When did Chevy start using metric bolts?
Chevrolet, a division of General Motors, began transitioning to using metric fasteners, including bolts, in its vehicles in the late 1970s. This shift was part of a broader industry-wide move towards adopting the metric system in automotive manufacturing.
The Transition to Metric Fasteners
In the 1970s, the United States government and automotive industry started pushing for increased use of the metric system, which was already the standard in most other countries around the world. Chevrolet, along with other American automakers, began gradually incorporating metric fasteners into their vehicle designs during this period.
The primary reasons for this transition were:
- Increased global standardization and compatibility with international parts and components
- Improved manufacturing efficiency and cost savings
- Alignment with emerging metric-based engineering and design practices
By the early 1980s, most new Chevrolet models were being produced with a mix of both standard and metric fasteners. This allowed for a gradual phasing-in of the new metric system without disrupting existing service and maintenance procedures.
Challenges and Adoption
The transition to metric fasteners was not without its challenges. Mechanics and DIY enthusiasts had to adapt to using both standard and metric tools, and there was some initial confusion and frustration among consumers. However, as the metric system became more widely adopted in the United States, the use of metric fasteners in Chevrolet and other American vehicles became the norm.
Today, the vast majority of Chevrolet vehicles, as well as most other modern automobiles, utilize metric fasteners exclusively. This standardization has simplified manufacturing, improved global parts compatibility, and made maintenance and repair more efficient for both professional mechanics and DIY car owners.
What year did GM switch to metric?
Badgh, executive engineer in charge of General Motors' metric program. When General Motors decided to go metric in 1973, letters announcing the move were sent to its 47,000 suppliers.
When did US automakers switch to metric?
US automobile manufacturers started making partially metric vehicles in 1978. From that time on, all new designs were metric. There are no remaining non metric cars made in the USA today.
When did Chevy switch to metric?
1973
When General Motors decided to go metric in 1973, letters announcing the move were sent to its 47,000 suppliers. Six months later the manufacturer held a meeting for 600 of its suppliers of nuts and bolts to explain the thread system it had adopted. The mostly metric Chevette was the result.
Are Chevy bolts metric or standard?
Nowadays almost all Chevy bolts are metric. Precisely, the most common thread sizes of Chevy lug nuts are M14x1.
Does GM use metric or sae?
To directly answer your question: GM cars are primarily (if not entirely) Metric these days (probably since the mid-to-late 90's). The Korean/Japanese/European cars are all going to be Metric as well. You should be able to get a small ratchet set which contains both SAE and Metric sockets in it.
Can I use SAE sockets on metric bolts?
Can you use Metric sockets on SAE fasteners or SAE Sockets on Metric Fasteners? Yes, you can use some sockets on both metric and SAE sizes. However, you need to be careful, as most times they are not exactly the same, and you can strip a bolt by using an SAE socket on a metric bolt and vice versa.
When did metric bolts come out?
Metric Fasteners for the Automotive Industry
Car frames date back to the 1940s, when metric fasteners were the go-to. Even today's modern cars continue to use metric fasteners as the standard because they have various decimal dimensions instead of inches like standard measurements.
Why are Chevy bolts prohibited?
General Motors has issued a recall of all Chevrolet Bolt vehicles due to a risk of fire. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and General Motors are urging owners of Chevrolet Bolt vehicles to park their cars outside and away from homes and other structures due to the risk of fire.
When did Chevy start using metric?
When General Motors decided to go metric in 1973, letters announcing the move were sent to its 47,000 suppliers. Six months later the manufacturer held a meeting for 600 of its suppliers of nuts and bolts to explain the thread system it had adopted. The mostly metric Chevette was the result.
When did cars stop using standard bolts?
The US made a metric push in 1976 under Jimmy Carter, but the Reagan administration backed it off around 1982. US cars I would say by mid 90s metric dominated. 80s you find some mix of metric and standard often on the same car.
