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It looks like it may be possible to use a simple tool to safely remove/install the wheels on the Corvette.
The tool would thread onto the lug studs and guide the wheel assembly onto the car without scratching the calipers or possibly damaging a rotor. The following picture is for a tool from Reverselogic and has a 12mm x 1.25mm thread intended for for another make car. (The Corvette tool would need a 12mm x 1.5mm thread.)
For such tool to work on a Corvette, the holes that the wheel studs go through need to be big enough in diameter. I don't have any wheels (yet) to measure...so if some one can make an accurate measurement that would be really helpful. (Best guess is the holes are in the 15mm range...the measurement needs to be 0.1 mm resolution or better.)
Absolutely a good idea to use these types of tools. I use two (one is fine, but two allows a straight-off, no-twist-and-hit-the-spindle issue) on every car I own.
I will go get a caliper out now and get you a measurement.
Have not yet had a reason to, but I will certainly be buying a few of these assuming we can find a good source.
I use the BMS parts for my BMWs/MINIs (they don't make anything for these), but have not used something with studs (used to just screwing them into the hub). Should be just as strong - the ones I use are just billet aluminum, and are more than enough to safely remove the wheels just as you've said.
Reverselogic just told me they plan to make/sell the tools to fit the Corvette. I'll post when they become available (I want some for my Z06/Z07 that just went order status 3000 today!)
Cool! Put me on your "group buy" list. If you ever make one. Thanks for running point on this. I'd think most everyone buying a Z07 would be a potential customer.
Cool! Put me on your "group buy" list. If you ever make one. Thanks for running point on this. I'd think most everyone buying a Z07 would be a potential customer.
No problem my running this down. I really wanted a tool like this to make it easier to remove/install the wheels on my to be shipped Z06/Z07. I searched all over and Reverselogic was the only place I found a tool that threaded unto a wheel stud (instead of threaded into a hub like many non-US built vehicles.)
Nice. I have Reverselogic jack pads for my GT-R and they work great. I will get some of these tools for my Vette, as they will also fit other cars I have with 12x1.5 mm pitch threads. And I also have a Merc and those have bolts rather than nuts and they are a pain to install, so one more order for them from me. Let us know for sure when they have the Corvette size available.
I use the Reverse Logic tool on my Audi. With the Audi however, there are no studs, so the wheels are bolted on. Trying to hold a wheel in place and start a lug bolt is a pain without the tool. I'm in for a purchase too.
St. Jude Donor '06-07-'08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15-'16-'17-'18-'19-'20
Wheel and Tire Mounting Tools
A few years ago I was trying to think of a tool design to help aligning the wheel lugs and avoid scratching the calipers. Another issue was just lifting the wheels into position which was a struggle with my back and shoulder problems.
I ended up designing two shop tools which have really helped. The first was a Wheel & Tire Lift which mounts to a floor jack and has rollers allowing the wheel to be turned to align with the wheel lugs and at the right height. Attached is a picture of what it looks like.
The second is what I called "Wheel Stud Extenders". I hadn't found anything like what I had in mind but now see that those weren't a new idea. Sure would have been easier to purchase this tool rather than having them machined. For anyone who may want to make their own I've attached the dimensions I used when having them made.
Below is a picture of both in use:
I can attest to how well both of these shop tools work and definitely think they would be of help making wheel mounting easier.
So, Rich. Is this just a "tease", or a "nan,nana,nana"? Do sell them, or have a vendor that does? They are way cool and just what I'm looking for, as are other posters on this thread.
St. Jude Donor '06-07-'08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15-'16-'17-'18-'19-'20
Originally Posted by foreverfuelie
So, Rich. Is this just a "tease", or a "nan,nana,nana"? Do sell them, or have a vendor that does? They are way cool and just what I'm looking for, as are other posters on this thread.
Nope, no tease for either tool. Sometimes more than one person can come up with the same idea and I thought I would just provide the dimensions for anyone who might want to have their own made. I had briefly thought about finding a company to make them but couldn't find one who could machine them at a cost I thought would be reasonable. It's nice to see that there is a company who can offer them at a reasonable cost. I'm retired and have no interest in going into selling anything. Just trying to share what we have found to be helpful tools.
St. Jude Donor '06-07-'08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15-'16-'17-'18-'19-'20
Originally Posted by LT1xL82
Your tools look super Rich!
Is 6" length for the stud extenders about optimal, or is that on the long or short side?
Your thoughts on using 2 versus 3 stud extenders?
Thanks. When we were doing the show car circuit we used to have to remove the wheels to polish them as part of our preparation and both tools have been a real help. They have been used on our 63 SWC Resto-Mod, a C6Z06 and now the C7.
On the length I found that six inches worked well as it allowed enough distance to be well away from the caliper while getting the wheel aligned.
Two extenders may well work okay but I thought using a triangular design by using three would better stabilize the wheel for mounting.
By the way we used stainless steel for this tool for it's strength.
Wheel Remove/Replace Tool...Avoid rotor/caliber damage
Sometimes more than one person can come up with the same idea and I thought I would just provide the dimensions for anyone who might want to have their own made. I had briefly thought about finding a company to make them but couldn't find one who could machine them at a cost I thought would be reasonable. It's nice to see that there is a company who can offer them at a reasonable cost. I'm retired and have no interest in going into selling anything. Just trying to share what we have found to be helpful tools.
