Source for new '63-4 grill U-nuts?

[G B.]

The 1963-4 Corvette grill is held to the body with 12 Phillips head screws through U-shaped "captured" nut clips. The opening in the U is about 3/16" wide in order to fit over the thick fiberglass tabs around the grill opening.

I've never found a source that sells U-nut clips with the opening wide enough to install over original fiberglass tabs. I explained the problem to one vendor, and they agreed that their clip didn't fit. However, they were unable to find a source for the right clip. I've looked through several body shop fastener catalogs without success myself. I don't doubt that U-nut clips with a wide opening are hard to find.

Can anyone tell me a source for new nut clips for attaching a '63-4 grill that actually fit? I know I can fake it with just about any kind of nut, but if the right part is available, I'd rather just buy some.

[Peter M.]

Re: Source for new '63-4 grill U-nuts?

Seem to recall Long Island Corvette had these

[G B.]

Re: Source for new '63-4 grill U-nuts?

Thanks for your response, Peter.

Long Island, Paragon, Corvette Central, Zip, etc., all sell the same clip that is too narrow to fit properly. At least they did two years ago when I ordered samples.

I'll give everybody another try. At $5 a vendor, it's not a very expensive experiment. I was hoping someone with recent first-hand installation success could shorten the process for me. I guess not.

[James W.]

Re: Source for new '63-4 grill U-nuts?

Jerry,

I recently replaced my grill attachment hardware on my 64 convertible. I bought the u-nuts from either CC or Paragon (can't remember) and they fit fine for me. This was done last spring (2004).

If the u-nuts you buy from one of the Corvette vendors don't fit quite right, measure the thickness of the fiberglass mounting tab on your car. Take a piece of angle iron or strap carbon steel and grind/shape one edge of it to the desired thickness. Use some parafine wax or bar soap to lube surface of the steel plate then gently press or tap the u-nut down over the edge of the steel plate until it bottoms out against the edge of the steel plate. Use a C-clamp if needed re-bend the clip to the desired U-shape. Remove and install on the car.

You might also try ACE Hardware stores. They have a lot of mild steel and stainless steel look-a-like Corvette fasteners in their bulk fastener section.

Best Regards,

James West
Omaha, NE.

[Tracy C.]

Re: Source for new '63-4 grill U-nuts?

Jerry,

The last time I was at my local PPG paint jobber, they had a big honkin rotable display of various fastners and nut clips for auto body applications. I can't say they had this item (didn't look) but if I were you I'd call the local jobbers in your area and see what they had availible.

If you come up with some, let us know. I need them too.

tc