I've looked high & low and can't find anywhere that sells lugs that look like the one I saw on a car in a post pver at pro-touring.com:

http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c105/DanBabb/68CamaroRS/PartsPictures/TransAmstylelugs.jpg


So I found a machine shop by me that will make them. Going to run by there this week to talk to them and find out cost and metal choices. I would like stainless if it would be strong enough to be used for street driving. Not sure of the cost yet.

Would anyone else want these made for their car? I think more sets would bring the cost down. My car is a 68 Camaro, and my wheels use the lugs with the beveled edge. I'm sure I'd need to keep the lugs all the same style to get any type of multi-set discount.


MODERATORS....I'm not looking to do this for a profit, so if this violates any forum rules, please delete & let me know. I haven't found any forum advertisers that make this item.

i read he paid $400 a set!

how much is your machinist charging you?

also, 400 dollars a set, youd think hed atleast change drums to disc

Look easy as heck to make.

Buy a length of hex stock in the size you need, cut to length, drill & tap while in the lathe, then put on the proper tapper....done (just repeat 20 times :rolleyes:)

You might check with musclecarjohn , I saw in a post last week he had similar race type lug nuts made for his 69 out of stainless. He might have suggestions for you.

You might check with musclecarjohn , I saw in a post last week he had similar race type lug nuts made for his 69 out of stainless. He might have suggestions for you.
Yes, I think thats John's car.

Had another thought on this. What about coupling nuts ? I know they come in 316 stainless as I've used them in marine applications on control linkages before. If you could find some that are long enough you would just need the proper seat angle cut on the end.

Good idea on the coupling nuts, but I looked at McMaster and they don't show anything in stainless that's long enough for what I want in stainless.

Doug..it does sound easy to do with the right equipment. Wish I had a lathe.

i read he paid $400 a set!

how much is your machinist charging you?

also, 400 dollars a set, youd think hed atleast change drums to disc

You can change to discs on your SS,I'm keeping my Z/28's as were originally built...:yes:

I know some can't understand $400 for lugnuts (actually $1,200 for 3 sets) but for those looking for the correct "look",there really isn't another option.

They may look like simple bar stock,but up close,they're actually more like jewelery,there is much more to them that pictures do not capture.
These are the 2nd generation design with an extra 1/4" tang on the end to help locate the wheel and engage more threads.

Due the the fact I don't like them as much on my more modern-looking wheel designs,I've decided to keep only one set for my V-40's as shown above,and sell the other two sets.
I have one set left,PM me if anyone is interested.

Dan
P.M. sent

Talked to a co-worker at lunch today that has a 66 GT350-R vintage racer with the long style lug nuts. He says they are available from various vintage race suppliers. His are 1/2-20 x 3" long and made from hi-tensile steel with a nickel finish. He's going to track down a couple suppliers and see if they also offer 7/16-20 versions. I'll post what I hear back.

I don't know about other aftermarket brake kits but the Wilwoods I put on 10 years ago came with 1/2-20 studs.

Talked to a co-worker at lunch today that has a 66 GT350-R vintage racer with the long style lug nuts. He says they are available from various vintage race suppliers. His are 1/2-20 x 3" long and made from hi-tensile steel with a nickel finish. He's going to track down a couple suppliers and see if they also offer 7/16-20 versions. I'll post what I hear back.

I don't know about other aftermarket brake kits but the Wilwoods I put on 10 years ago came with 1/2-20 studs.

Try www.cobraautomotive.com I got my headlight covers from them.:D

Yep,they got them in 12L14 steel with a bright nickle finish with a tapered seat,item # 318-4300G doesn't say if they're 7/16" or 1/2" though.

That is one of the companies Bobby mentioned to me. He is still getting me prices. I'll check but I'm pretty sure them Fords use 1/2-20 studs/nuts which obviously won't work with stock Camaro 7/16 studs.

I found this as an option too. It's not 100% the look I'm going for (round lug vs. hex), but if the hex lugs wind up costing a lot to make, then I'd probaby give these a hard look. These are $40 for a set of 20. I don't know if the adapter is included in that price though.

http://www.customwheelaccessories.com/TunerLugNuts.html

I'd need to confirm that the lug width is the right size for my wheel...it doesn't show that measurement on the site.


These are available from:

Jon
DriverzInc.com
866-694-5940

I got a reply back from CobraAutomotive. Looks like they won't work for us Chevy guys.

