I am using Autodesk 2010 I am trying to do a 3d design with pipe work and bolts but need to show thread could anyone advise me how I could do this

Use the thread feature maybe?  Sorry if I sound facetious but I always assume that when you're new to IV you at least done the Inventor Essentials course....

I take it you want to actually see the threads on a section?
Maybe detail them for pitch and what not?
If someone does know, I would like to learn too!
C'mon Kobus! You seem (by your title) to know the answer...

Send me you email address then I will send you an ipt.  Its bigger than the 150kb limit here.

you could just take a screen shot and then crop it down to show only whats needed.
I dont really want to see the course itself, nor post my email for all those damn spam bots to get.

Unfortunaly one screenshot is not going to be enough.  I'll describe it...or try to:
 
The accepted way:
1. Create the model (bolt, pipe, ectc.) that mustbe threaded.
2. Click on the thread icon.
3. Select the standard, i.e. DIN, BSP....
4. Click on the face that should be threaded.
......voila...
 
The way very few does it:
1. step 1 above.
2. On a logitudinal face that passes through the centre create a sketch that looks like the profile ofthe thread - the bit f the thread that will be cut away.
3. After finishing the sketch, click on the coil icon and follow the directions.
4. Remember to use the subtract not the build feature.
 
The reason why very few uses this last method is because:
1. Its time consuming.
2. Its not really required to show that much detal.
3. And showing detail comes at a price.....reduced speed, slower processing, etc.....
 
Hope this helps.

Alright, but thats still not an inventor utility, is it? Seems like it would create threads that look like the real thing, but in fact the major, minor and pitch diameters would be a guess?
Or can inventor create them in the same manner as you stated in 'the accepted way', except full profile data would be displayed?

How do you mean "not an IV utility"?
 
Why do you want to show that info as part of the model?  When you create an idw (drawing) from the model the size and pitch info can be displayed either in a thread table or in a leader.  I cannot for the life of me think why one would need more than that...?  Drawing threads for manfacturing anyway does not show the actual "grooves", one just draw a double line with the thred info next to it.  When you do piping, the actual piping spec, i.e. NPT, BSP, DIN, JIS, etc. specifies the thread, nobody in the piping game specs the thread to that level....its already a spec driven industry standard.
 
What do want to achieve?  The only reason I can think of modelling thread is if it is special and you want to feedthe electronic fileinto a milling machine (not my area of expertise at all).

lol, no, i dont really care, lol i thought that was what this thread was originally about!
sh*t man, yeah i dont show all that bull either, that was for school years ago. like you say its all spec driven.
just thought you could is all.

and buy utility i mean an icon to click on and walk you through it or more options in the thread command.

There is a threadicon....generally one can use without too much thinking...  Well I think the original poster has more than he needs now....maybe I should invoice him hahahaha