The consensus appears to be that all the bolts are 11/16". My standard
bolts are this diameter and the ones I received from VB are identical to
them. No difference whatsoever. Same dimensions in every respect.
The sticking point is apparently that both sides of the adaptor nut should
be beveled and that it is shorter (not narrower) than a standard bolt. I
wish that it WERE a tad narrower because fitting the socket over it without
pinning the socket head between the bolt and the hub shaft seems like quite
a trick.
In any case, it has become clear that Victoria British sent me the wrong
nuts, in a package with a hand-written part number indicating that they had
sent me the correct adapter nuts. Someone in their packaging department
screwed up and using the wrong nuts may have contributed to the problem I
had. I suppose that's debatable, but then again, modified bolts must be
specified for a good reason. What remains to be seen now is how VB
responds to my situation and at what level of responsibility they appear
willing to own up to.
Thanks to all who responded to this. I would have been much better off had
I asked the same question before ordering the parts.
Best wishes,
Jeff
----- Original Message -----
From: Barry Schwartz <bschwart@pacbell.net>
To: <HD50EL@aol.com>
Cc: <spitfires@autox.team.net>
Sent: Tuesday, February 01, 2000 2:04 PM
Subject: Re: Lug nut diameter, please
>
> >Barry, I believe you are mistaken in your description of the wire wheel
> >adaptor nuts. I have a set of wires that came off of a 69 Spitfire that
were
> >completely original, and they had never been off of the car. The nuts
only
> >have one bevel on them, are twice as long, and have a smaller hex
diameter
> >than the nuts for steel wheels. The reason for the longer nut is that the
> >adaptor nuts for wire wheels require greater torque than those for steel
> >wheels. The nuts have a smaller diameter hex so a socket can be used to
> >achieve the proper torque. I believe the hex size is 11/16".
> **************************************
> Nope John, with due respect, I beg to differ. Maybe the nuts you are
> referring to are for the BOLT on wire wheels. I could see where these
> might be different (I have never actually seen a set) The nuts for the
wire
> wheel ADAPTOR require no more torque or holding power than the standard
> steel disk wheel, as they bolt to the same place with the same lugs. The
> loading at this juncture would be exactly the same as a steel wheel.
> However, the "vertical" clearance is limited. If you look at any picture
> of one of the kits offered for wire wheel replacement you will see that
the
> lugs are indeed beveled on BOTH sides for the clearance I mentioned, and
> are only about 1/2 inch in length - If you have access to the cross
> sectional picture, that are in several of the service manuals of the front
> wheel assy with a wire wheel attached, you would also see just where the
> interference would be if the nuts weren't beveled.
>
>
> Barry Schwartz (San Diego) bschwart@pacbell.net
>
> 72 PI, V6 Spitfire (daily driver)
> 70 GT6+ (when I don't drive the Spit)
> 70 Spitfire (long term project)
>
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