Lug Nut Question: This one will test ya!!

[Dr. 240Z]

Hi,

I've got a 71 240Z and would like to replace the rusty lug nuts. It's been suggested to purchase 'McGards'. I'm okay with that but a web search only lists McGards for a 260Z.

Question: Do the 240Z's share the same lug nut specs as as the 260Z's?

Thanks,

George

[zbane]

The answer to your question would be yes.

[Dr. 240Z]

Thanks, David

I like your definative response.

Cheers,

George

[dltalfa]

Yes, all the "standard" lug nuts for the "factory steel wheels" are the same for ALL 240z, 260z and 280z.

[Dr. 240Z]

Great...Thanks, dltalfa

[Jeff G 78]

Not so fast George... You never said what wheels are on your 240Z. Are they the stock steel wheels, or are they one of the many styles of dealer installed alloys? The lugnuts are different for steel and alloy wheels. Steel wheels use a standard open end cone nut, while the alloys use a shank style nut with a closed end and a washer.

[dltalfa]

Not so fast George... You never said what wheels are on your 240Z. Are they the stock steel wheels, or are they one of the many styles of dealer installed alloys? The lugnuts are different for steel and alloy wheels. Steel wheels use a standard open end cone nut, while the alloys use a shank style nut with a closed end and a washer.

Thats what I said in my response,... all "Factory steel wheels" use the same lug nuts,..240z, 260z and 280z.

He had asked if the nuts for a 260z would fit on a 240z. That is still true even with alloy wheels,...the lugs enterchange between all 1st generation Z cars.

[Jeff G 78]

Thats what I said in my response,... all "Factory steel wheels" use the same lug nuts,..240z, 260z and 280z.

He had asked if the nuts for a 260z would fit on a 240z. That is still true even with alloy wheels,...the lugs enterchange between all 1st generation Z cars.

I hear you, but the OP might not have known that they are different. Just because the McGard lugnuts say they fit a 260, doesn't mean they fit the OP's wheels. He never said if the McGard nuts are for steel wheels or aftermarket. The fact that he doesn't know that the 240 and 260 nuts are the same tells me he doesn't have the in-depth knowledge of the S30 like some of us have.

[dltalfa]

I hear you, but the OP might not have known that they are different. Just because the McGard lugnuts say they fit a 260, doesn't mean they fit the OP's wheels. He never said if the McGard nuts are for steel wheels or aftermarket. The fact that he doesn't know that the 240 and 260 nuts are the same tells me he doesn't have the in-depth knowledge of the S30 like some of us have.

Good point!!

[mgood]

If you look at the OP garage and look at the car he has alloy wheels from a later model Z or ZX.

[Jeff G 78]

Good call Michael. I looked at the picture, but I don't recognize the wheels he has. They appear to be aftermarket, but I've never seen them before. His best bet would be to remove one of the nuts, post photos, and measure the key dimensions.

[SteveJ]

I believe the stock studs for the lug nuts are 12 x 1.25 mm.

[geezer]

These are stock lug nuts with the part number for aluminum wheels.

[Dr. 240Z]

Hi, and thanks to all who have responded to this question.

The wheels are aftermarket (bought new in 1972) and I'm not sure I ever knew the manufacturer.

The important thing here, as has already been pointed out and questioned, is the lug nut's shape. That said, these artermarket wheels take a taper ended nut similar to that of the OEM's steel rims.

Thanks again, everyone!!

George

[geezer]

Do the existing lug nuts fit properly? Sometimes you will have to match up the wheels with the lug nuts making sure you are engaging enough thread on the studs as well. The tapered shank type are a little harder to match up, especially when buying on line. It took me a while but I finally found a set of lug nuts that match up perfectly with my Watanabes without paying the price they wanted.

[Dr. 240Z]

Hi, geezer

Yes...I state that because over the past 40 years they have been viewed by various tire-techs without comment. Additionally, I've never been witness to any visible damage to the rims and, to date, I've never had any problems (ie loose rims) except for the rust issue as mentioned earlier.

Cheers,

George