Slant Six Forum
https://www.slantsix.org/forum/

Lugnut and center cap advice needed, late 70s factoryAl rims
https://www.slantsix.org/forum/viewtopic.php?t=39707		 Page 1 of 1
Author:  Reed [ Sun Apr 04, 2010 11:03 am ]
Post subject:  Lugnut and center cap advice needed, late 70s factoryAl rims
I have a set of the somewhat rare late 70s Chrysler aluminum rims that came on Cordobas and LeBarons.

Image

Image

I want to put them on my newly acquired 83 van, but I have two questions.

First, what is the proper style of lugnut and washer to use with these rims? They are a factory rim and the lugnut holes in the rims are tapered, suggesting that the stock acorn style lugnut would work. True? Do I need a washer or a lugnut with a shank?

Second, I don't have the correct factory center caps which would look like this:

Image

I would like to run something that looks better than just the dust cap or hub sticking through the center hole. I would also like to run a lug nut that looked better than the stock acorn lugs. Does anyone out there have any suggestions as to what would fit and look good or at least interesting? Any other more common or available center caps that will fit? Alternatively, anybody have a set of four of the correct center caps?

Any input is appreciated. Thanks!
Author:  Joshie225 [ Sun Apr 04, 2010 11:10 am ]
Post subject: 
Yes, you want tapered seat lug nuts, but I like the bulge seat 13/16" hex ones rather than the more common 3/4" hex nuts. The bulge seat resists pull-through better and usually keeps the socket/lug wrench from contacting the wheel.

Good luck on the center caps.
Author:  Reed [ Sun Apr 04, 2010 11:17 am ]
Post subject: 
Thanks! I am not fixated on finding the factory style, just something to cover the middle section. I'll keep searching online aftermarket center cap places.
Author:  Reed [ Sun Apr 04, 2010 12:44 pm ]
Post subject: 
Um, what is the difference between "bulge seat" and normal tapered seat? :oops:
Author:  Eric W [ Sun Apr 04, 2010 11:01 pm ]
Post subject: 
I think the bulge seat lug nut has a flare just above where the nut tapers. Regular acorn nut is straight then tapers.

Those cleaned up really nice! One idea: Use some JB weld and fill the holes that the support bracked bolted in to, then paint the centers where the lug nuts go black. You may have to scuff up the wheels to do this but the paint will stick better. Just an idea. Those will look really good on the van! 8)
Author:  6shotvanner [ Sun Apr 04, 2010 11:32 pm ]
Post subject: 
Check with a Les Schwab some of them will have boxes of odds n ends/extra caps that might be adaptable with a little figurin-head scratching.How about checking with MiDi maybe the Cat has some stock caps.
Author:  Reed [ Mon Apr 05, 2010 8:26 am ]
Post subject: 
Thanks guys! The pictures make them look better than they really are. I bought them from a guy who had them on a Toyota pickup. The rims are covered with little pockmarks from rocks and other road debris. They really could use a professional polishing job with sandpaper and the whole nine yards, but that's not going to happen.

I found one place online that says they sell the stock center caps, but they want $65 a piece! :shock: I have been kicking around painting ideas, and fancy lug nut ideas, and center cap ideas. There is a custom wheel store near where I live, Evergreen Tire and Wheel, that has a wide selection of lugnuts and center caps. I think I will take one of these rims in and play around with their inventory for a while. I am thinking an extended chrome lugnut, some kind of pop in or push through chrome domed center cap, and then painting the center lug nut area black, or maybe metallic brown to match the stripe on my van.

I guess I'll keep searching around. 8)
Author:  Shaker223 [ Mon Apr 05, 2010 9:19 am ]
Post subject: 
How much do those rims weigh?
Author:  Reed [ Mon Apr 05, 2010 9:47 am ]
Post subject: 
Dunno. I think slightly less than a factory steelie.
Author:  Shaker223 [ Mon Apr 05, 2010 12:36 pm ]
Post subject: 
Quote:
Dunno. I think slightly less than a factory steelie.
That does not help much since there are many factory steelies.

The 79 300 aluminum rims weigh a tad over 13lbs and wondered how these compared.
Author:  Reed [ Mon Apr 05, 2010 12:54 pm ]
Post subject: 
Yeah, I would like to get these weighed before install them. Maybe I can sneak one into the produce department of my local Safeway and put it on the scale when nobody is looking. :lol:

Or, actually, my local post office has a self-shipping station with a digital scale! :D
Author:  Shaker223 [ Mon Apr 05, 2010 2:11 pm ]
Post subject: 
I'd vote for using the PO. Try to get a little back anyway.
Author:  slantfin [ Mon Apr 05, 2010 6:55 pm ]
Post subject: 
Somebody posted a source for the center caps last year, but they weren't cheap. Maybe it was the $65 apiece place. $260 to look good, it's a lot of dough for something that doesn't make the car run. I have those rims on my fastback, and people like them.
Author:  Reed [ Mon Apr 05, 2010 7:38 pm ]
Post subject: 
Problem may be solved. I might be scoring a different set of rims tomorrow. :lol: :roll:
Page 1 of 1 All times are UTC-08:00
Powered by phpBB® Forum Software © phpBB Limited
https://www.phpbb.com/