Caged nuts for Stuart tank

[jdmcm]

Hi guys

Working on my Stuart and wondering if anyone has a source for the large cage nuts which hold the suspension axles to the floor and the lower glacis armor to the hull. They seem to be UNF 1/2 inch and 5/8's. Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks
John

[maple_leaf_eh]

I just ran a Goofle search for 1/2" cage nuts, and it came back with hits at Grainger and Fastenal. I have no idea of price or supply, but the old expression, 'let your fingers do the walking' makes sense.

FWIW, I found Fastenal to be spot on for sourcing stuff although you pay for that availability.

[Phil Waterman]

Hi John

Can you post a picture of the style of cage nuts you are looking for sizes and number of each you need.

Many of the different sizes and styles are available from different sources, often the problem is finding a source that will sell you a few. On my web site I mention caged nuts and as a result I keep getting e-mails from fabricators in China who want to make them, wonder if you could con them into making you 25 prototypes so you could check them for fit? I'll save the next e-mail that wants to produce sheet metal parts.

The smaller sizes up to 1/2" are relatively easy to find example MAC's Antique Auto Parts if you need more than 50-100 MAC's will general give you a discount.

There have also been several other restoration threads on the topic of Caged Nuts that have listed various sources you might want to check out.

For a few really large ones, if they are the folded sheet metal type you may have to find a shop with a CNC plasma cutter and have them cut out the right steel. I have made ones and twos just doing a drawing then cutting and bending the steel by hand but it takes forever, you have to make 5-10 before you figure out how to do it to get the quality you want.

Cheers

[jdmcm]

Thanks for the help guys, I forgot about Mac's. They have the 1/2" ones, coarse not UNF but I think it will be an acceptable compromise!