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Tech Area => General Buick Tech => Topic started by: tb3 on July 29 2013, 08:49:47 PM

Title: whats really so special about 86/87 gn lugs?
Post by: tb3 on July 29 2013, 08:49:47 PM

So,
the stock 86/87 lug nuts with the "flat" on it to hold the stock cente caps on...
I don't like how my chrome caps are getting uglier and duller with age. 
I've never had much luck with the cheapy aftermarket "chrome" lug caps either.
I'm thinking I could just buy some shiny nice aftermarket lugnuts that are chromed, not capped, so they will hold up better, look nicer, and make my car faster.
I never paid much attention to the stockers.  it looks like all I need to do is put some regular aftermarket lugs in the lathe and lay a "flat" into them, and that is pretty much it, correct?
anybody know of some nice quality aftermarket ones thats already had that done? link?   suggestions?
here is a picture of a stocker.
 
 
 

Title: Re: whats really so special about 86/87 gn lugs?
Post by: SuperSix on July 29 2013, 09:51:13 PM

you should still be able to buy them new.

Lemme see if I can find them.

Title: Re: whats really so special about 86/87 gn lugs?
Post by: tb3 on July 29 2013, 09:57:29 PM

I actually would rather not have new, if their just capped like the stockers.
I would prefer chrome plated aftermarket

Title: Re: whats really so special about 86/87 gn lugs?
Post by: SuperSix on July 29 2013, 10:00:24 PM

There's some 12mm acorn-style that work with center caps..  Looking now..

After thinking about it, I don't think the stainless covers on the OEM lug nuts serve any other purpose than appearance.

I am probably wrong though.

Title: Re: whats really so special about 86/87 gn lugs?
Post by: SuperSix on July 29 2013, 10:06:09 PM

This?

http://www.amazon.com/Gorilla-Automotive-21133HT-Diameter-Chrome/dp/B001O0CC1U (http://www.amazon.com/Gorilla-Automotive-21133HT-Diameter-Chrome/dp/B001O0CC1U)

I feel odd searching for "Acorn Lug Nuts bulge" on Amazon - but the results are worth it.

http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Dautomotive&field-keywords=Acorn+Lug+Nuts+bulge (http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Dautomotive&field-keywords=Acorn+Lug+Nuts+bulge)

I am pretty confident that style will work.

Title: Re: whats really so special about 86/87 gn lugs?
Post by: tb3 on July 29 2013, 10:16:13 PM

finding a nice acorn chromed aftermarket lug nut isn't the problem.
The issue is that little "flat" area that is machined into the stock 86/87 factory lugnuts. 
I'm "assuming" that its important, but for all I know, it may not even be that nessecery?

Title: Re: whats really so special about 86/87 gn lugs?
Post by: daveismissing on July 29 2013, 10:57:29 PM

I use Mcgard bulge acorn nuts, the best. They hold fine.

Title: Re: whats really so special about 86/87 gn lugs?
Post by: tb3 on July 30 2013, 10:19:03 AM

Quote from: daveismissing on July 29 2013, 10:57:29 PM

I use Mcgard bulge acorn nuts, the best. They hold fine.

and your using them for the stock center caps?
I guess tonight I'll take a close up look on the car and see what kind of effect that little machined flat has

Title: Re: whats really so special about 86/87 gn lugs?
Post by: daveismissing on July 30 2013, 11:14:39 AM

Quote from: tb3 on July 30 2013, 10:19:03 AM

and your using them for the stock center caps?

YUPPER!

Title: Re: whats really so special about 86/87 gn lugs?
Post by: tb3 on July 30 2013, 10:36:09 PM

I took a close look tonight.
Its a fairly reasonable design and I see how it works, but heck... most of my little tabs are bent the other way, anyways.
I see how a regular acorn nut will work fine just by taking a pair of pliars and bending them all straight.
I think I'll go that route  :rock:

Title: Re: whats really so special about 86/87 gn lugs?
Post by: SuperSix on July 30 2013, 11:10:13 PM

 :cheers: