TR2/3/3A Knock Off Differences

[CJD]

I just tried to install the Ebay knock off nuts I bought 3 years ago. They do not fit. On Ebay I got 3 right nuts and 1 left. None of those fit the TR2 integral wire hubs. I bought the second left Knock off nut from Moss...it's stamped "made in China", but it fits fine.

I measured the threads of the nuts that do not fit, and the pitch is identical to the hubs, however the depth of the threads is about .050" smaller in diameter than the hub threads. In other words, the nuts are about .050" too small to fit the hubs. They will go on about 1 thread and then they lock up tight.

Once again, my Ebay quest backfired on me. In the mean time, can anyone tell me what the nuts I bought would be for? I know the Jags used a "fine thread" nut compared to our "coarse thread" nuts...but what car used a smaller nut?

 

[TR3driver]

IMO .050" is a manufacturing error. Only thing they are likely to fit is a hub with badly worn threads. Perhaps the threads were cut to the correct size and then chromed?

 

[Marvin Gruber]

Jag knockoff spinners are bigger than the MG, TR and Healeys spinners. Early MG and Healey did have 12 count threads vs the 8 count the Triumphs all have. Does sound like yours have been rechromed.
Marv

 

[CJD]

Thanks...that must be it. The guy I bought them from was a bit of a quack. Rechroming would explain how used nuts looked so good. Maybe I'll hang one on the wall...as that's about all they're good for now!?!

 

[Sarastro]

Are you sure you didn't get BSF-threaded nuts that were intended for some other type of car? Is the thread pitch correct?

In any case, if they don't fit, they don't fit. The rest is academic.

 

[CJD]

I would love it if they did fit another car, as then I could then re-gift them on Ebay. But I have no idea what they might fit, and I'm afraid the re-chroming makes sense.

 

[Marvin Gruber]

Only the three size knock offs that I know of (and listed in prev post). Outside chance from Sunbeam but most of them three eared if I remember correctly.
Marv

 

[CJD]

Thanks Marv. I was having decent luck with Ebay, but I totally struck out on the wheels and knock offs. Oh well!?!

 

[Marvin Gruber]

There are still buys out there but getting fewer and farther inbetween. I'm seeing parts now on ebay listed for a lot more than new ones you can buy from the big three.

Marv

 

[TR3driver]

Sometimes you get the elevator, and sometimes you get the shaft.

 

[CJD]

Yep!

I've got the replacements coming from Rimmer. About $29ea, including shipping. I think I paid $25 each for the re-chromes. Not worth the risk at that price difference. Of course, the exchange rate was much different 3 years ago when I bought them...

 

[CJD]

The replacements arrived and fit just fine. I guess I got duped by re-chroming. I'll have to hang them next to the other pretty parts that don't fit!

 

[6TTR3A]

Before you give them up for junk, get them de-chromed. I don't know if a shop can undo just the threads, but it's worth asking.

 

[CJD]

With the current exchange rate the brand new nuts are cheaper from Rimmer than it would cost to take the bad ones to the chrome shop. They were running over $50 apiece when I bought them, and thought I got a killer deal. Got a lesson instead!?!