SAAC Forum

The Cars => Replicas and Tribute => Topic started by: Speed Six on April 13, 2021, 09:23:29 AM

Title: Long racing lug nuts
Post by: Speed Six on April 13, 2021, 09:23:29 AM
Hi - I am looking for a source for the long, open ended racing lug nuts. My car did come with a set, the shouldered seat type with washers.
But - for a different set of wheels I need tapered ones.
Cobra Automotive does sell them, I know - are there any other sources ?

Thanks !

Ralf
Title: Re: Long racing lug nuts
Post by: Royce Peterson on April 13, 2021, 09:28:56 AM
Summit, Jeg's, eBay, Amazon, virtually any place race car stuff is sold has a wide variety in a multitude of finishes, sizes, lengths........one example here:

https://www.summitracing.com/parts/gor-45088-20 (https://www.summitracing.com/parts/gor-45088-20)




Hi - I am looking for a source for the long, open ended racing lug nuts. My car did come with a set, the shouldered seat type with washers.
But - for a different set of wheels I need tapered ones.
Cobra Automotive does sell them, I know - are there any other sources ?

Thanks !

Ralf
Title: Re: Long racing lug nuts
Post by: Speed Six on April 13, 2021, 09:33:09 AM
Thank you !

But - would prefer them to look like the ones I have.

Title: Re: Long racing lug nuts
Post by: Royce Peterson on April 13, 2021, 09:35:06 AM
Well search Summit for the thread count lug nuts that you need and you will see a multitude of options. If you are not computer literate they have an 800 number so you can talk to a human.


Thank you !

But - would prefer them to look like the ones I have.
Title: Re: Long racing lug nuts
Post by: shelbydoug on April 13, 2021, 09:48:29 AM
Try Cobra Automotive. I'm pretty sure that Curt had some made to look like the originals?
Title: Re: Long racing lug nuts
Post by: Speed Six on April 13, 2021, 09:59:59 AM
Usually I would use Cobra A. But the price plus shipping, customs and tax to Germany would probably bring me to about $350...
Was hoping for some less expenditure.
Plan B is still going to more standard, shorter ones.
Title: Re: Long racing lug nuts
Post by: SFM5S000 on April 13, 2021, 10:39:34 AM
Hi - I am looking for a source for the long, open ended racing lug nuts. My car did come with a set, the shouldered seat type with washers.
But - for a different set of wheels I need tapered ones.
Cobra Automotive does sell them, I know - are there any other sources ?

Thanks !

Ralf

Hello Ralf,

I too have two sets of wheels. The set I regularly run are the 15x8 PS Engineering TA wheels (w 4 3/8” back spacing) that take the long shouldered nuts with washers. (See pic)
My second set of wheels are 15x8 American Racing (w/4 1/2 back spacing) that require a tapered nut. They are open ended so the longer stud sticks out. These wheels I had Goodyear Blue streaks that have since worn out and I’ve discarded, BUT i found a set of tapered nuts but they are about an inch shorter. (See pic) one nut is sitting in the bare rim, which doesn’t bother me as they work. I found these at a Good Guys car show/swap meet. These can also be found on eBay as well. They are hardened and in-expensive (cheap, I think I paid $1.25 each). This would be your Plan B.

Cheers,
~Earl J

Title: Re: Long racing lug nuts
Post by: Speed Six on April 13, 2021, 11:16:56 AM
Thank you for the photos etc, Earl. Good idea - will look on ebay, too !!
Title: Re: Long racing lug nuts
Post by: 98SVT - was 06GT on April 13, 2021, 01:08:29 PM
See about having some machined up locally from hex bar stock. That's how I made my first set.
Title: Re: Long racing lug nuts
Post by: Speed Six on April 13, 2021, 01:18:42 PM
That could be plan C - although it´s always complicated to have inch-sized items made in a metric world ! ;D
Title: Re: Long racing lug nuts
Post by: 98SVT - was 06GT on April 13, 2021, 03:35:22 PM
That could be plan C - although it´s always complicated to have inch-sized items made in a metric world ! ;D

Order bar stock from the US and a 1/2 20 tap and you are good to go.

https://www.onlinemetals.com/en/buy/stainless-steel/0-6875-stainless-hex-bar-304-304l-annealed/pid/21983

https://www.amazon.com/Drill-America-POU1-2-20-Length/dp/B071D7FPDF/ref=asc_df_B071D7FPDF/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=509731095590&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=11084410812501534304&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9031216&hvtargid=pla-820221966423&psc=1
Title: Re: Long racing lug nuts
Post by: Speed Six on April 13, 2021, 03:40:04 PM
Good idea !!
Thank you for the links.
Title: Re: Long racing lug nuts
Post by: Karguy on June 16, 2021, 12:44:41 AM
Ralf,
I’m not sure if you are still hunting the long 1/2 x 20 tapered lug nuts but you might try these. I purchased a set for one of my cars and am extremely happy with them. Definitely have the right look. I checked and the seller says they are out of stock right now but you might try contacting them in Australia. I was somewhat apprehensive about buying from the land of Oz but everything went perfectly. Good seller!

