Does anyone know where I can get a new battery ground wingnut for my '82 US A/T? One of the wings broke off mine (I really didn't know I was that strong). I don't see them listed by P Int'l or P specialists and it doesn't look to be an off-the-shelf item at the local hardware or auto parts store.

 

Hey Rip,

I'm sure someone who's parting out a car will chime in, but if not, a call to 928 intl. will probably get you what you want. They have lots of things that aren't necessarily listed on the website.

Failing that or for a quick fix, you might check at the local marine supply store, it might be the same thread as something for a boat battery ground.

 

I actually made up a wingnut of M8 x 1.25, only to find the thing should be M8 x 1.5!!!!
If you find a source for this size let me know please!
jp 83 Euro S AT 51k

 

Make one with a metric knurled **** from ACE hardware and a bolt to size and some JB weld to make the two of them permanently one.

I think this is a good solution and easier to use than a regular 'wingbolt'. if I didn't already have a battery switch there I would do this.

Alan

 

You may want to upgrade to a GTS nut.

 

I think the "wings" must weaken with age. I have an '82 too and it broke recently as well (maybe they have timed self-destructs built in). I just bought a metric bolt (M8 - can't remember the thread as I took the old part with me to match thread-size). Tightened the bolt (and lock washer) up with a socket and have a good tight connection. I was going to look for something that was hand-tightened like the old part but I think that is where a lot of grounding problems come in - think of hand-tightening the ground post on your Ford, Honda or Chevy and imagine how far you will get. And be sure the bolt you get is not coated with anything that will reduce electrical contact.

 

Wowza - the "wingnut" thread was probably one of the longest running ever back on the old Porschelist.

Guess it's good to see revived here

David S.

'93 Carrera 4
'97 Z3 2.8
no 928 at the moment, but 2 in the past

 

Keith - your nuts are somewhere else (behind the wheel?) - its a bolt you have in there...

So its a "WINGBOLT"...

Come now didn't we learn anything from those old email threads?

Alan

 

The reason I want to change mine is that while thread is M8x1.5, the bolt head is NOT metric - its 1/2", too big for 12mm, slightly loose in 13mm wrench.
jp 83 Euro S AT 51k.

 

I just ordered a wingbolt for my car, it better be gold-plated, 'cause it was $15.XX.........

 

Rob, where did you order it from?

 

Supply and demand? Or just an online thief? Wouldn't you be better off, at that price, to make do with a simple nut?

 

A simple nut would work (assuming I could figure out what size and thread pitch it takes- I don't have a good set of thread pitch gauges that'll fit down in tapped holes), but I spent a few years with a vintage (1962) Corvette, where people obsess about whether you're got the proper 'E' marking on your top ignition shield bolt, and the like. Restoration of 'vettes is all about the bolts! Besides, if I get the holdown clamp in place and pass tech at the next autocross, I'll blow more than $15 in tire tread. It's all just dirty paper.....

Charley- I ordered it from Sunset, which usually has very competitive prices on things. It was part # 900.067.147.02, "pan head screw for battery clamp". FWIW, the ski slope itself (928.611.209.02GRV) was $17.12.

I'll post a pic of the solid gold bolt if/when it gets here.

 

Dang Alan, you're right, it is a freekin' bolt! Sorry peeps, I am still new to this 982 thing...errr 829...uhhh 298?...dang!...hmmmm......

 

Discussion is splitting in a couple directions here. Original question was about the wing bolt that secures the batter ground strap at the rear apron. That wing bolt was 'upgraded' to a standard capscrew sometime befoer my '89 was built. Search the subject and find the ancient 'thread' if you will, to be reminded when that changeover happened.

The discussion then went to the bolt on Rob's battery hold-down. Different bolt, different application. Nearby location though...