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I'm with JW on keeping them brass or maybe go to bronze nuts. There is enough problems with steel nuts rusting to a stud as it is without asking for more. One thing I have wondered about is why there isn't the use of a lockwasher on those manifold nuts. I can't see why adding one would hurt but am sure others will have a reason why Packard didn't do it..

I would consider replacing the studs (with stainless ) in the block as they may be rusted even worn from repeated use also new brass nuts. If you replace studs use longer ones and add extra nut as a lock and extra area of contact on stud.I know no more strength after one and half times diameter is rule thumb

John, Howard & Al,

I knew that brass nuts were the way to go but didn't know if I could source them here in Oz. Looked at Max's Website, couldn't find them there, while Kanter's Website was down. However searching a little further, looks like McMaster-Carr has them so I'll likely try there. Of course, the nuts having to cross the Pacific, will further delay getting the Coupe back on the road.

Studs are good, were all replaced back in 2010 when the engine was rebuilt, don't intend to replace them again any time soon. I too wondered why there isn't a lock washer in play, maybe because brass is soft?

The washer part# says "special" which I think is a reference to it being extra thick and a larger diameter. Unlike the nut being called out as brass in the utility section, the washer is categorized as a plain washer which I would assume to be just a flat steel type.

If that is the case and there is no specific reason not to use a lockwasher, I would think steel would be permissible. Only reason I could see they might not have used one is the heat -- could that possibly be high enough to cause a lockwasher to lose temper and become useless and the reason none is used?? If that is the case I wonder about the serrated type where some ventilation due to the way the teeth are formed could possibly keep them a tad cooler and strong.

Any of the engineering types have an explanation why nothing but a brass nut on the stud was the norm?

The hot rod/street rod suppliers (Summit, JEGS, Speedway, etc.) and a major fastener manufacturer (can't recall the name but it is three letters) offer a locking type washer. These are not the split ring type but act on a flat on the nut/bolt. They are used to keep the fastener from moving after being tightened. Worth a look.

(o[]o)

Just remembered the name of the fastener supplier: ARP.

Mal,
They are standard brass UNF nuts available from larger engineering suppliers, there is one near you at Mittagong that may have them:
Southern Highlands Industrial Supplies, they in Mittagong. phone 4871 1249
Also Lee Bros in North Parramatta will have them.

Gents for your thoughts and advice.

David,

I thought of Lee Bros but, before trying them, tomorrow I'll visit Southern Highlands Industrial Supplies as they are only 5 minutes from me.

Monday 30th January, 2017

After the one step forward of "Southern Highlands Industrial Supplies.....are only 5 minutes from me" it was two steps back. Visited their address at Mittagong and they are no longer there! Calls to their phone number went unanswered, so presume they are no longer in business. Also investigated other local purveyors of engineers supplies, all three of whom don't carry UNF brass nuts. Then rang Lee Bros who have the nuts but the tyranny of distance, about 100kms, means a trip I'd rather not have to do. However will do it on Wednesday and, seeing I'll be in the vicinity, I'm taking the opportunity to call in and see DavidM!

Mal, good luck on the nut gathering.

Back to the locks for the nuts. Would it work to get a large (fender type) washer and bend one side so it fits over the manifold flange and then bend another side over one of the flats on the nut once it is tightened? A little arm chair quarterbaking.

(o[]o)

i used grade 8 extra thick washers and stainless nuts on my new studs. seems to be working fine, course i should check them again since i just found out my head stud nuts came loose.

i got them from lowes.