I just got my new door handles for 1983 z and find they don't have threads on thru bolts like mine do....is there some fastener that is used on later models...these were surposed to be exact replacements

IIRC, the nut cuts the threads.

JamesC

use the old door handle nuts

boy do I feel stupid...thanks fella's

don't worry, you're not the first person I've heard ask the question. Definitely had a few customers call with that issue

Correct ...just use the old "speed nuts" on your new handles.
Just don't go crazy tightening them down ! Just a nice snugging down will do.

Yup, I just replaced one of my handles. I cut the threads first then install the handle.

I've always hated speed nuts. I don't see why they can't use threads and regular nuts like everything else on the car.

Because it's cheap and it works. It holds up longer than the handles themselves. You also never have to worry about the nuts being seized on there like other vehicles

The only real problem I've had with the speed nuts is on a C4 Corvette. As the front emblem is held on with speed nuts. You have to pass the socket into a hole in the hood to screw the nuts on. If you drop the nut, then it is lost.

I wasn't able to get that emblem all the way tightened up as the socket kept slipping off the nut. Plus you are working blind as well.

Do these speed nuts have a sealer on them (so a soft rubber washer if you like)?

Also anyone happen to have the part number for them (GM and or aftermarket) or the size of the nuts to use?

Looking to replace mine and like to buy new speed nuts for them before I take it all apart.

They seem to be 7/16 hex head to remove and they do have the sealer on them ... however can't find a good source for them ... any help much appreciated.

Maybe you can find them,I can't see them!!


Did you try http://www.clipsandfasteners.com/Thr...d_p/a16134.htm
ClipsAndFasteners.com - Automotive Retainers,Clips and Fasteners

jlarsson, Why did you wait 3 years to answer your own question?

Classic probably carries them, but also the "HELP" line at the auto parts store.
Sealer's another story.

Because I still want to find the correct replacement nut to use as they are not listed in the GM parts and illustration guide and no-one have a part number for them.

Thanks for that, nope for some reason they are not listed in GM's parts and illustration guide ... so not sure how to find out the part number and / or the proper size.

I did look at clipsandfasteners.com as I've used them several times in the past but don't see the size I think it might be with the sealer on them.

Appreciate the post and links.

Thanks, need to contact them as the picture don't look like the correct self threading nuts with seals on them.

FWIW, I have yet to see any speed nut with any sort of a seal on it. And I have seen and removed all kinds.

As for the door handles, I never could get mine as tight as I liked with the cheap junk speed nuts. So I took a die and cut real threads in both of mine. They will never come loose until they break or I remove them for paint.

[QUOTE=Maverick H1L;5723712]FWIW, I have yet to see any speed nut with any sort of a seal on it. And I have seen and removed all kinds.



I Had Mine Off In 2010,There Is No Seal.

Some of the speed nuts used on these cars had like a silicone gasket material squeezed on the backsides of them(seal)..but I don't remember speed nuts being used on the door handles..10mm little nuts on them if I remember right? Maybe the repops have them?

11502553

I’m not trying to restart a 13 year old thread. I’m just adding info to it for the next person who searches outer door handle replacement. I got the Dorman door handle from Amazon. I found a local body shop to paint it white through Yelp. I bought the self threading nuts from Lowe’s. I finally have a working door handle again.