Rusty bolts?

[Guest]

I am rebuilding a 1981 Suzuki gs1100e and I was wondering why some bolts rust and some don't? I had to replace some missing bolts on the bike and no matter what kind of bolt I get they rust. What type of metal is the factory bolts. I don't want the new bolts I am putting on the bike rusting and getting stuck in the bike.
I have already had to drill out 6 bolts some had snapped off. I know this seems like a dumb question but I got a levers for the bike came with bolt and they are rusting and I don't want rust problems. Thanks guys y'all are a great help with ever question I ask

[Brendan W]

This is a can of worms.
Bolts at the controls were mainly chrome plated and it doesn't last forever. That in itself is bad enough but when you factor in that they sit in different metals you have the basis of a battery and they rust.
Many replace them with stainless, especially carbs and side cases. They are not as shiny as plated but will be less likely to rust. Exhaust studs have heat to cope with as well which doesn't help. Generally the higher tensile fasteners although not plated will be a bit better at not rusting - things like brake calipers, engine mounts etc. Avoid shiny plated fasteners. Check in the service manual for the grades that must be used for high strength applications - there is a lot of cheap junk out there.
Gets them all in the end though.

[ShadowFocus603]

Try this.

http://www.caswellplating.com/metal-finishing-solutions/black-oxide-kits/black-oxide-kit-1-25-gal.html

Black oxide coating kit for nuts and bolts. Corrosion resistant and a nice uniform look. Just make sure all the rust and scale is off of everything before you dip them. Either a wire wheel or a stay in a parts tumbler will do.