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Technical Shop => Body Shop => Topic started by: moparcar on April 21, 2018, 07:32:58 AM

Title: U-Nut & J-Nut (sheetmetal hardware) installation & Removal
Post by: moparcar on April 21, 2018, 07:32:58 AM
Guys this may be a dumb simple question, but is there a tool or trick to remove and install u-nuts & j-nuts that are used for valances, fenders, etc. I know the hard way and it scratches everything. Some of them have the little "tab" that holds them in the hole which catches on everything.

I'm assuming most of these go on after final paint such as the valances, etc.?

Tips or tools for removal and installation?

Thanks!
Title: Re: U-Nut & J-Nut (sheetmetal hardware) installation & Removal
Post by: RUNCHARGER on April 21, 2018, 08:26:14 AM
Feeler gauge to save the paint. Insert the feeler gauge between them while pushing them in then pull the gauge out. To remove the old ones I just pry or twist with a screwdriver.
Title: Re: U-Nut & J-Nut (sheetmetal hardware) installation & Removal
Post by: shawge on April 21, 2018, 10:19:58 AM
I use old gift cards as a wedge for the little tab. The thin ones work well.  Slide card in and pull both off.  Can cut them down to fit better.
Title: Re: U-Nut & J-Nut (sheetmetal hardware) installation & Removal
Post by: moparcar on April 21, 2018, 10:55:38 AM
Thanks! I figured there was method. Thought maybe I was missing the simple tool or something.
Much appreciated!

Wes
Title: Re: U-Nut & J-Nut (sheetmetal hardware) installation & Removal
Post by: gzig5 on April 21, 2018, 04:04:45 PM
What's a good source for these j-nuts?  I need them all over the car.  Is there a guide to which style/thread you need where?
Title: Re: U-Nut & J-Nut (sheetmetal hardware) installation & Removal
Post by: JS29 on April 22, 2018, 10:30:14 AM
Take one of your old one's to A NAPA store and match it up. they have nice body hardware there.  :alan2cents:
Title: Re: U-Nut & J-Nut (sheetmetal hardware) installation & Removal
Post by: 69BFan on April 22, 2018, 05:12:18 PM
AMK Products out of Winchester, VA. is the supplier to most of the vendors selling restoration hardware.  The fasteners may not be 100% correct in every instance, but for the most part, it is the most accurate available.  They have a $30.00 minimum order, but it does not take much to get that amount covered.
Title: Re: U-Nut & J-Nut (sheetmetal hardware) installation & Removal
Post by: 1 Wild R/T on April 22, 2018, 06:30:38 PM
Quote from: 73440 on April 22, 2018, 11:49:00 AM
https://www.jimsautoparts.com/body_bolts.htm

I have not dealt with this company , Jim's Auto Parts , just found on web.

Do us all a favor & never bring them up again.... Long time reputation as crooks...
Title: Re: U-Nut & J-Nut (sheetmetal hardware) installation & Removal
Post by: Topcat on April 22, 2018, 06:33:36 PM
Quote from: 1 Wild R/T on April 22, 2018, 06:30:38 PM
Quote from: 73440 on April 22, 2018, 11:49:00 AM
https://www.jimsautoparts.com/body_bolts.htm

I have not dealt with this company , Jim's Auto Parts , just found on web.

Do us all a favor & never bring them up again.... Long time reputation as crooks...

:iagree:

Lady is a witch on the phone.
Title: Re: U-Nut & J-Nut (sheetmetal hardware) installation & Removal
Post by: 73440 on April 22, 2018, 07:34:36 PM
Did not know, will remove reference to them.
Title: Re: U-Nut & J-Nut (sheetmetal hardware) installation & Removal
Post by: HEMICUDA on April 24, 2018, 12:51:30 AM
I have the same paint scraper I've been using for years.  Hold the "J" clip tight to the edge and slide the scraper underneath and tap the back side of the scraper handle, slides right off.
Title: Re: U-Nut & J-Nut (sheetmetal hardware) installation & Removal
Post by: Timbbuc2 on April 24, 2018, 07:22:24 AM
Quote from: gzig5 on April 21, 2018, 04:04:45 PM
What's a good source for these j-nuts?  I need them all over the car.  Is there a guide to which style/thread you need where?
I went to my local Lowes Home Improvement store, they have a good supply of fasteners.
Title: Re: U-Nut & J-Nut (sheetmetal hardware) installation & Removal
Post by: anlauto on April 24, 2018, 07:33:56 AM
Gees...wish I had a paint scraper  :'(
Title: Re: U-Nut & J-Nut (sheetmetal hardware) installation & Removal
Post by: HEMICUDA on April 24, 2018, 07:47:07 AM
Quote from: anlauto on April 24, 2018, 07:33:56 AM
Gees...wish I had a paint scraper  :'(

It must be inside your blasting cabinet.  :haha: :haha: :haha:
Title: Re: U-Nut & J-Nut (sheetmetal hardware) installation & Removal
Post by: anlauto on April 24, 2018, 07:54:02 AM
I can't afford either... :'(
Title: Re: U-Nut & J-Nut (sheetmetal hardware) installation & Removal
Post by: Jim AAR on April 24, 2018, 08:20:50 AM
RT Specialties has all kinds of Fasteners, Bolts, Screws etc...

http://www.rtspecialties.net/
Title: Re: U-Nut & J-Nut (sheetmetal hardware) installation & Removal
Post by: moparcar on April 24, 2018, 10:44:12 AM
Quote from: Jim AAR on April 24, 2018, 08:20:50 AM
RT Specialties has all kinds of Fasteners, Bolts, Screws etc...

http://www.rtspecialties.net/

@Jim AAR (https://forum.e-bodies.org/mlist/aarcuda31atgmail-com_988) Good call on RT Specialties. I sort of forgot about them with all the other avenues. They have most everything!
Wes
Title: Re: U-Nut & J-Nut (sheetmetal hardware) installation & Removal
Post by: rhamson on April 25, 2018, 10:30:20 AM
Quote from: gzig5 on April 21, 2018, 04:04:45 PM
What's a good source for these j-nuts?  I need them all over the car.  Is there a guide to which style/thread you need where?
Moparts or Aveco is the best I found.