GAAAAARGHHH - Now what?

[Big Dog]

So my kids have been coming to stay a bit lately so a hasty purchase of some bunks was in order.
However and this is a big however, there is a problem. The new second hand bunks are missing one bolt and cross dowel.

The people I have consulted have been very helpful then advised no one makes them that big any more.
They have informed me I want an:
* 8mm Furniture bolt and square cross dowel (as described by Mitre 10
* M8 with a square cross dowel as described by Hardware 2000 and hardware direct.
* an M8 FCB as described by MSL.

Unfortunately this trail of new descriptions still ends with they are no longer made.
Everybody now uses round dowels and M6 bolts. Whilst I find this amusing in light of the growing child obesity epidemic that we are making our beds weaker it brings me no closer to my quest for parts so that my boys can come and spend Easter with me.

Does anyone on here have an old dilapidated or otherwise broken bunk set that I could beg, borrow, steal or buy an appropriate joiner from?

A I can get a suitable substitute for but would take an original if available.
B I cannot get.
C I cannot get but can make something to substitute.

This is getting down to the wire for me. The kids arrive tommorow.

[Swoop]

There was a good furniture hardware supply place on Station Rd, Penrose... (trying to remember the name!) who had those bolts and nuts in stock. The Laminex Group is on O'Rourke Rd, around the corner, but whether they will have any furniture bolts like that though.
Will ask a few questions on the name of the place and get back.

edit: Have you tried phoning Danske Mobler?

[Big Dog]

Thanks for the suggestion I'll try Danske Mobler now.

[Swoop]

Furniture & Joinery Supplies, was the place I was thinking of. They went out of business though.

Mitre 10 Mega should have the bolts though.

[mashman]

You could also get square tubing (squaring?) from Mitre 10... cut it to length and drill the appropriate sized hole maybe...

[Big Dog]

Thanks for your efforts.

Yes they do have some suitabley compatable bolts.

Whats driving me nuts is the nuts.

I have spoken to the bolt guy at Mitre 10 mega and have been advised that they stopped carrying the proper ones with the square cross dowel years ago.

[mashman]

Bagga... In which case you might try a small metal work shop, or something similar... they'll likely have the materials and i'd be surprised if they couldn't bang something together for you quickly...

[Ronin]

How about kned-it?

Failing that, weld it lol

[Genie]

you could try your local recycle store...Mitre 11

[Latte]

How about a normal nut with a large Washer bent into a U around the nut. would make the nut "captive" so you could tighten, and just trim it with a grinder so it fits in the hole.

[Swoop]

OK.
This place will definately have them.
Not too sure if they will do a small quantity, but worth a try!
http://www.hafele.com/nz/

[Big Dog]

Thanks to all who have posted or commented off line.
I think I now have a dowel sorted out so I'll have to grab a bolt from the hardware store in the am.

[scissorhands]

Railside Ave has a furniture fixture supply shop, just west of the rail crossing about 200m, you mau have to buy 10

Oratia valley has a futon bed manufacturer, near where Carter rd comes off, google 'futon ya san' as they have taken over the biz

Happy families!

[geoffm]

If you don't get anywhere, come around to my place and we can always copy your other one.
Geoff