[T3] Wheel bolts and after market wheels

["C.Rochambeau" <t3@binauralaboratories.net>]

<x-flowed>Hi all, I hope all is going well.

A long while ago I cast out an inquiry in regards to the stock wheel 
bolts being *far* too short for my non stock wheels [in this case, EMPI 
8 spoke knock offs]. I had found a set of bolts with a longer threaded 
stock on eBay, but it was pointed out that the bolts had a conical 
collar as opposed to the rounded collar found on the stock set-up. Since 
my wheels are -not- stock, it was determined that further investigation 
was required.

After which I fell mute on the subject.

It turns out that the after market wheels are indeed set up for a 
rounded collar like stock wheels. It had been pointed out previously 
that an era [early 80's, give or take] of Audi cars had longer bolts 
bearing the same thread [and rounded collar]. Today, [finally] I picked 
up a bunch while doing the junkyard mosey. Observe:

http://binauralaboratories.net/car/wheelbolt.jpg

The portion above the tubing is my approximation of what was and is 
actually making purchase. The stock bolts were removed completely from 
the car in about three turns, two and a half or so on the rear drums. 
The new bolts [it should be obvious which is which] tightened at 9-10 
turns, so I'm feeling better about driving the car. :)

Here is a shot of the head:

http://binauralaboratories.net/car/wheelbolt2.jpg

The new ones are 17mm as opposed to the nice snug 3/4" [19mm?] I was 
used to. They also look a bit cooler to me, so all's well.

I guess the point in my dragging this out is that having had a closer 
look at what was going on, I consider the stock bolts DANGEROUS for this 
application. I see a lot of wheels similar to mine, wheel bolts are 
very, very cheap...

Cheers,
Curtis


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