Bolt to lug nut conversion

[rsmith]

Hello Peeps,

I have a set of BBS CH and i am looking to bling up my wheels, because the only thing i can put on is frickin wheel nut caps that are nasty IMO i am thinking about doing a lug nut conversion.I searched around and there is nothing on the site about it.

Does anyone have any expierence/comments about this good/bad etc...


This is what it consists of:
http://www.mk3love.com/diys/wheels/lug-bolt-to-lug-nut-conversion

Check this thread out for some BBS **** with lug nut kits.

http://forum.e46fanatics.com/showthread.php?t=544054

 

[Slimy]

I guess the theory is sound. The studs on my other halfs car are interference fit on the hub and they pull through from the other side. The action of tightening the wheel nuts is enough to draw them into place. But these use the existing threads, so there's no machine work needed on the hubs.

The studs look decent, you'll have to be accurate with the threadlock otherwise you'll simply unwind the studs the first time you remove the wheels. My bikes rear sprocket is held on with similar studs, and they have the tendency to back out of the wheel if the threadlock isn't 100%.

I do like the idea of studs, its remarkable how much easier it is to put wheels on to studs rather than have to line up the holes. It's even worse if your discs are drilled for four and five stud fit, as only half the holes actually lead to a thread!!

It doesn't mention anywhere for a source for lug nuts, although the picture of them looks nice. Have you got a place in mind to get the nuts from?

The only reservation I'd have would be the torque setting for the nuts. He suggests 85 lbft, which sounds about right for the change from bolts to studs. But I'd be extra paranoid considering how much trouble I've had with torque settings on my wheel bolts. I'd almost be tempted to carry a torque wrench in the car!

And there is a distinctly american vibe going on there, I'd try and look for a uk based version?

 

[Slimy]

I did find this on a short trawl through our friendly auction site;

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=380164837922

 

[Fl@pper]

not so sure they do any suitable as wheel nuts but for inspiration and custom pretty stuff etc

http://www.tastynuts.com/

for pukka stud/nuts bolt's exact to spec

http://www.mistertee.co.uk/

 

[Slimy]

Mmm, that mistertee stuff looks good, the only concern I have is the price. With 20 studs and 20 nuts, even a couple of pounds each can make it really expensive...

 

[rsmith]

I guess the theory is sound. The studs on my other halfs car are interference fit on the hub and they pull through from the other side. The action of tightening the wheel nuts is enough to draw them into place. But these use the existing threads, so there's no machine work needed on the hubs.

The studs look decent, you'll have to be accurate with the threadlock otherwise you'll simply unwind the studs the first time you remove the wheels. My bikes rear sprocket is held on with similar studs, and they have the tendency to back out of the wheel if the threadlock isn't 100%.

I do like the idea of studs, its remarkable how much easier it is to put wheels on to studs rather than have to line up the holes. It's even worse if your discs are drilled for four and five stud fit, as only half the holes actually lead to a thread!!

It doesn't mention anywhere for a source for lug nuts, although the picture of them looks nice. Have you got a place in mind to get the nuts from?

The only reservation I'd have would be the torque setting for the nuts. He suggests 85 lbft, which sounds about right for the change from bolts to studs. But I'd be extra paranoid considering how much trouble I've had with torque settings on my wheel bolts. I'd almost be tempted to carry a torque wrench in the car!

And there is a distinctly american vibe going on there, I'd try and look for a uk based version?

Yeah its definetly a US thing, but it really makes sense for me especially running spacers, its some much easier to mount the wheels. I will only be using this on my show wheels as it lets me dress up the alloys with more bling.
I have seen values on the net between 78lbft and 85lbft, but i have also seen overtightening causes the studs to stretch and sheer which in not good.

You can get 2 types of studs, ones that screw in the front and ones which fit form behind the hub, i am not sure if the latter will work on the LCR hub though.

Here are a few places that do them, i am pretty sure the leon is M12x1.5 but i need to double check, also i am not really bothered about price with these(luckily), some sets like the BBS racing lug nuts from Japan are $300+ i was tempted but i think i will go for a middle of the road set untill i gain confidence and expierence with them.

http://www.rallydesign.co.uk/index.php?cPath=731_735
http://www.bildon.com/catalog/results.cfm?category=Suspension&SubCategory=Wheel Studs/Nuts&Nav=10
http://www.demon-tweeks.co.uk/products/Pro...p;pcode=AIT-68A

 

[rsmith]

not so sure they do any suitable as wheel nuts but for inspiration and custom pretty stuff etc

http://www.tastynuts.com/

for pukka stud/nuts bolt's exact to spec

http://www.mistertee.co.uk/

Tastynuts