Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

Hello,

I have '68 4005 - its in the registry

I don't know why I've never noticed, but one of the truss rod covers screws in not like the other 2.
I'm the original owner, and I don't recall every having the cover off. I did have it repaired a while back, maybe it was swapped then.

Anyhow, probably a long shot, but would anyone know a source for original Ric hardware?

Thank you in advance,

jeff

Perhaps it's just the angle of the screws in relation to the camera, but those two slot-head screws don't look the same to me.

Have you tried a good hardware store for small wood screws?

Here are links to the two best web sites that I could find off hand; neither has individual screws for sale. One is out of stock on many items. You can contact each seller and ask just like you did here.

https://www.rickysounds.co.uk/?s=screws ... 7876=17876

https://haightashburymusic.com/rickenbacker/?page=2

Rickysounds is probably the best bet. You can ask a question. Not inexpensive, but better than nothing.

Like jps suggested, I'd take one of the two slotted screws down to Lowe's and look around; be sure to also check their cabinets of narrow drawers of stainless steel screws (vs. the cheap stuff hanging in little baggies). The two slotted screws look the same to me; they just show differing lengths of unthreaded shafts, due to their different rotational positions. Compare your screw to the new possibilities carefully - particularly the head type and the contours of the underside of the head.

If that doesn't pan out, try to discern the exact name of the screw type and its dimensions; there are identification charts that will provide an industry specific description/nomenclature. "Fastenal" is a company that has lots of stuff; you may have a local store near you. There are companies that make and sell screws. Stainless steel is always better than chrome plated whatever.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PS - after further research,

All current RIC bases have this screw part #05200. This "reissue"(?) of a vintage (?) 4001 C64 uses #05221. There is no 4005 listed anywhere (fully "retired" apparently; no way to specifically identify the screws).

"05200 - Mounting Screws, Nameplate, Keywind Mounting" (mounts the nameplate AND the keywinds)
"05221 - Mounting Screws, Nameplate" (mounts the nameplate only [Not the keywind additionally])

Apparently RIC calls the TRC a Nameplate.

Here's a good photo(s) of a vintage 4005. The screw heads are slotted:

https://mmguitarbar.com/products/1967-r ... 3607207168

The screws for the keywinds are also slotted, and I think there is a chance that these are the same screw. You can take one out just to see.... If so, you could just swap the screws out for a while, just for cosmetics....

maxwell wrote: Mon Feb 17, 2025 3:04 pm Here's a good photo(s) of a vintage 4005. The screw heads are slotted:

https://mmguitarbar.com/products/1967-r ... 3607207168

Here's the headstock of my old 4005WB.

I was just looking at screws 05200 and 05221, *** neither of which may be the screw used on the 4005. ***

The 05200 is not it: https://www.ebay.com/itm/226360973007
https://reverb.com/item/9558145-rickenb ... ph-5005200


The 05221 could be it: https://www.guitarmusicmarket.com/produ ... -8-rd-slt/
This one could be it. Again, I could not find any parts diagram for the 4005.

The best idea is to go to a hardware store and pick one out. The sizes of both the other screws is the same, and I imagine the screw on the 4005 could also be the same (tap 3 x 3/8 RD SLT) (I don't know what "tap" stands for; Round (head?) and Slotted nomenclature are apparent.) I still think taking a keywind (tuner) mounting screw out and comparing it to the other two screws (style and size) has merit (increases the probability of selecting the correct screw) -- well, it won't be the non-slotted screw that's being used.

---------------------------------------------------
I visited both the Lowe's and Home Depot web sites -- can''t find this small screw there.

I don't know what TAP means... there are tapping screws, but these seem to be different (not wood screws)

Here's the best I could find. https://blacksmithbolt.com/products/3-x ... 9763&_ss=r

These look a little short. The actual screw should be carefully measured.
https://www.mcmaster.com/products/round ... size~no-3/
This chart is a good guide. Other than the nickel screw (above) these small screws (#3) are made of brass. "TAP 3" may not be a "#3" -- have to measure and check against a chart. Good luck.

Thank you for the replies.

When I purchased the bass back in '81, one of the large screws on the tuning machines - the ones that secure the gear to the tuner - had been replaced. The originals are slot head, a shop replaced it for me with a Fender Philips head screw. That always bothered me. Fortunately, I tracked down a genuine Ric screw on this site.

Now, I discover the mismatched nameplate screw

I looked at the 05200 screw. It is a Philips head, straight shank, entire shank is threaded. Agreed, not correct in drive type or dimensions.

I then looked at 05221. Correct slot head drive, but again straight shank, entire shank is threaded.

My screws are slot head, tapered shanks with a short section unthreaded under the head .

Your suggestions of looking in hardware stores got me thinking: Maybe sellers of vintage hardware for houses, furniture, etc may have salvage hardware, or reproductions? I seem to recall my father-in-law had jars of screws in his garage, probably from his father. Maybe something in that collection will pan out?

I'm holding out hope of finding something aged, a closer match to the originals, to stand out slightly less than a new screw would. Of course, a Ric screw would be idea, as would a needle in a haystack!

I'll post back whether I'm successful or not.
I anticipate the search may take a while, especially if I root through the father-in-laws stash.

Thank you again, very much appreciated...

jeff

jmartynuska wrote: Fri Feb 21, 2025 2:41 pm Your suggestions of looking in hardware stores got me thinking: Maybe sellers of vintage hardware for houses, furniture, etc may have salvage hardware, or reproductions? I seem to recall my father-in-law had jars of screws in his garage, probably from his father. Maybe something in that collection will pan out?

Hmm, We have lots of old, vintage, rare and collectible screws (and other hardware) of all sorts around here in our old (1917) house!

jmartynuska wrote: Fri Feb 21, 2025 2:41 pmI'm holding out hope of finding something aged, a closer match to the originals, to stand out slightly less than a new screw would. Of course, a Ric screw would be idea, as would a needle in a haystack!
jeff

RIC didn't make those screws.

I've searched many places for small screws for our classic Rickenbackers and unfortunately Lowes, Home Depot, and Ace Hardware have very limited options. That said, I have some of these which are nickel (not stainless which is becoming common for screws), the right size and shape (3 x 3/8 with round head), they are phillips instead of slot head. I could sell a set of 3 of them to you for $5 including shipping and you'd have a matching set for your truss rod cover.

https://blacksmithbolt.com/products/3-x ... 9830432981