I have a set of aftermarket wheels, but the lugs that came with them are not up to my standards. After removing a couple of times they are starting to flake.

Who makes quality chrome lugs nuts? I would prefer made in the ol USA if possible.

 

Why not go with the factory stainless steel ones. 03 and 04's came with them.

 

I did not know that. Thanks for the information! Anyone have a part number?

 

That's what CCW sent with my 505A's. I've had them off many times and they still look good.

 

Here ya go...

They are Stainless Steel, a nice design and top quality, first brought out in 2003.

GM Part number is 9595165

GM lists them for 10.77 each.

Eklers has them for a ripoff price of almost 9 bucks each!

Fitchner has them for 4.95 each.

GM Part Direct has them for about 4.35 each.

And you can get an aluminum lined (softer metals won't scratch harder metals) or plastic lined lug socket to keep them looking good.

 

McGard

 

I bought a set from Corvette Garage - they have held up very well.

 

I pitched the open faced lugs on my 2002Z which had the plastic covers. Threw out the ridiculous locking lug set also. I ordered some of those overpriced GM stainless shrouded lugs and they are not solid. They are simply an open faced lug with a stainless jacket. After a few torques on the wrench on and off, they'll distort and crumple. Order the lifetime triple chrome, hardened steel lugs (#61137, bulge, acorn, 12mm x 1.5, $10.69/4) from Summit Racing. Outstanding chrome quality with lifetime warranty.

Randy

 

Got mine from Bob @ House of Wheels, a supporting vendor, for $24.99 shipped...Great price and quality...

 

I purchased my set of Gorilla brand 12mmx1.5 20pk wheel lock/nuts set (acorn bulge closed end - Part #157-91733) from Supporting Vendor 'Thunder Racing'. I also purchased a 1/2"-drive Gorilla brand Telescoping Lug Wrench w/ two dual 'flip' sockets (Part #157-1721) from them as well. The locks/lug nuts carry a 'Lifetime Guarantee'.

 

I have factory, McGard, Gorilla, and even Bob's House of Wheels chrome lug nuts. Some are undoubtedly better than others, but eventually the chrome will crack on all chrome lug nuts... unless you happen to use a "flank-drive" style socket. Conventional sockets grab the corners of a bolt/nut and because it is the weakest point, it will flex/distort to some degree. While chrome is one of the most durable finishes available, it is brittle. Any distortion on the corners of the nut will eventually crack the chrome. "Flank-drive" does not grab the corners, it grabs the flank (flat) of a bolt/nut and will therefore result in much less distortion, hence the chrome will not crack nearly as easily. (It will also resist "rounding" the corners of a bolt/nut better than any other product.)

I have only ruined one lug nut in the past 20 years and that was when I foolishly used an impact wrench on it... and yes the socket was also "flank-drive". You don't need to purchase a complete set of these horribly expensive tools (I'm being facetious here...), just one 1/2" drive socket (I much prefer the 6-sided) for your chrome lug nuts. You will be pleased with the results... I guarantee it...

I did purchase a set of the soft (lined) sockets designed for lug nuts up to 120 ft/lbs. (What can I say, I'm a tool junkie... ) At 100 ft/lbs with my torque wrench the socket distorted and some of the insert broke away. (Yes I was surprised too...) I returned them and got my money back.

I believe it was McGard that did a press release back in the 80's announcing that they would be marketing Stainless Steel lug nuts soon... Like lots of others I was filled with hope... Unfortunately it never happened.

As for the lug nuts with the Stainless Steel sheathing, they have been in use for many years and I believe they work as well or better than chrome. However they are also prone to distortion for the above mentioned reason and will eventually come off the steel lug nut. (Here again, "flank-drive' is your friend.) You can find the remnants of many of these near the curb at any busy intersection... (Check it out sometime... you will be surprised at what you find! )

Good luck... GUSTO

 

 

Lots of good information guys; I really appreciate it. With out a doubt I need to get a socket designed to minimize distortion when applying torque.

I checked out the McGard site, anyone running the spline type nuts? I have comp grey wheels and they might look pretty good.

 

Gorilla here too

 

Anyone know if the C5 and C6 lug nuts are the same size?

 

My 03 came with those GM lugs you stated crumple and distort. I have had my wheels off and on at least 3 or 4 times a year to clean the wheel wells and wax the wheels. My lugs are still in great shape, none of the things happening you stated. I also use my impact wrench to take off and put on, then the torque wrench to check the lugs up to 100 lbs. I am happy with the orginal GM stainless lugs.

 

this is what I have...

http://www.sfxperformance.com/parts/GOR71633N.htm

VR

 

I bought a hard plastic lined lug nut socket from Mid America Motorworks, I think it cost about 30.00 but it doesn't scratch or twist the edges off of the lug nut. David

 

 

Gusto,

Just picked up a "Flank-drive" Snap-on socket for ~15.00. It looks like the ticket for sure. Also, Snap-on has a hard polymer lined socket specifically for lugs. I think it was around 28.00; certainly cheaper than vendors offering similar products marked up with Corvette tax. Plus, Snap-on quality cannot be beat.

Thanks for the information!!