69 upper control arm/shim retaining nuts

[Greg L.]

I see that the AIM shows only one nut(on each stud) so I assume that this is a self locking nut but MY car had a regular nut and a split lock washer on each stud.

Could my set-up be original even though the AIM doesn't mention a lock washer or is my "original" hardware not original at all?

Thanks

[Dick W.]

Re: 69 upper control arm/shim retaining nuts

Greg, I believe that the nut is referred to a "Stover locking nut"

[Joe L.]

Re: 69 upper control arm/shim retaining nuts

I see that the AIM shows only one nut(on each stud) so I assume that this is a self locking nut but MY car had a regular nut and a split lock washer on each stud.

Could my set-up be original even though the AIM doesn't mention a lock washer or is my "original" hardware not original at all?

Thanks

Greg-----

I seriously doubt that St. Louis would have used a conventional hex bolt with lockwasher. In addition, even if they did, the use of this set-up would be contrary to what's observed on most original cars and contrary to what the AIM specifies.

The original nuts, GM #9422299, were Stover lock nuts as Dick mentions. They were available from GM until not too long ago, but are no more. However, you'll find these nuts in the Dorman/Motormite section of your local auto parts store.

[Greg L.]

Re: 69 upper control arm/shim retaining nuts

Thanks guys. Joe would you happen to have a pic of one so that I can make sure of what exactly I should be looking for?

[Joe L.]

Re: 69 upper control arm/shim retaining nuts

Thanks guys. Joe would you happen to have a pic of one so that I can make sure of what exactly I should be looking for?

Greg-----


Yes, here are photos of a guaranteed original GM #9422299. You will note the "dots" at each point of the hex. This denotes the nut as of GM-301M material grade (SAE Grade 8). All original nuts for the upper a-arm shaft retention application I have seen have this feature. They also have the "pinched thread" configuration at the top of the nut. This is a characteristic of Stover-style lock nuts. Other types of lock nuts use different thread locking mechanisms. Most of the others would be of equivalent functionality in this application, but they would not be as originally configured.

The original nuts were zinc plated with a very light chromate dip.

[Joe L.]

Re: 69 upper control arm/shim retaining nuts

I should also have noted that these same nuts were used for all 1968-82 Corvettes, not just 1969's.

[Greg L.]

Re: 69 upper control arm/shim retaining nuts

Thanks Joe. Do you know what other GM models would have used these nuts? The reason I ask is that there is a 64 Impala in the wreckers right now and I was wondering if you have any way to tell if they would use the same nuts. If not then I'll have to get a hold of the local corvette place and see if he has any kicking around.

I guess I could just go and get some repops but I'll bet that they won't have those six dots...

[Joe L.]

Re: 69 upper control arm/shim retaining nuts

Thanks Joe. Do you know what other GM models would have used these nuts? The reason I ask is that there is a 64 Impala in the wreckers right now and I was wondering if you have any way to tell if they would use the same nuts. If not then I'll have to get a hold of the local corvette place and see if he has any kicking around.

I guess I could just go and get some repops but I'll bet that they won't have those six dots...

Greg-----


The nut will be found on many 66+ passenger cars as well as many 65+ Chevelles, Camaros, and Chevy II's. It will not be found on a 64 passenger cars, though. 1964 passenger cars used 7/16-20 thread for the upper control arm fasteners. So, while the nuts look the same (including the 6 dots) as 68+ Corvette, the thread is different.

[Greg L.]

Re: 69 upper control arm/shim retaining nuts

Joe do you think this will be a "chevy" only nut or could other GM products of the era use them? I seem to recall a early to mid 70s nova or omega in the wrecker too...

[Joe L.]

Re: 69 upper control arm/shim retaining nuts

Joe do you think this will be a "chevy" only nut or could other GM products of the era use them? I seem to recall a early to mid 70s nova or omega in the wrecker too...

Greg----


Any GM vehicle, car or truck, could have used this nut. I would expect that 68-75 models would be the most likely candidates, but they could have been used for other years, too.