The Triumph Dolomite Club - Discussion Forum

I plan to get my a Sprint wheel nuts powder coated ( any better suggestions) and would like a socket that will not damage the finish. Can you get lined sockets? I can find plastic on the outside to protect alloys but nothing on the inside.

80Sprint wrote:I plan to get my a Sprint wheel nuts powder coated ( any better suggestions) and would like a socket that will not damage the finish. Can you get lined sockets? I can find plastic on the outside to protect alloys but nothing on the inside.

Mike

Never heard or seen a lined socket - have you thought about having the wheel nuts anodised

http://www.metroplating.co.uk/semi-hard-anodising.php

Paul

Not considered that Paul but it sounds promising. I tried painting some good second hand nuts and the first time I tightened then the edges lost their paint and they lost the nice overall black finish.

Use alloy sockets.

Jeroen

Anodized and a hex socket the correct size rather than a 12 point socket. EBay a hex socket.

You need to use a flank drive socket. The corners of the hex are relieved
so there is no pressure on the edge of the nuts. I used one the chrome
acorn nuts that hold down the head on the Jaguar XK engine and there was
no damage.

Anodising is the way to go, however I did try this and the anodiser found it difficult to etch the surface to remove the existing anodising. He was concerned that it would damage the threads as it would need to be in the acid for too long. We tried a couple of nuts and both had the same issue. The only thing you could do would be to sand blast the nuts and then anodise them but you would need to be careful to ensure the threads are not damaged.

If anyone can find someone who can do this then do let us know as I have a large quantity of nuts that I could get done.

Put the nut on a spare stud when sand blasting

Or, since 7/16 studs are unobtanium, buy a bag of 7/16 UNF bolts from your local factors/fastener suppliers. Cheaper that way too!

Steve

Or soda blast as it washes out
Another thing I was thinking of, would the plastic bolt covers from early Astra/Cavs with 17 mm hex fit our Sprint nuts?

Tony

I did think of caps Tony but then thought they will always look plastic and I would rather keep an original look. I have found some nylon lined sockets on ebay which may help protect them but assume the various paint options and plasticote would just be damaged as soon as any force is applied. I recall someone on here was offering a refurb exchange service in the South West at some point but not sure what the finish was or if it's still available.

what are original sprint nuts made of?
Is it really too hard to make new nuts, and have them anodised?

Just a thought....

80Sprint wrote:I did think of caps Tony but then thought they will always look plastic and I would rather keep an original look. I have found some nylon lined sockets on ebay which may help protect them but assume the various paint options and plasticote would just be damaged as soon as any force is applied. I recall someone on here was offering a refurb exchange service in the South West at some point but not sure what the finish was or if it's still available.

That was me. I did a load and they looked great but as I didn't end up hearing anything I gave them away a few at a time. The anodizing company are about 3 minutes from my door.

tony g wrote:Or soda blast as it washes out
Another thing I was thinking of, would the plastic bolt covers from early Astra/Cavs with 17 mm hex fit our Sprint nuts?

Tony

This wouldn't work anyway as the Vauxhall bolts are 17mm and the Sprint nuts are 11/16" AF which is very nearly 18mm.

I can try it if you like as I have both Vauxhall caps and Sprint nuts in stock! Surprise!

Steve

I thought of you when I typed it Steve lol

Tony