1980: What is the trick for installing seat hinge cover acorn nuts?
#1
Le Mans Master
Thread Starter
1980: What is the trick for installing seat hinge cover acorn nuts?
OK, I get it these acorn nuts are essentially decorative to cover up the hinge bolts with the covers. However, I can't seem to find the right 'tool' to press them over the exposed lengths of hinge bolts. I tried an 11/32" socket (or something close to that... been a couple weeks) on a 1/4" nut driver and a light rubber mallet and all I managed to do was smash the acorn nut and distort it. They don't 'thread' onto the bolts from what I can tell as I had to pry the old ones off (they were pretty stubborn so I figured the new would go on snug... not!).
I'm asking as I recently installed a new bottom seat shell on driver's side. I will be cleaning/repainting the hinge covers and buying (another) set of acorn nuts (12 per seat) to try and get this right. Will be pulling the seat out to do this as I am also installing new seat belts/retractors 'while I'm at it'.
Any help appreciated!
I'm asking as I recently installed a new bottom seat shell on driver's side. I will be cleaning/repainting the hinge covers and buying (another) set of acorn nuts (12 per seat) to try and get this right. Will be pulling the seat out to do this as I am also installing new seat belts/retractors 'while I'm at it'.
Any help appreciated!
#2
Team Owner
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They push on. I believe I used a 1/4 nut driver and only hand pressure.
#4
I am convinced that the openings on these repro acorn nuts are too big. The old ones push on tightly and stay on but the new ones just slide off and on and dont grab the posts at all. I called Corvette America about this and was told they sell hundreds of these and I was the only one with this problem. I convinced them to send me some replacements and they didnt stay on either. I tried bending the prongs inside the nuts to make them tighter but wasnt able to bend them without screwing up the acorn nut. The only way I could get them to stay on was to put a dab of Permatex silicone adhesive on each post and then install the acorn nuts. Probably a Bubba solution but it was the only way I could get them to hold.
#5
Drifting
When I restored my clam shells I replaced the hinge bolts w/regular bolts and bought threaded chrome acorn nuts. That push on crap is just that, crap!
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#9
Acorn nuts
I am convinced that the openings on these repro acorn nuts are too big. The old ones push on tightly and stay on but the new ones just slide off and on and dont grab the posts at all. I called Corvette America about this and was told they sell hundreds of these and I was the only one with this problem. I convinced them to send me some replacements and they didnt stay on either. I tried bending the prongs inside the nuts to make them tighter but wasnt able to bend them without screwing up the acorn nut. The only way I could get them to stay on was to put a dab of Permatex silicone adhesive on each post and then install the acorn nuts. Probably a Bubba solution but it was the only way I could get them to hold.
#10
I am convinced that the openings on these repro acorn nuts are too big. The old ones push on tightly and stay on but the new ones just slide off and on and dont grab the posts at all. I called Corvette America about this and was told they sell hundreds of these and I was the only one with this problem. I convinced them to send me some replacements and they didnt stay on either. I tried bending the prongs inside the nuts to make them tighter but wasnt able to bend them without screwing up the acorn nut. The only way I could get them to stay on was to put a dab of Permatex silicone adhesive on each post and then install the acorn nuts. Probably a Bubba solution but it was the only way I could get them to hold.
Last edited by Big2Bird; 03-17-2018 at 10:29 PM.
#12
Burning Brakes
OK, I get it these acorn nuts are essentially decorative to cover up the hinge bolts with the covers. However, I can't seem to find the right 'tool' to press them over the exposed lengths of hinge bolts. I tried an 11/32" socket (or something close to that... been a couple weeks) on a 1/4" nut driver and a light rubber mallet and all I managed to do was smash the acorn nut and distort it. They don't 'thread' onto the bolts from what I can tell as I had to pry the old ones off (they were pretty stubborn so I figured the new would go on snug... not!).
I'm asking as I recently installed a new bottom seat shell on driver's side. I will be cleaning/repainting the hinge covers and buying (another) set of acorn nuts (12 per seat) to try and get this right. Will be pulling the seat out to do this as I am also installing new seat belts/retractors 'while I'm at it'.
Any help appreciated!
I'm asking as I recently installed a new bottom seat shell on driver's side. I will be cleaning/repainting the hinge covers and buying (another) set of acorn nuts (12 per seat) to try and get this right. Will be pulling the seat out to do this as I am also installing new seat belts/retractors 'while I'm at it'.
Any help appreciated!
I had a couple of acorn nut casulties when I removed them to re-dye my seat's side-hinge covers. The ones that our forum supplier sponsors will work, but the nylon studs that they attach to probably shrink with age - and, the specs for the replacement parts probably slip with time. So, with each new acorn nut - and, they do look nice & shiny when replaced - take a pointed needle nose pliers and slightly flatten the leading edge at the nut opening that bites into the plastic stud. It works. Good luck.
Dave
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