In a message dated 11/18/03 6:17:30 PM Eastern Standard Time, jimbpps@cox.net
writes:
> ,
>
> I am in the process of going back to steel wheels from 48 spoke wire wheels
> on my '58 TR3. Several years ago, I installed the KO hubs and then shortened
> the wheel studs to accommodate the wire wheels as described in numerous
> articles as well as the red TR Shop Manual.
>
> My question to the list is: What is wrong with installing the steel wheels
> and using the old steel wheel lug nuts or alternately, using the wire wheel
> lug nuts on the shortened wheel studs? It seems to me that if the thread
> coverage is adequate for use with the wire wheel adaptors it ought to be
> adequate to use the steel wheels. The stress on the lugs ought to be the
> same. I haven't tried the wire wheel lugs on the steel wheels yet but they
> ought to work just fine! The hub caps will cover the "incorrect" lugs so
> visually they will look OK, too.
>
> Please, let me know your thoughts and opinions, both pro and con, regarding
> this change.
>
> TIA,
>
Jim,
If you are thinking about using the double-bevel wire wheel adapter nuts on
steel disc wheels, I can tell you that it didn't work for long when I tried it.
The double bevel nuts worked loose very quickly.
As for using stock lug nuts on a shortened stud, I would say "maybe". It
depends on how many full turns of the nut you get. I think 7 or 8 is what is
considered a safe minimum, but some folks who use wheel spacers get away with
less.
If you decide to take a chance I would not install the hubcaps for a while,
so that you can keep an eye on things.....
Rich Rock
Pottstown, PA
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