Studs for head

[Robin (UK)]

Guys,

Has anyone replaced head bolts with studs?

I'd like to use chrome acorn nuts with my Fenton head.

If anyone's already done it, can you recommend a supplier and/or specification for sizes, thread type, etc.

Thanks.

Robin.

[Norm's Coupe]

Robin,

I have the acorn nut caps on the head bolts. So, if that's why you want to change to studs, you don't have to. Otherwise, you should be able to use the caps with either the head bolts or studs. They just slide over the top of the bolt head or nut.

[claybill]

robin....use chrome caps on regular head bolts. they slip right on. can be bought in a set..

try wirths automotive.com?? rot wirth is cool!

bill, aka, claybill

[BobT-47P15]

Robin, one place I have found to purchase acorn nut covers is at a Petro Truck Stop here......which has a truckers store with chrome and other goodies for sale. They come in various sizes and two or three different styles. I did find one place where I could not use a cover as my carbureator llinkage hits it. Put one on there at first, then wondered why I could not push my accelerator pedal down very far. That one just in front of the oil filter is the culprit (pic 2).

[Normspeed]

LOL, Fell for that same thing Bob:D :D

I ran without one or two caps then I found you can grind off the tops on a grinding wheel and get clearance. Some have quite a bit of metal you can grind off.

JC Whitney sells the caps in several sizes.

[BobT-47P15]

I'll have to try that grinding thing, Norm. Had not thought of that....duuuh.

Got a bench grinder a while back.....it needs to be used.

[Robin (UK)]

Bob,

Which size caps do I need, for best fit?

Thanks.

R.

[bob westphal]

The bolt/thread size is 7/16" USS. This size bolt could have either a 5/8" or 11/16" head. If you have original bolts they most likely be 11/16". I used to buy my acorn nuts from a local vendor that made the swap tour. He retired so I now go to JC Whitney for less bucks.

[blueskies]

If you really want studs, they are available from ARP. The studs I used are listed on the suppliers page of my site, www.50plymouth.com. I was going to put on the acorn covers too, but decided I liked the look of the studs and nuts bare.

Pete

[BobT-47P15]

....and bought some of the 11/16 size acorn nut covers for head bolts.....they charged me 50 cents each. Looked on JC Whitney and the same size is sold in sets of 10 for $6.99 or 69.9 cents each. Don't know if the quality is any better with those.

I was also looking for some in 9/16 size...they did not have. Bought a couple in 1/2 inch size......but not an exact match to the 11/16 ones. Wanted two for bolts on the water inlet and a couple for other things.....so matching them all up is a problem since they did not have the style in all those sizes. But it appears Whitney does...... However, unless they will sell single items, you would have excess of some sizes.

Link to Whitney's ad: http://www.jcwhitney.com/autoparts/Product/tf-Browse/s-10101/Pr-p_Product.CATENTRY_ID:2005391/p-2005391/N-111+10201+600013428/c-10101

So, a vendor who would sell a couple of this and of that would be a better deal perhaps.

[Phil Martin]

I had some from jcwhitney. They were plastic! Not good for anything.

[BobT-47P15]

The actual acorn nut covers for the head I got at the truck stop are metal. My bolts seem to be 11/16. However they also have some covers in assorted styles & sizes in plastic.

When I went out this morning to try the new covers on the bolt heads, I found them to be just a little oversize and they did not pop onto the bolt securely. Whereas the older ones I have had for several years fit snugly and you have to wrestle them just a bit to remove.

So, guess I will put a spot of glue or something under the new ones to make sure they stay on and not worry about it. Or maybe try squeezing them slightly with the vice grips at the opening. No one will really be looking that closely anyhow.

[Guest mike_D24]

That one just in front of the oil filter is the culprit (pic 2).

Great pics, Bob.

Couldn't you put a riser of some sort on the throttle linkage so it protrudes above the acorn cap? Probably not worth the effort, though, hmm.

Mike

[BobT-47P15]

Think I'll try Normspeed's suggestion to grind a little off the open end so it will sit down just a little farther. I think there is enough room to do that. Worst case....I waste one cover.