I go to my local hardware store, pick up stainless carriage bolts, some times I find them with out a letter on the top, if letter is there file it down with fine file, then polish it up on a buffing wheel, looks like chrome when done.

I believe you can get chrome carriage bolts at Grainger. The other hardware as well, of course, but I'm thinking you're wanting the chromed bolts. I ordered some from them once.

http://www.grainger.com/product/GRAINGER-APPROVED-Carriage-Bolt-WP74024/_/N-8jwZ1z13kba?EndecaKeyword=Carriage+Bolts&NLSCM=4&searchBar=true&searchRedirect=chrome+carriage+bolts&s_pp=false&picUrl=//static.grainger.com/rp/s/is/image/Grainger/4GVA7_AS01?$smthumb$

Try here,

https://www.fastenal.com/

One of the local hardware store carries chrome plated bolts. They are expensive but they do have them. Actually I think I've seen some at Menards too. Shouldn't be that hard to find, just somewhat pricey when you do.

How about those wider nuts? Any place to get a couple?

Mcmaster and carr are a good online source for all kinds of generic parts ie bolts, washers, nuts, felt, rubber tubing, casters etc

I've seen those on ebay from time to time.

There's some on right now. Item # 231910955891

I live in southern California and use a local store called King Bolt. They specialize in chromed and stainless steel fasteners for the automotive industry. They had the exact bolts and screws I needed for my vintage Slingerland kit. In the attached picture, you can see the chromed smooth-head bolts used on the diamond plate, the larger bolt on the clamping bar for the consolette and the smaller hex bolts, with smooth heads, on either side of the rail. The complete rail mount is from Steve Maxwell, but only includes plain-jane bolts.

-Mark

Another related question. On the Ludwig rail, what size / thread carriage bolt is the one that's closet to the rail...the bottom one that always gets bent?