Hey guys I ordered some UNI LUG cragar SS wheels for 63 Impala. Which lug nuts and washers should I get? Thanks
Those things are a pain to deal with. Try this: https://lugnutguys.com/collections/...nLjvgjnnzScUewq5GM4Lw4iJ7pLw_Ps0tkJ8Jgr7iKx3O
These are what you want... The 4.75" bolt pattern uses centered washers, easy-peasy to install. The 4.5" and 5" patterns on the other hand are a PITA because you have to fiddle with the offset washers when tightening the nuts to keep them properly aligned so they don't gouge the wheel. And it's critical to torque these or they'll loosen up.
Use a torque wrench, 100 ft lbs and check them again after the first 50 miles. I have had unilug Cragars on my chevelle for 11 years with zero issues
Okay my next question is what is the probability of someone stealing my wheels? Can I install wheel lock lugs?
Sure you can, just order the locking lug nuts from the same place you’re buying the regular ones from
These days anyone taking your Cragars is very low on the totem pole. Modern high end vehicles wheels is what they’re after. I’ve never used wheel locks, ever. That said, do what makes you happiest.
Nobody's stealing Cragars these days. He'll they'll just take the whole car easier than a set of wheels. I've also had unilug Cragars for many years at some pretty high speeds (allegedly) & no problems at all.
Fitting unilug wheels to my 57 with 5x5 pcd was easy as the lug nut shank sits in the most outward part of the wheel slot and centralises the wheel. As long as you hand wind the first one at the 12 o'clock position then rotate the wheel so that the 2 below that to the 10 to 2 position and repeat it's all good. I had a major problem with mine due to the wheel specialist sending out the wrong(cheap) washers. They all dished under torquing and 2 of them spun causing damage to the wheel. 2 stressful weeks of biting my lip and providing evidence at what was at fault and the company finally coughed up a new wheel and full set of cragar washers. Make sure you get the correct/quality items right down to the washers irrespective of them being concentric washers for Chevy's and invest in a decent torque wrench if you don't already have one. I do wonder how many reports of Cragars coming loose are down to poor quality incorrectly supplied washers that bend under correct torquing let alone the weight of the car. The side view of the washer quality says it all!
Yeah i saw some videos on YouTube about the washers and shank nuts. Since these rims are for 4 1/2, 4 3/4, 5. They have 3 different concave washers with offset holes or centered. Since I’m 4 3/4, I use the center ones. I was looking for size specific cragars but these were in my price range.
It depends on whether your car sits outside overnight or inside as to whether someone might steal the Cragars. It's a small price to buy locking lugnuts and if the car isn't garaged all the time I'd sure get them. People will steal anything they think they can sell for a fix.
You need to look at the wheel mounting surface on the back side - earlier Cragar “vari-fit” wheels use a ring that fits into a cavity - you must use those if your wheels are this style or you risk cracking the casting and/or loosening lug nuts. It’s not a problem, you just want to use the right combination. Pic (stolen from another HAMB thread of course) shows the cavity and a partial broken vari-fit ring. Lots of people bash the various types of multi-fit wheels but most* are fine if correct parts and procedures are used. *bizarro world Appliance “roto-lugs” excepted.
As noted the with the offset washers they can be frustrating to get them to seat while tightening a lug nut because it wants to spin with it. The washers do go on one way, some are marked for which side down.
I don't know if they help at all. I just took off a set of locks that I didn't have the "key" for with a pipe wrench. They came off just as easy as a regular lug net.
How did you get a pipe wrench into the tight areas the lugnuts sit in? Even my small 12" pipe wrench wont fit that space.
I will never own another set of unilug wheels. What a PITA! If i were you, i would change my order and get the right wheels from the get go.
Good point. It was a non-spoked wheel that uses tapered seat lug nuts. I reckon a spoked wheel with shanked lugs would be difficult.
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