https://www.ebay.com/itm/132707824581

Good luck, Karl
Title: Re: Long racing lug nuts
Post by: CSX 4133 on June 16, 2021, 09:31:15 AM

My advice is to stay away from Chinese made products. The conical seat is key to securing the wheel, even more so if you don't have the hardened inserts in your wheels. The one's offered by Cobtra Automotive may seem pricey, but since you only have five points of contact per wheel, a failure would be far more costly.
Title: Re: Long racing lug nuts
Post by: Speed Six on June 16, 2021, 11:00:06 AM
Thank you both for your input - I have bought for a quick solution a set of Gorilla lug nuts.
I will go the Cobra Automotive way, but will wait until I need a bit more (soon.. ;) ), so the shipping costs etc. are worth it.

Cheers,
Ralf
Title: Re: Long racing lug nuts
Post by: pbf777 on June 16, 2021, 04:10:54 PM
...................But - for a different set of wheels I need tapered ones.


     Note that there has been more than one angle used over the many different wheels produced over the decades requiring such, so be sure to establish the correct angle for what-ever wheels are being used.    ;)

     For instances where for proper fitment an open-end lug nut is not available, we have utilized the long closed-end nut and just cut (lathe) the cap off to create the open-end feature ( 8) ), though realize that the machined surface will not have chrome or other originally applied appearance or corrosion protecting surface coating remaining.     :(

     Scott.
Title: Re: Long racing lug nuts
Post by: shelbydoug on June 16, 2021, 06:03:53 PM
About 15 years ago or so, Shelby Parts & restoration had some made out of stainless hex rod.

I don't think they have any left but if it sounds like he could sell a run of them they might be interested.

The only thing is for some strange reason 13/16" hex rod in any metal is tough to find.

Since most open end lug nuts are for racing purposes, most are made with flat washers and a square neck that inserts into the wheel.

It's easier and safer to redrill the wheel to match that.


American Racing Wheels was a big supplier of those lug nuts back in the day.

I still have mine which are cadium plated and not chrome.
Title: Re: Long racing lug nuts
Post by: pbf777 on June 16, 2021, 07:58:08 PM
About 15 years ago or so, Shelby Parts & restoration had some made out of stainless hex rod.


     Not implying anything wrong with the product or the supplier mentioned as I have no experience with it; but "generic" stainless steel rod material, and although there are many alloys of S.S., is often something along the lines of say a 304 S.S. coupled with a heat treatment process which I would find questionable as for making a suitable fastener material for this application.  Also note that S.S., even the right stuff, has a bad habit of galling (likes to get friendly with like material and readily with aluminum also); so to avoid this one should utilize an anti-seize product in the process of attachment (not only on the tread, but in this instance, also on the interacting seating faces of the nut to the wheel face); but if one also subscribes the popular thought that lug-nuts are intended to be installed "dry", well, we have another problem.      :-\


It's easier and safer to redrill the wheel to match that.


     Well...........as I often say, that makes you the new (wheel) engineer!      :o

     Scott.
Title: Re: Long racing lug nuts
Post by: shelbydoug on June 16, 2021, 09:26:40 PM
About 15 years ago or so, Shelby Parts & restoration had some made out of stainless hex rod.


     Not implying anything wrong with the product or the supplier mentioned as I have no experience with it; but "generic" stainless steel rod material, and although there are many alloys of S.S., is often something along the lines of say a 304 S.S. coupled with a heat treatment process which I would find questionable as for making a suitable fastener material for this application.  Also note that S.S., even the right stuff, has a bad habit of galling (likes to get friendly with like material and readily with aluminum also); so to avoid this one should utilize an anti-seize product in the process of attachment (not only on the tread, but in this instance, also on the interacting seating faces of the nut to the wheel face); but if one also subscribes the popular thought that lug-nuts are intended to be installed "dry", well, we have another problem.      :-\


It's easier and safer to redrill the wheel to match that.


     Well...........as I often say, that makes you the new (wheel) engineer!      :o

     Scott.

Yes I would agree with you on this and add that ant-seize should be used on anything that is taken apart more then just once in a while.
Title: Re: Long racing lug nuts
Post by: Karguy on June 16, 2021, 10:24:04 PM
Wow…are we over engineering lug nuts or what?? :) :)
Title: Re: Long racing lug nuts
Post by: Speed Six on June 17, 2021, 01:19:44 AM
....and I´ve started it... :-[ :) ;)

Title: Re: Long racing lug nuts
Post by: shelbydoug on June 17, 2021, 07:49:11 AM
Wow…are we over engineering lug nuts or what?? :) :)

They NEVER were simple. You just presumed that they were. ;)
Title: Re: Long racing lug nuts
Post by: pbf777 on June 17, 2021, 12:15:16 PM
     
.................. anti-seize should be used on anything that is taken apart more then just once in a while.


