Buick Wheel Bolt Options

[Hubert_25-25]

Wheel Bolt options – Buick 1921-1930                                Hugh Leidlein       12-28-19   C

This paper is to provide options for replacing demountable wheel bolts.  Do not replace fine thread wheel bolts with coarse thread bolts and nuts.   Inspect the threads on your existing wheel bolts.  The old steel is very soft and the threads may be in poor condition.  The following is the table specific to each year for your reference.

 Locating fine thread carriage bolts with tabs

The tab(s) on the rim bolt are used on most Buick wheel bolts that work with wheel wedges to prevent damage to the outer face of the wheel fellow.   See the chart to ensure that someone has not replaced your tabbed bolts with regular carriage bolts.  The following are options for replacements.

1)      Purchased new (made in Australia) thru Myers Early Dodge.  Bolts are $65 each.  www.vintageandclassicrestorations.com,      www.myersearlydodge.com

2)      Vin Cassidy specializes in antique car demountable rims and fasteners.  He may have original bolts and wheel wedges.    You will need to be very specific about the size and type required.   

Vincent @cassidybros.com

3)      Ebay – Occasionally someone will make reproductions. On rare occasions, some old ones show up.  These are usually 3 1/8” long.  OK for some models but too short for the larger Buicks.

 

Making fine thread carriage bolts with tabs (styles 2 and 4)

Fine thread carriage bolts are nearly non-existent today.  Your best bet is to locate a 7/16-14x6 carriage bolt with partial threads.  Note that partial threads are also less common and there is variation in the length of the partial threads.  Partial “threads” are usually 2” long.  7/16-14x6” partial threaded bolts can be located usually ~ $1 to $3 each.   I seem to have the best luck finding these on Ebay.   

https://www.ebay.com/itm/7-16-X-6-Carriage-Bolts-Hold-Down-Screws-Partial-Thread-10-Pieces/183660789177?hash=item2ac3093db9:g:q~AAAOSwiKdcUSPg

1)      Cut the carriage bolt to length – See the Buick Wheel Chart

2)      Purchase a 7/16-20 die and thread the end.  (The length of thread will depend on the metal support that you desire to use.)

3)      You could make metal tabs, and weld them to the shank.  An optional method is outlined below.

4)      Stack 2 regular hex fine thread nuts.  Measure and use this height dimension to set the amount of thread to turn past the location of the edge of the tabs.  

5)      Install the carriage bolt from the back side of the wheel fellow.

6)      Rotate the two 7/16-20 nuts into the space between the fellow.

7)      Rotate a 3^rd wheel nut against the outside face of the fellow.

😎      Gently pull the underside of the carriage bolt head against the back side of the fellow with the outside nut.  

9)      Rotate the middle nut until just touching against the back side of the outer fellow steel.

10)   With 2 open end wrenches, Hold the middle nut and tighten the inner nut against the middle nut.

11)   Verify that the middle nut is secured to the bolt and that this nut (acting as a bolt tab) matches the tab dimensions of an original wheel bolt.

12)   Remove the outer wheel nut.

The following bolts are options.  If your wheel is supposed to have the support tabs on the bolts, consider extending the threads on the following bolts

www.restorationstuff.com 7/16-20 x 3 1/8” black oxide $24 ea + shipping

Ebay – Gary Wallace 7/16-20 x 3 ½” galvanized $20 each + shipping

Wheel Nuts

Wheel nuts for Buicks are still available.  Buick used fine thread heavy hex nuts.  7/16-20 heavy hex.

Thread lubrication

Clean threads with a wire brush or wire wheel.  Use a small amount of never seize on the bolt threads.  Distribute evenly and lightly using an old toothbrush on the threads only.    

Edited January 4, 2020 by Hubert_25-25 (see edit history)

[Mark Shaw]

Hugh,

    Congratulations!  This is one of the best technical posts I have seen on this forum.