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Part # 318-4300G Lugnut racing, tapered seat for American Torque Thrust rim, set of 20, Price is 139.95
We keep these in stock, the threads are 1/2" x 20, please contact our sales manager Scott Hackenson @ sales@cobraautomotive with any questions or to place an order.

I got a reply back from CobraAutomotive. Looks like they won't work for us Chevy guys.

-------
Part # 318-4300G Lugnut racing, tapered seat for American Torque Thrust rim, set of 20, Price is 139.95
We keep these in stock, the threads are 1/2" x 20, please contact our sales manager Scott Hackenson @ sales@cobraautomotive with any questions or to place an order.

Sounds like if you had 1/2" studs they would...figured they were 1/2" for racing.

CobraAutomotive must be responding to all their emails this morning as Bobby just forwarded me nearly the same email as Dan got, $139.95 for set of 20.

Just looked at those tuner lug nuts, they state a .920 outside diameter which should fit as the reliefs in my TT's are 1.250 diameter. Not sure I like the internal hex though.

Good point.

The tuner one's could also help stop a theft of the wheels. They would be harder to get off. It would be nice if they made the ong one with the torx style though.

Fwiw, You could always buy those tuner ones just to see if you like how they look and return them if you don't like them. All you'd be out is the shipping costs to/from the seller.

Fwiw, You could always buy those tuner ones just to see if you like how they look and return them if you don't like them. All you'd be out is the shipping costs to/from the seller.

Problem is you can just see how crappy the finish is on them just by that little picture,not shiny smooth whatsoever.

Problem is you can just see how crappy the finish is on them just by that little picture,not shiny smooth whatsoever.

Yeah, the recycled American beer cans idiom comes to mind :D

I own a '68 RS/SS and just missed out on buying John's last set of these long style lug nuts. I have searched everywhere, like you guys, and can't seem to find them. You would think that someone out there would make these lug nuts!! You can buy just about everything else, why not these? If anyone finds them, please let me know.

The trans-am racers were changed over to 1/2 or 9/16 due to breakage of the stock 7/16 studs.

Changing over to 1/2" style studs should be a no-brainer for any non-stock later disc set-up.
Along with a longer thread section for more perch on the thread engagement.

MAECOM - ( http://www.maecomotorsport.com/Index%20Pages%201-10/page4Catalog.html ) still carries several styles of the original type lugs.
(look in the 'Tires/wheels' section)

Doesn't McGard still offer the long NHRA style open-end lug nuts ???

Mr. Lug-Nut may also offer something, I'll take a look when I get a chance ...

I own a '68 RS/SS and just missed out on buying John's last set of these long style lug nuts. I have searched everywhere, like you guys, and can't seem to find them. You would think that someone out there would make these lug nuts!! You can buy just about everything else, why not these? If anyone finds them, please let me know.

So sorry about that Mark,wouldn't you know no one showed any interest in them for months and then BAM,4 people jumped in when they were sold...pretty typical.
Guy that bought them has a Red early 2nd Gen with VWW V-48 (minilight copies) painted in a dark grey w/polished hoops...should really complete his T/A look.:yes:

I'm having a set of these long, Trans-Am style lug nuts made up and would like to know if anyone else would be interested in a set. They will be 7/16"x20 and made out of 7/8" 304/stainless steel hex bar stock. The finished product should look pretty much the same as Musclecarjohn's, since I am using one of his lug nuts as a template. If anyone would like to place on order for a set of these, please PM me and we can discuss the details.

I'm having a set of these long, Trans-Am style lug nuts made up and would like to know if anyone else would be interested in a set. They will be 7/16"x20 and made out of 7/8" 304/stainless steel hex bar stock. The finished product should look pretty much the same as Musclecarjohn's, since I am using one of his lug nuts as a template. If anyone would like to place on order for a set of these, please PM me and we can discuss the details.

You received the lugnut is good order I take it Mark...?:yes:

You received the lugnut is good order I take it Mark...?:yes:
I have not received it as of today but will keep my eye out for it. It should be showing up pretty soon. I will let you know as soon as it shows up at my door. Thanks again John for letting me use it!!

I have not received it as of today but will keep my eye out for it. It should be showing up pretty soon. I will let you know as soon as it shows up at my door. Thanks again John for letting me use it!!

Cool,I will track it as well...:yes:
I'd put a shout out to P-T and Lat-G,those were the guys who were always bugging me but never stepped up to the plate.:noway:

Cool,I will track it as well...:yes:
I'd put a shout out to P-T and Lat-G,those were the guys who were always bugging me but never stepped up to the plate.:noway:
I will John. Thanks for the heads up!!

