LX200 Meade Bolts

Please can someone confirm the specs of the bolts that fit into the
underside of the base plate of the LX200 10" scope?

Poking aorund on the web, MAPUG and by direct measurement the central
1/2" bolt appears to be US AUC 1/2" 13tpi (as opposed to UK BSW 1/2"
12tpi). The latter might fit at a pinch but could damage the threads in
a soft aluminium casting.

And the three smaller bolts appear to be something like 3/8" 16tpi
(for which there is a roughly equivalent BSW bolt).

I am reluctant to force anything and Whitworth bolts are not all that
common in the UK these days so it would be a special order. As far as I
can tell US AUC bolts are as rare as hens teeth in the UK.

Any suggestions where I might buy the right parts on this side of the pond?

Regards,
Martin Brown

"Martin Brown" wrote in message
...
Please can someone confirm the specs of the bolts that fit into the
underside of the base plate of the LX200 10" scope?

Poking aorund on the web, MAPUG and by direct measurement the central
1/2" bolt appears to be US AUC 1/2" 13tpi (as opposed to UK BSW 1/2"
12tpi). The latter might fit at a pinch but could damage the threads in
a soft aluminium casting.
1/2 UNC.
The tooth shape is also different on Whit (55 degree, versus 60 degree)

And the three smaller bolts appear to be something like 3/8" 16tpi
(for which there is a roughly equivalent BSW bolt).
3/8 UNC. Same comment applies.

I am reluctant to force anything and Whitworth bolts are not all that
common in the UK these days so it would be a special order. As far as I
can tell US AUC bolts are as rare as hens teeth in the UK.

Any suggestions where I might buy the right parts on this side of the
pond?
Group components, in Waltham Abbey. Mackays in Cambridge. Or visit an
airfield, and ask nicely. Most engineers have a 'tin' of bolts removed
from aircraft, which cannot be re-used, but they keep for temporary
fixings, and with care, will left you have your 'pick', for a pint. :-)
Other places, Precision Tchnology supplies, in East Grinstead, several of
the 'motor sport' supplier (Demon Tweeks for example), Namrick etc., will
do such bolts. Some also appear quite frequently on ebay, in the
'motoring', and 'motorcycling' areas. Ship's Chandlers, will also usually
carry these (many marine engines and fittings are UNC). For the bottom
bolt, 'studding', is more common than a bolt (longer). A2A4, do this in
stainless (but beware that this can cause corrosion of the alloy).
'ModelFixings', do some of the smaller size bolts (the ones for the finder
etc.), and 'Allfix', certainly do mild steel studding, and bolts, and
(nicely), will supply in 'one off' quantities.

Best Wishes

"Martin Brown" wrote in message
...
Please can someone confirm the specs of the bolts that fit into the underside of the base plate of
the LX200 10" scope?

Poking aorund on the web, MAPUG and by direct measurement the central 1/2" bolt appears to be US
AUC 1/2" 13tpi (as opposed to UK BSW 1/2" 12tpi). The latter might fit at a pinch but could damage
the threads in a soft aluminium casting.

And the three smaller bolts appear to be something like 3/8" 16tpi
(for which there is a roughly equivalent BSW bolt).

I am reluctant to force anything and Whitworth bolts are not all that common in the UK these days
so it would be a special order. As far as I can tell US AUC bolts are as rare as hens teeth in the
UK.

Any suggestions where I might buy the right parts on this side of the pond?

Regards,
Martin Brown

Any custom car shops in your area Martin ? Or Harley dealers ? Otherwise any GM outlet should be
able to help.
--
John Carruthers
http://mysite.freeserve.com/jc_atm/

Roger Hamlett wrote:

"Martin Brown" wrote in message
...

Please can someone confirm the specs of the bolts that fit into the
underside of the base plate of the LX200 10" scope?

Poking aorund on the web, MAPUG and by direct measurement the central
1/2" bolt appears to be US AUC 1/2" 13tpi (as opposed to UK BSW 1/2"
12tpi). The latter might fit at a pinch but could damage the threads in
a soft aluminium casting.

1/2 UNC.
The tooth shape is also different on Whit (55 degree, versus 60 degree)

And the three smaller bolts appear to be something like 3/8" 16tpi
(for which there is a roughly equivalent BSW bolt).

3/8 UNC. Same comment applies.

Any suggestions where I might buy the right parts on this side of the
pond?

Group components, in Waltham Abbey. Mackays in Cambridge. Or visit an
airfield, and ask nicely. Most engineers have a 'tin' of bolts removed
from aircraft, which cannot be re-used, but they keep for temporary
fixings, and with care, will left you have your 'pick', for a pint. :-)

Thanks Roger for the very practical advice!

Regards,
Martin Brown

Any suggestions where I might buy the right parts on this side of the pond?

Any custom car shops in your area Martin ? Or Harley dealers ? Otherwise any GM outlet should be
able to help.

The Chevrolets sold in the UK appear to have metric bolt sizes if their
spares & service catalogue is to be believed, but the service guy put
me onto a local industrial fasteners dealer that sold me all the
relevant UNC bolts and a few spares for £3.

Teesside Industrial Fasteners were very helpful! In case anyone else is
stuck:

http://www.applegate.co.uk/company/11/95/477.htm
(just down the road from the Chevvy dealer)

Regards,
Martin Brown