I recently bought a set of adapters to convert my GSL to 4x114.3 bolt spacing. They didn't some with any hardware. The guy who sold them said that the original wheel lugs are a 2 part design and that the chrome head can be separated from the threaded lug. I've looked at it and it seems to be true.
My question is, have you ever tried separating them? I've been looking online to get some info about the design of the lugs to see exactly how it fits together before I go attacking it, but haven't found anything.
Any info or advice that you can lend on this would be greatly appreciated.

 

i've never tried to separate them, but i've seen a bunch with the heads falling off, they are just press fit

 

when i got my car a few of the lugs had the heads missing. to separate one i just started throwing it on the ground. eventually it popped off and i was able to slip it onto the others with missing heads

 

Ive done this exact method multiple times

 

I would put the lug in a vice and then use a large hammer on the separation point to start
easing the head off. They are just pressed on, some of mine come off when I change tires
sometimes.

 

Keep the ideas coming guys. I've got the lugs soaking in some mineral oil and penetrant right now to hopefully loosen them up a bit. The destruction shall begin when I get off work this evening.

 

Considering what Mazda wants $-wise for these things, tearing them apart might not be the brightest solution.

 

Yeah I didn't ask what he wanted to do with the heads once he got them off.

So what is the plan for the heads when you remove them? They use a star shape that looks
unique to these studs but I could be wrong.

 

Once I get the lugs separated and get the adapter installed I'll hang on to the heads in the event that I want to reinstall the 4x110 rims.
On the plus side, going to Lakeshore Fasteners today to see if they have any countersunk bolts that I can use for the adapter instead of breaking apart the lugs. Fingers crossed!

 

Thanks to Fred Pochinko out in Winnipeg for helping me out with the lug nut problem. I've now got a complete set of separated lug nuts for use with my adapters. For those who have never seen the 2 parts that make up a stock Mazda lugnut, here's the visual.