Early Excel steering lock shear bolts size

[Alan_M]

I need to change over the steering lock to the replacement upper steering column on my 82 Excel. Which involves removing the shear bolts.
Does anyone know the size and thread of the shear bolts. I’m hoping to get them out without too much damage so I can reuse them, but want to make sure I have maybe a normal bolt I can use to replace them on hand.
I’m guessing, as it’s the same column in an Elite and Eclat that was possibly export MGB sourced, it will be imperial.

[Pete Boole]

ISTR they are 1/4" UNC, but I'll check later if I can find a spare.

Pete

[Pete Boole]

5/16" UNC x 3/4". Only cap heads will fit.

Pete

[Alan_M]

Thanks Pete.
Managed to get one out last night with almost no damage. Need to get the steering wheel and stalks off to get to the other one.
Will put a slot in them so I can do up again with screwdriver.
Have ordered some MGB ones - will see if they fit for future reference.

[Alan_M]

Got the 2nd one out today. Now have slots cut in their heads and screwed back in after replacing the steering column.
I did order some MGB ones thinking they may be the same, but they’re not - different thread - finer than the Lotus.