How to start a speed nut?
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Jan 2020
Posts: 28
Likes: 11
How to start a speed nut?
This is a dumb question I'm sure but I'm stumped. I changed the hood emblem and everything is fine except I can't seem to get the speed nuts started on the mounting posts inside the hood. I hesitate to really push hard with a socket wrench and tweak/bend the emblem. I've put pretty darn firm pressure on it as I turned the socket clockwise but it just doesn't seem to want to bite on the post.
Is there a secret? Do I need to go buy some type of tap/die widget? Do you actually turn the speed nut to get it to bite or are you just supposed to tap the back of the socket with a hammer?
Any help appreciated.
Is there a secret? Do I need to go buy some type of tap/die widget? Do you actually turn the speed nut to get it to bite or are you just supposed to tap the back of the socket with a hammer?
Any help appreciated.
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Jan 2020
Posts: 28
Likes: 11
Good question. This is my first Corvette. If the adhesive is enough then fine. I didn't want to cry as I watched the emblem fly off as I drove down the highway a year from now when the adhesive has heat cycled a few times in the Chicago winters. I figured they were insurance for long term.
Drifting
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 1,693
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From: on Barnegat Bay Joisey
There is a difference between a speed nut that you drive a screw into and a push on type for studs like your emblems have.
If I remember correctly, the stud type are thinner without helix shape tabs.
Go to a local body shop and ask for a few. Bring the emblem to get the right size.
If I remember correctly, the stud type are thinner without helix shape tabs.
Go to a local body shop and ask for a few. Bring the emblem to get the right size.
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Jan 2020
Posts: 28
Likes: 11
I'm using. It looks like maybe you don't try to rotate them on, but you simply drive them down on the stud using a socket. I was using the smaller size ones in the pack trying to get them to cut the stud. I'm going to use the bigger size and just drive them on with a hammer and see if that works. As mentioned above there is adhesive so maybe just driving them will be fine as insurance. I'll put a weight in front of the emblem to keep it from popping off I guess.
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Try threading it off the car on the bench first. Once you've cut the threads out in the open where you can see what's happening, it will make instillation easier working in that "blind" hole.
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Good question. This is my first Corvette. If the adhesive is enough then fine. I didn't want to cry as I watched the emblem fly off as I drove down the highway a year from now when the adhesive has heat cycled a few times in the Chicago winters. I figured they were insurance for long term.
Depending on where you bought em they'll be faded and oxidized in three months anyway.
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Jan 2020
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I ended up using the larger size speed nut and tapped them down with the socket/extension and a hammer lightly. They're snug enough I guess and better than nothing. I got some $70 ebay specials so I guess we'll see if they last. She's a garage queen so we shall see.
I bet a how-to on properly sealing a set of Ebay ones will be next if these crap out soon.
Thanks for the help all.
I bet a how-to on properly sealing a set of Ebay ones will be next if these crap out soon.
Thanks for the help all.