal around the corner from me. Their website doesn't indicate that they have anything like dzus / quarter turn / toggle latches / etc. Guess I could give them a call!
Dec. 28, 2010 1:40 p.m. Schmidlap HalfDork

I used to work at a Fastenal store when I was doing my Masters degree. Even if its not in their catalog they will be able to order it. At least 25% of our sales were typically things not in our catalog. Bring in the info from the Grainger catalog (everything but the price) and they will be able to contact the supplier and get you pricing. If the price is higher than Pegasus, tell them that and ask them how close they can get, imply that you may order more latches and other parts later, etc.

Also, you may want to "start a business" and set up an account at your local Fastenal - you will get much better pricing. DGTrialsCo has a nice ring to it. They will ask for a bunch of info about doing credit checks etc but they don't need that to get you set up in the system, just address, phone number, etc. Tell them you'll fax the info over later, they probably won't follow up. They're graded each month on how many new accounts are created, so they'll create the account long before they have all your info. If you order over the phone and give your credit card they will probably deliver it for free too, although that may give away that you don't have a real business. Also, an account is only good at the store you set it up at though, so if you set it up at the east end store, the west end store will know nothing about you.

Bob
Dec. 28, 2010 2:37 p.m. Basil Exposition Reader

Can Fastenal supply British Standard Fine (BSF) nuts and bolts? (AKA Whitworth and sometimes British Association (BA)).
Dec. 28, 2010 2:43 p.m. fastmiata Reader

Summitt Racing also has a big store in S Atlanta.
Dec. 28, 2010 2:50 p.m. dgtrials New Reader

Summit has a decent selection of Dzus but does not appear to have any toggle latches or other components like that. Most of these things are also aircraft components, but I can't seem to find aircraft supply places, either.

I was really hoping to find a place that had all the parts on the shelf so I could look at them, play with them, bring some home, see if they look like they will work, and return what doesn't work. Somehow it seems like that is not going to be feasible. Ho hum!
Dec. 28, 2010 3:06 p.m. TRoglodyte Reader

How about dirt track racers or a local auto cross event? I know MG's use dzus fasteners on the battery cover, maybe a brit car repair shop.
Dec. 28, 2010 4:39 p.m. jamscal Dork

McMaster-Carr is in Atlanta, and probably sell what you need. Great website.

I'm about done with Fastenal, or FastenSOME, as I've heard them called.

I have an account with them, and pick up my common hardware at my local store, but while they beat Home Depot by a mile, they don't beat (for me) McMaster, even when shipping is considered.

-James
Dec. 28, 2010 7:34 p.m. jeffmx5 Reader

In reply to dgtrials:

I can't say they have what you need but Aircraft Spruce is in Peachtree City.

Aircraft Spruce 452 Dividend Drive Peachtree City, GA 30269
Dec. 28, 2010 8:04 p.m. dgtrials New Reader

Guess I need to make a trip to Spruce and McMaster. Thanks for the suggestions, guys!