I will John. Thanks for the heads up!!

Looks like it's getting delivered tomorrow...:yes:

Looks like it's getting delivered tomorrow...:yes:
Yea, I saw the same thing. I'll be looking out for it tomorrow and will give you a yell as soon as I get it in my hands. Thanks again John!

Good luck with it Mark,if your guy is good they should be exact...:beers:

When you hold that lug in your hand tomorrow,I bet you'll see why it cost me $19/each.:yes:People laugh when they hear that but until you see the piece and how it completes the look,you have no idea...:noway:

Any idea on a cost range?

Good luck with it Mark,if your guy is good they should be exact...:beers:

When you hold that lug in your hand tomorrow,I bet you'll see why it cost me $19/each.:yes:People laugh when they hear that but until you see the piece and how it completes the look,you have no idea...:noway:

Any idea on a cost range?
It's looking like the cost will be between $300 to $350 per set. Like you said, these lug nuts are a work of art and take time to machine right. Anyone who gets a set will see this too!!

It's looking like the cost will be between $300 to $350 per set. Like you said, these lug nuts are a work of art and take time to machine right. Anyone who gets a set will see this too!!

That is very reasonable if the quality is there...hope you get some action on them,I know there certainly is a lot of interest.:yes:

Here are some pictures of the finished lug nut. It is 13/16" in diameter and has 7/16" x 20 threads which run about halfway through it. The overall length is 2 7/8". The material used is 304 stainless steel. If anyone is interested in a set, please PM me and I will go over the details.

http://lindsmar.lenzus.com/content/41411544/r/s_33828485.jpg
http://lindsmar.lenzus.com/content/41411544/r/s_22708254.jpg
http://lindsmar.lenzus.com/content/41411544/r/s_28628302.jpg
http://lindsmar.lenzus.com/content/41411544/r/s_12038343.jpg
http://lindsmar.lenzus.com/content/41411544/r/s_50418439.jpg
http://lindsmar.lenzus.com/content/41411544/r/s_33828485.jpg

Very nice job !!!!! As a former tool and die machinist I can tell 304 is pretty hard stuff and it takes skill, patience, and sharp cutters to get a nice finish like you have.

My studs are 1/2-20 and I have a set or I'd be interested.

Looks like it's getting delivered tomorrow...:yes:
John,

I sent the lug nut back today by USPS. You should see it by the middle of the week.

Thanks again for letting me use it.

Mark

Very nice but I have to agree that for any kind of hardcore thrashing the switch to 1/2" studs is a no brainer. Longer than stock as well to engage more threads as long as you're spending the bucks for the long lugnuts. Even the street stock classes of circle track racing at most tracks requires the use of heavy duty studs & 1" O/D lugnuts. The larger O/D is so they don't pull through the wheel but those are steel wheels and there isn't room for that on most aluminum 5 spoke type wheels.

Very nice but I have to agree that for any kind of hardcore thrashing the switch to 1/2" studs is a no brainer. Longer than stock as well to engage more threads as long as you're spending the bucks for the long lugnuts. Even the street stock classes of circle track racing at most tracks requires the use of heavy duty studs & 1" O/D lugnuts. The larger O/D is so they don't pull through the wheel but those are steel wheels and there isn't room for that on most aluminum 5 spoke type wheels.
These were not made up for racing in mind. I just liked the look of them for my VWW V40's and no one offered them in the size that I needed (7/16"x20). Since I don't really want or need to change my studs to 1/2", I had these made up for show and mild driving. The only reason that I offered them up here was that I thought there might be other guys out there looking for the same thing. So, if you are looking for a racing lug nut, don't buy these. Go with a bigger size by all means. I just want to clear this up, because it seems that there are a lot of negative remarks coming in about the use of these lug nuts.

John,

I sent the lug nut back today by USPS. You should see it by the middle of the week.

Thanks again for letting me use it.

Mark

No problem Mark,thanks for the headsup.:yes:

And don't sweat the comments posted by others here either,you got what you wanted,sometimes trying to be nice will bite you in the rear.

No problem Mark,thanks for the headsup.:yes:

And don't sweat the comments posted by others here either,you got what you wanted,sometimes trying to be nice will bite you in the rear. Wow I sure hope my post wasn't taken the wrong way and anyone thought I was bashing the thought of paying $400 for lugnuts.... I was simply pointing out that for those of us less fortunate, upgrading to 1/2" studs and then buying the readily available long racing type lugnuts made for that size is cheaper & safer as well.... I thought another option might be appreciated... Guess not.

