Fix for Speed Nutz?

Topic: Fix for Speed Nutz?

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Posted: 10/2/07 6:09am Message 1 of 4

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sundevil74

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Leavenworth, KS - USA

Joined: 1/24/2007

Posts: 426

Vette(s): MM Red 1971 T-top,LS5,4-speed, black leather C5 seats, Hooker sidepipes. Previous: 64 Coupe, 65 Roadster L76 / N14

It has been a long time since I had a Vette in the garage to work on. Sold my '64 coupe back in the 80s (body-off resto). Now that I've got another (the '71), I'm relearning many things I forgot on purpose!

Has anyone worked up a fix for those old speed nutz that hold the trim components on (grill, lights, etc.)? They screw onto a pot metal stud and either the stud is broken, or the threads shot, or the nut old is missing the rubber insert. These "speed nuts" are often just a real pain to access and remove. Any field fixes out there that seem to work better?

Where I can, I have been trying to rethread the stems for a conventional nut, but many of the spots are just too tight for a die. Beside, the studs are soft potmetal / aluminum. What do you do when a stud breaks off? drill a hole and use a SS machine screw and nut instead?

Obviously, I am not talking NCRS or show quality, just functional and easy on the eyes.

Ideas? Suggestions?

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Fix for Speed Nutz?

Posted: 10/2/07 6:28am Message 2 of 4

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Adams' Apple

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Duncanville, TX - USA

Joined: 11/8/2003

Posts: 20214

Vette(s): #1-1974 L-48 4spd Cp Med Red Metallic/Black deluxe int w/AC/tilt/tele./p/w-p/b/ Am-Fm/map light National/Regional/Chapter NCRS "Top Flight" #2-1985 Bright Red/Carmine Cp.L-98/auto Member: NCRS, NCRS Texas, Corvette Legends of Texas

I tried "fixing" one of the grills on the '74 several times, with epoxy, drilling and tapping for screws...never worked very well. The thing would still not hold after a drive. I wound up buying a "reconditioned" grill from Zip...that is the only fix I could find on that one.

Trying to run new threads on those studs is pretty much useless, but I guess ya figured that one out, eh? The studs are tapered, so...one size fits all!

Good luck finding a solution...worse case is you buy another part. I'd like to know of any "fixes" for this type of issue, too!

Joel Adams
C3VR Lifetime Member #56
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"Money can't buy happiness -- but somehow it's more comforting to cry in a CORVETTE than in a Kia"

Fix for Speed Nutz?

Posted: 10/2/07 6:24pm Message 3 of 4

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lukesvette

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HOWELL, NJ - USA

Joined: 5/18/2004

Posts: 6812

Vette(s): 1979, Targa Blue (72 Color), Pace Car rear spoiler, L88 hood, Dark blue factory interior, 525HP 406, HD 700R4, 370 gears,Steeroids, composite rear spring, TT IIs wrapped in T/A Radials.

Go to the next size down on the speed nut. That will usually work. There are a few different kinds. If you have a paint supply place by you that sells trim components as well, they should be able to match up a good size for you.

Good luck!