Help!

I have an '80 that came with some aftermarket rims. I want to convert back to the original rims, but the studs are too short and the local parts stores can't seem to find the proper size studs.

I was wondering if the '80 originally came with the lug nut with the stud attached or if it had a separate stud / lug nut like modern vehicles.

When I asked for a stud at Auto Zone, it was the one-piece lug nut / stud, but it was too short too fit.

Thanks.

Tom

 

Yeah its a one piece bolt, the 80 has a longer shank and the overall length is longer... I used to have a shitload of them, but was unable to find them when asked the other day.

 

Thanks Mike.

I was afraid that was the case. I'll have to see what I can dig up elsewhere.

Tom

 

Yeah, them waffle wheels require a much longer bolt.

A better parts store (read: Mom-n-Pop Shop and not a chain-store with Radio Shack rejects behind the counter) wll be able to dig out a catalog and locate lug bolts of the proper length. Fortunately, all lug bolts happen to be the same thread pitch.

I needed some shorter ones for the steel wheels I was putting on my '80, since the OE bolts bottomed out against the brakes (bad) and the studs I bought for the wheels couldn't be used with the stock wheels because they were too short (also bad). After about a half hour of looking through catalogs and seeing what they had in stock, I left with eight short bolts and eight even shorter bolts (rear and front, respectively) and the proce wasn't bad, either - about 2-3 bucks each.

 

You want to get some EMPI wheel studs for VW. $3.00/5 at the local parts joint. Just got some myself. They come in different lengths.

 

I had a stud kit on my 82' for the panasports, but I pulled them so I could use SA wheels with the longer lugstuds. I also got some "tuner style" 81-85' length lugstuds that seat just fine on the plus wheels and the panasports.

The Mazda dealership should have the 79-80' lugstuds. Victoria British might have them too. One of those should at least be able to get you a part number. You could also just measure them and order some bolts through Discount Tire or similar.

 

The above post was actually me. I don't know why my brother feels the need to be logged onto 3 computers simultaneously, but he does.

 

Thank you all for the information. I think I'm on the right track now!!!

Tom