C4 Tech/Performance L98 Corvette and LT1 Corvette Technical Info, Internal Engine, External Engine

85 locking lug nut issues

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Old Oct 23, 2011 | 01:17 AM
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Default 85 locking lug nut issues

Hey, so yesterday I finally went to replace my tires on my 85 vette and I figured out it has one locking lug nut on each wheel. I was told it's oem but not positive. I tried banging a bit socket on it and had no luck, brought it to a tire place and they tried the same thing and ruined four sockets with no prevail, then I went to another and they tried an air chisel to spin it but the stupid lug nut just broke of the tip of two of their chisels. (what are those crazy lug nuts made of?)

Does anyone have any ideas how I can get the thing off? Or have an extra key that fits laying around you could sell me?

Here's a pic of the lug nut.
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Old Oct 23, 2011 | 08:42 AM
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Look for your local Snap On, MAC, & MATCO tool guys Monday morning running around town in their trucks.

They each sell a universal locking lugnut removal kits.

You tap the the special socket on with a hammer.
Then use your impact or 1/2 " inch ratchet to remove the locking lugnuts from your car.

Special locking lugnut removal tools work very slick.

Brian
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Old Oct 23, 2011 | 09:09 AM
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Craftsman also sells a 3 socket package that does the most common. There are mixed opinions in reviews but I believe the success is in the hands of the "operator"!!

I'd probably make a few calls to local tire shops that you "haven't" already been to and ask if they've got such. You've got a thread in the sale/wanted also I believe where you mention having been to a couple already.

Last edited by WVZR-1; Oct 23, 2011 at 09:18 AM.
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Old Oct 23, 2011 | 09:31 AM
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Originally Posted by WVZR-1
Craftsman also sells a 3 socket package that does the most common. There are mixed opinions in reviews but I believe the success is in the hands of the "operator"!!

I'd probably make a few calls to local tire shops that you "haven't" already been to and ask if they've got such. You've got a thread in the sale/wanted also I believe where you mention having been to a couple already.
Crafstman is better in this case likely,

$25 instead of $100 from the professional tool guys.

The $100 locking lugnut removal kits are a must have in any professional garage & mechanic.

99 out 100 car & truck owners loose their factory locknut removal key tool always.
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Old Oct 23, 2011 | 11:07 PM
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Drill bit and easy out worked on my 4 wheels! Piece of cake.
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Old Oct 24, 2011 | 04:44 AM
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Okay, I'm not trying to to give stupid answer, but did you look in the compartment in the back of your Vette?
I have a similar nut on each of mine, thinking I too had a problem ahead of me, and while searching found the removal tool hiding in a clip on the wall of the compartment under the tray. The compartment behind the passenger seat.
Hope this helps.

Cheers Kevin. (NZ)
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Old Oct 24, 2011 | 11:33 PM
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Ok I'm going to try an track down a craftsman remover.

Movnviolation, are you talking about drilling the wheel studs out or a different method?

Thanks sparcnz for the advice, I have searched in there hoping that it would be there and it's empty. Although I did not see a clip in there that may have held it, so i'm going to double check again and make sure I didn't miss it. It is near that little leather tube that is supposed to hold some sort of tool under the right hand side tray(facing rear of car)?
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Old Oct 25, 2011 | 07:52 AM
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For the location of the key try looking at this thread.

http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c4-g...post1578637703

I doubt if driving the socket on method will work with the 85 locks. These are a larger diameter and round at the OD. The pattern is on the face of the lock. The later C4 locks have the pattern on the OD and the socket method will work with them.

I would try a dealer and see if they still have a key to remove them. If they do, they should be able to take them off for just a couple bucks.

Good luck.
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Old Oct 25, 2011 | 11:35 PM
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I used a hardened bit to drill a hole in the locking lug nuts and then used an easy out to back nuts off!
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Old Oct 25, 2011 | 11:54 PM
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Those look very different than the set that was on my '86.

I would talk to local welder and see if he could weld a nut or bolt to the lock without damaging your rims.

Last edited by DanZ51; Oct 26, 2011 at 12:19 AM.
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