I got a reply back from CobraAutomotive. Looks like they won't work for us Chevy guys.

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Part # 318-4300G Lugnut racing, tapered seat for American Torque Thrust rim, set of 20, Price is 139.95
We keep these in stock, the threads are 1/2" x 20, please contact our sales manager Scott Hackenson @ sales@cobraautomotive with any questions or to place an order. Add Moroso 1/2" heavy duty racing studs priced at $11.88 for a set of 5 and you're still into it way cheaper and have a better, stronger end result. My math has the total coming in at less than $200 AND you end up with new high performance studs to boot but what do I know.. http://www.summitracing.com/parts/MOR-46180/ Mark68 sorry if you felt like I was stepping on your toes with my comments but this thread started out with a guy asking about his options, NOT a classified ad for you to sell lugnuts... They do appear to be very nicely made and again, I apologise if my suggestions offended anyone. Just trying to help.

Wow I sure hope my post wasn't taken the wrong way and anyone thought I was bashing the thought of paying $400 for lugnuts.... I was simply pointing out that for those of us less fortunate, upgrading to 1/2" studs and then buying the readily available long racing type lugnuts made for that size is cheaper & safer as well.... I thought another option might be appreciated... Guess not.

Wasn't directed at you Mark,your points are well taken.:yes:
I think if you ask the OP,he's heard his share of negative comments about these on other sites and thus has recinded his offer to make additional sets available.

Thanks John. As I said, I was simply suggesting a lower cost option. $300-$400 is alot of money for lugnuts to some of us considering I bought my first set of mag wheels for $99... Cragar GT wheels, 15x7, set of 4 with free mounting & ballancing.. Of course that was 1973 and I was making $1.75 an hour. :D

Thanks John. As I said, I was simply suggesting a lower cost option. $300-$400 is alot of money for lugnuts to some of us considering I bought my first set of mag wheels for $99... Cragar GT wheels, 15x7, set of 4 with free mounting & ballancing.. Of course that was 1973 and I was making $1.75 an hour. :D
Mark,
All I was trying to do was make these lug nuts, that no one produces, available to other members here that are running 7/16"x20 studs and want the look of the old school Trans-Am style lug nuts. The price for these lug nuts is high because they are made from stainless steel and take many hours of machining to produce. If anyone wants to pay the $140 from Cobra Automotive, than that's fine with me. It's your choice on which product you want but remember, you get what you pay for. I just happen to like the look and durabilty of stainless steel and decided to go that way. Everyone has their own taste and that's what makes the car hobby great. I will also be moving this post to the classified section because, your right, it should be there anyway. I just want everyone to know that my only intention was to offer these unattainable lug nuts to fellow members who want the same vintage look for their camaro wheels as I do!

The 'assumption' that just changing you wheel stud from the original 7/16" type to 1/2" makes them 'much stronger' is not correct ;)
Size of the stud is maginally involved in their failure during use.
Both sizes actually have very similar and comparable tensile strengths in dynamic applications - so ANY properly sized (which the 7/16" are ...), correctly installed and non-fatigued studs will work just fine in any racing application.
As an example of the 1/2" ARP stud (since that's the size you gave) vs. a 7/16" ARP stud - they have the exact same documented tensile test ratings. So even ARP isn't going to state one is 'stronger' than the other just due to added cross-section :noway:
btw - they have about 90~110Klbs (each) 'Shear' strength, important in drag and competition high shock use - I doubt you could ever load a good 7/16" stud set with a 3~4Klbs Camaro sufficently to snap a set off ;)

The reason a stud fails is seldom the load on it - it's almost always due to fatigue-cycling due to repeated wheel mounting and dismounting.
This causes the bolt to be repeatedly stretched during re-torqueing which results in fatigue of the material.
This is the reason failures began to show-up in competion once routine tire changing began. Earlier cars often used one set of tires through-out a race, changing only if a tire failed.
There are routinely 5~10 tire changes in a 400~500 mile race in NASCAR today - requiring special dry-lube to go a full race without gauling...
Yes, some racing sanctioning bodies require a "Standard" wheel stud size - but the rules state it's for standardised inspection reasons (they are spec. type, thread style and strength) and interchangablility - Not because they were "stronger"...
And - most I deal with these days require 5/8" studs min. anyway, to cope with the larger required lugs.

I'm not planning to change my ARP studs to 1/2" for a street/mild performance driven vehicle so these lugs would be just the ticket :thumbsup:
Now it just trying to find a set of wheels I think would complete "the look" they provide :cool: