special wheel nut socket

[mackguy]

Hey everyone,
Going tomorrow to pick up my "new" 40th Anniversary ZR-1. I did look at it in person before, but learned some new things about them reading through the owner's manual PDF, and I'm a bit puzzled at one thing.

The owner's manual indicates that there should be a special socket for the locking lug nuts, which is straightforward, but it also mentions a "special wheel nut socket" and says you should never remove the lugnuts without it. But searching Google, Youtube, CorvetteForum, and here I haven't found anything about what it is, what it looks like, etc so I can verify it's in the car.

I also can't find anything listed in the catalog companies I checked (Ecklers, Corvette Central, Zip, Mid America).

So... what is it, what's it for, and what does it look like?

[rush91]

Should look like a black socket, I will see if I can add a picture after work......Mine was in the console when I bought my Z

[DRM500RUBYZR-1]

Any thin wall socket of the proper size will work on the non locking lug nuts with any type of torque wrench, breaker bar, ratchet etc.
If instead you use the factory combination jack wrench / lug wrench which is located behind the drivers seat, then you would need the sockets you described.
What number is your Ruby? Mine is 181.
Congratulations!!!

Marty

[DRM500RUBYZR-1]

Originally Posted by DRM500RUBYZR-1

Any thin wall socket of the proper size will work on the non locking lug nuts with any type of torque wrench, breaker bar, ratchet etc.
If instead you use the factory combination jack wrench / lug wrench which is located behind the drivers seat, then you would need the sockets you described.
What number is your Ruby? Mine is 181.
Congratulations!!!

Marty

p.s.
I do not recommend using the lock lugs. I have seen far too many examples of owners being unable to find the lock socket when needed. While there is a generic removal tool, wheel damage often is the result.
In 2024 few crooks would covet these type of wheels, unless they are unusually brilliant, knowing their rarity and worth. However, they also likely carry the generic removal socket in their theft wares.

Also, join the Registry as a member to get the full benefit of what it
has to offer!

Again, congratulations and welcome.
We are here to help.

[mackguy]

Originally Posted by rush91

Should look like a black socket, I will see if I can add a picture after work......Mine was in the console when I bought my Z

Thanks!

Originally Posted by DRM500RUBYZR-1

Any thin wall socket of the proper size will work on the non locking lug nuts with any type of torque wrench, breaker bar, ratchet etc.
If instead you use the factory combination jack wrench / lug wrench which is located behind the drivers seat, then you would need the sockets you described.
What number is your Ruby? Mine is 181.
Congratulations!!!

Marty

#315
Thanks for the info. Do you know of any source for the factory socket if it's not in the car for some reason?

Originally Posted by DRM500RUBYZR-1

p.s.
I do not recommend using the lock lugs. I have seen far too many examples of owners being unable to find the lock socket when needed. While there is a generic removal tool, wheel damage often is the result.
In 2024 few crooks would covet these type of wheels, unless they are unusually brilliant, knowing their rarity and worth. However, they also likely carry the generic removal socket in their theft wares.

Also, join the Registry as a member to get the full benefit of what it
has to offer!

Again, congratulations and welcome.
We are here to help.

Yep, I will be joining the registry once I actually have the car (so hopefully tomorrow night)
I would certainly prefer to ditch the locking nuts if a previous owner already hasn't, is there a good source for standard nuts, and will the cap from a locking nut fit a standard nut?

I'm sure I'll have a ton more questions soon, but this was just something I'd never seen before, and new tires are very high on my priority list, as the ones on it now are 10 years old, so want to make sure the wheels can come off!

Thanks all!!

[HAWAIIZR-1]

This is what you are looking for. The lug socket has an holder with Velcro for in the console I think, and lock socket comes in the plastic bag as far as I know how it was in my 95. The NCRS folks know best about this stuff and I am far from being one of those.

[mackguy]

Originally Posted by HAWAIIZR-1

This is what you are looking for. The lug socket has an holder with Velcro for in the console I think, and lock socket comes in the plastic bag as far as I know how it was in my 95. The NCRS folks know best about this stuff and I am far from being one of those.

Thanks! I'm not all that worried about being NCRS correct, just need to sure I have the right tools to be able to get things done.

Looks like this might be the correct thing if the car doesn't have it already?
https://www.amcorlocks.com/product-page/890-04-hex-key

[dredgeguy]

You might want to check with Mark at Mirrock as sure he has plenty of them from C4's that have been parted out. http://www.mirrockcorvette.com/

[mackguy]

Originally Posted by dredgeguy

You might want to check with Mark at Mirrock as sure he has plenty of them from C4's that have been parted out. http://www.mirrockcorvette.com/

Lots of good info there, thanks!

[mackguy]

Got the car, and it does have all tools!