smshield28

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.

ChumpVette

Emblem has adhesive. Why use the speed nuts?

smshield28

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.

mickey5

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.

smshield28

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.

ChumpVette

You have to twist. They are not slide on nuts. As you turn them, they cut into the post and tighten down.

WVZR-1

Do NOT tighten!! Less than 'snug' should do well!!! Hood emblem I believe is generally referred to as 5mm! measure the stud diameter!

smshield28

Thanks all. I'll give it another try tonight and report back. I'm going to try the next size up nut. I was using the mediums.

Red86Z51

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.

JCPerformance

Hello Dave, please check your PM box. thank you!

Natty C

I didn't use nuts when I replaced mine last March. Temps get down in the teens here and nasty hot and humid in the summer.

Depending on where you bought em they'll be faded and oxidized in three months anyway.

smshield28

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.