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Former Member
Send PMLeavenworth, 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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Duncanville, TX - USA
Joined: 11/8/2003
Posts: 22720
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!
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 
My Link 
(click for Texas-sized view!) NCRS
"Money can't buy happiness -- but somehow it's more comforting to cry in a CORVETTE than in a Kia"
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Lifetime Member
Send PMHOWELL, 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! 
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Dang, from the title I though you knew some place I could drive my Vette at 120 mph without getting in trouble.
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in Forum: C3 Electrical, Body and Interior
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