     But, when vocalizing this referencing lug studs & nuts you might get quite a different thought on the matter, this from a rather large group and including many of those individuals who have been responsible for the engineering thoughts and decisions of major manufactures.     :-\

     It would appear nothing is ever as simple as it might seem, when one begins to really think about it!     :o

     Scott.


     
Title: Re: Long racing lug nuts
Post by: shelbydoug on June 17, 2021, 07:18:14 PM
     
.................. anti-seize should be used on anything that is taken apart more then just once in a while.


     But, when vocalizing this referencing lug studs & nuts you might get quite a different thought on the matter, this from a rather large group and including many of those individuals who have been responsible for the engineering thoughts and decisions of major manufactures.     :-\

     It would appear nothing is ever as simple as it might seem, when one begins to really think about it!     :o

     Scott.


   

I'll go out on a limb here and give you my opinion, rare occurrence that it is, IF the stress loadings are that close on the fasteners that anti-seeze dangerously effects that, then I say the bolt is underengineered for the application.

You ARE going to be happy at some point that you applied anti-seeze to the lug studs.

Now me...I don't get into it with anyone. Particularly the engineers. Nah. I'm just a little ol' pussycat. Meow! ;)
Title: Re: Long racing lug nuts
Post by: pbf777 on June 17, 2021, 09:36:57 PM
IF the stress loadings are that close on the fasteners that anti-seeze dangerously effects that, then I say the bolt is underengineered for the application.


    If by "stress loadings" you are referring to the difference in the turning effort during torquing and resultant increase in clamping load, greater tension load and stretch value applied to the fastener?; that is all likely true but that is not as related to me the real concern.      ???

    Rather, as relayed to me repeatedly, it's a simple concern for the very reason one wants to apply anti-seize, a reduced effort in the removal of said fastener!  I think this opinion probably arose with the earlier use of the press-formed steel wheels which tend to flex, perhaps more than the engineering intentions (later renditions are superior   ;)  ), this tending to 'work' the fasteners attempting to maintain the clamping of the wheel to the hub.   :)

    Evidence of this is witnessed with the fatigue cracking often in close proximity of or directly emanating from the lug holes of the wheels.  This even more so with the introduction of the radial tire which caused addition flexing of the rim, and was addressed with redesign for them once it became apparent.     :)

    Scott.
Title: Re: Long racing lug nuts
Post by: shelbydoug on June 18, 2021, 07:28:34 AM
Well, "best laid plans of mice and men".

I stopped saving the snapped off lug studs of customers cars collected from REMOVING the lugs. Stopped probably 25 years ago on that one.

I still occasionally do need to put a 4 foot pipe over a 32" breaker bar after soaking them in rust blaster.

There is something not considered here in the original engineering and "Occam's razor" suggests that maybe just a little anti-seize might have saved some grief?
Title: Re: Long racing lug nuts
Post by: pbf777 on June 18, 2021, 10:39:29 AM
     Do realize, I didn't say I wasn't a proponent in the use of anti-seize in this instance, just pointing out that there are conflicting opinions, each with potential merit.     :)

     Scott.
Title: Re: Long racing lug nuts
Post by: 98SVT - was 06GT on October 07, 2021, 02:27:57 PM
I can assure everyone that the most basic stainless steel alloy is stronger than the aluminum lug nuts that Minilite has shipped with their wheels - along with the warning to use anti seize.

https://www.classiczcars.com/forums/topic/58150-aluminum-lug-nuts-for-minilites/
Title: Re: Long racing lug nuts
Post by: TA Coupe on October 07, 2021, 03:06:08 PM
I have a set of those and if I remember correctly they were for the 14" over the counter Minilites that you could buy from Ford.

       Roy
Title: Re: Long racing lug nuts
Post by: pbf777 on October 07, 2021, 04:12:54 PM
I can assure everyone that the most basic stainless steel alloy is stronger than the aluminum lug nuts that Minilite has shipped with their wheels - along with the warning to use anti seize.


     Yes, I would agree, but the fact that someone in the past may have practiced something, that in particular "has" been discontinued, doesn't lead credence to some other adopted practice.  In a somewhat removed example, aluminum valve spring retainers 'were' somewhat popular several decades ago, appreciated for their light weight (same as with the lug nuts), but with experience it was determined that this really wasn't such a good idea; and along came titanium!   

     And yes, with aluminum some sort of anti-seize consideration had better be had!    ::)

     Scott.
Title: Re: Long racing lug nuts
Post by: shelbydoug on October 09, 2021, 04:30:52 PM
Anti-seize is your friend.

Stainless is ok if you roll the threads and don't cut them.

In my experience on a regular bolt/nut application I always find 2 to 3 out of a hundred stainless bolts will strip out.


How fast are you going to require aluminum lugs?
Title: Re: Long racing lug nuts
Post by: pbf777 on October 11, 2021, 01:56:45 PM
How fast are you going to require aluminum lugs?


     It had more to do with the intended applications; that being of generally light weight little European sports cars, most often with not so powerful little four cylinder engines, this where just a little difference just 'might' be noticeable.      ::)

     Scott.