Tims68Olds

Need some help from the experts. I need a size and source for the thread cutting acorn nuts that hold the "OLDSMOBILE" chrome cast trim on trunk of 68 Cutlass Convertible. Pictured. Mine does not seem to grab the studs anymore or a least not tightly. Any other suggestion to correct?
Also, having issue with Repops outer authentic round bead window felt fitting rear quarters. It's like they just make this stuff and don't see if it actually fits. Needs massaging to work. I would like a picture of an original piece to see how it was cut to fit in around the convertible top trim. I should have kept originals for reference duh. Any other brand that actually fits with no mods. Thanks.

joe_padavano

The acorn nuts are harder than the pot metal emblem. If the nuts spin, the problem isn't the nuts, it's the worn studs. New nuts won't fix this.

boese1978

cut the studs off and get some outdoor double sided 3-M tape.works well and lasts a long time.

joe_padavano

Even better, DON'T cut the studs off. Use them as locating pins. You can still use the emblem mounting tape. Also, put seam sealer around the base of each stud to seal the holes.

droldsmorland

You can pry out the bottom of the acorn nut to reduce the hole size a bit. This will work if the post isn't worn down too hard. Also, don't rule out coating the posts with a small film of JB Weld. Let it cure well. and clean the stud with brake cleaner so the JB sticks. It will bite. IMO Two-sided tape won't allow the trim to suck up the trunk tight enough for my picky **** self.

allyolds68

You and also put the acorn nut on backwards with a pair of needle nose pliers and they grip deeper so they won't spin. I did that to at least two of my studs.

joe_padavano

You're thinking of a PAL nut, Mike. Acorn nuts are blind. Actually, with PAL nuts, you can simply hammer the center flatter and it will grip.

PAL nut:




Acorn nut:

allyolds68

yes, you’re right. I also used them because a couple studs were short

joe_padavano

Yeah, the aftermarket four speed adapter that I bought years ago for a 70 console had very short studs on the chrome bezel around the boot and similarly had the PAL nuts reversed.

droldsmorland

Here is a 68 trunk trim acorn nut.

Orlando 1

About the question: are these PAL or Acorn style nuts 1/4 inch? We may never know. I did measure the post diameter on the trunk trim. It looks like 1/8 in. Some nut sizes are called out based on the post size.

My favorite so far. Not correct acorn but functional and factory look. Set of 10 for $10 including black oxide finish and sealer (classicindustries.com):




From Ebay seller: 10 pcs 1/8" emblem script name plate letter thread cutting nuts with sealer GM



Some others I saw:
Dorman has this kit: #961-330. It has these sizes:"3 of each, 5/32, 1/8, 3/16, 5/16, 1/4 in." (Summit Racing)



OER makes these in 3/16 and 5/16 (speedwaymotors.com) and calls them 'speed nuts'



Fusick has the acorn style but does not give the size ($4 each nut) or explain why the 68 and 69 are different (presumably the size). I would get these if I was going concourse.

Orlando 1

When I first saw these on my car I thought they looked wrong. I had never seen them on a car before but it makes good sense to cover them on a truck lid. Thank you.