Packard Forum Index » Pre-War (1899-1942)

Does anyone know where I might obtain some hex nuts to mount the radio head in my '37 120C Touring Sedan? I thought I had them files safely away but cannot find them. These are the two nuts that go onto the control shafts. They are 3/8"-24 thread and extremely thin to fit behind the front dash piece.
Thanks to all who have helped me with this project over these past years.

Most electrical devices today use an extra fine thread and McMaster-Carr and others do have the thin hex nuts in the UNEF 3/8-32 size. If the old radios used a coarser thread like 3/8-24 then about the thinnest nut I know of is referred to as a jam nut and is 7/32 or almost 1/4 thick. McMaster has those too.

If no one else has a source or better solution possibly you could grind a couple of the thicker nuts down or thread a regular nut on a length of threaded rod and then cut thru the rod and nut so nut is cut in half. Another possibility is pick up some of the already thin UNEF nuts and rethread them to the needed 3/8-24. No idea if that could be done without causing enough damage that might destroy the threads though.

Here is McMasters listing for the typical sizes of UNEF nuts and they also carry them in other type metals.

Attach file:

---

  (102.64 KB)

Thanks. This is great information and I do so appreciate the help.

Buy a piece of hexagon brass the right size. With the right size drill make a hole in the center of the bar and then thread it. Use a hacksaw to cut it to the correct thickness. Just be careful to go straight in with the drill and when you threaded. Or better yet if you have a lathe to drill the hole and the put the tap in the lathes chuck