[Mr.Scarface]

I had to take down my Dish because of Ike, but i misplaced one of the bolts to secure the Reflector. It is one of 4 specialty Flathead Carriage bolts. The head is painted grey with the head being larger and flatter than a standard carriage bolt. I have not been able to find this online ANYWHERE...tried Solid Signal...etc. Anyone know where i can get this bollt? Or a 5/16'' 1/2'' flat head carriage bolt to use as a replacement? And no..Home Depot or Lowes doesn't carry flathead carriage bolts.

 

[BattleZone]

They are a custom-made part, and not available separately from the dish, meaning to get one, you'd have to buy a whole dish. Just use a standard carriage bolt.

 

[thespaceghost]

You can't find one at your local hardware store, but I don't think you need to buy a whole dish. Im sure some nice tech don't mind dropping .50 to mail you a new bolt.

 

[curt8403]

You can't find one at your local hardware store, but I don't think you need to buy a whole dish. Im sure some nice tech don't mind dropping .50 to mail you a new bolt.

the scatter factor on a round headed carriage bolt would be very very small, you could always put one in a vise and grind the head down flat.

 

[davring]

the scatter factor on a round headed carriage bolt would be very very small, you could always put one in a vise and grind the head down flat.

I second that, I doubt you could measure a difference in performance.

 

[Mertzen]

It will work with other bolts, no issues.

 

[K4SMX]

The one thing that you want to watch for is that the shoulder depth of the square part of the carriage bolts on the standard variety ones is substantially deeper than the custom made ones. So, for example, they'll work fine in the main mount to mast bracket, but they won't work in the tilt ring. As to the dish bolts, I haven't tried them there. You may have to add a washer with a hole big enough to accomodate any remaining shoulder depth to the back of the dish, depending on your actual bolt. I agree, the round head shouldn't be a problem.

 

[2dogz]

Call D* and find out the number of the local Houston D* contractor. I'd bet that they are replacing dishes in the area every day and just trashing the old ones. Tell them the problem and that you're trying to fix it yourself. They probably have over a month of service calls in the area and would help you if you drive to their office. Just say the storm did it.