In the past I have used anti seize as I've had some of the open type (not the closed end like on the SS), seize up. Does the torque spec change if you use a lube?

 

Anti-seize (i use Cop-Graf at work and home) is prob ok.
Cop-Graf says on the bottle that it will not affect torque readings, and will not allow "loosening" of anything it's used on .

I would prob not use it on the SS, since i don't see any issues getting lugs off, ever.

 

There are dry and wet torque specs.
FYI. If you install a plated nut with no lube you should use the wet torque spec.
A plated bolt is considered as being lubricated per engineering specs.

 

Here's really good lugs & locks...made in USA, too!

http://www.mcgard.com/

 

Thanks, I used McGard stuff way back when, and was prob gonna get something for the SS and have seen McGard stuff in the stores lately so i'll prob pick up a set for the upcoming rotation party.

 

By experience......wheel locks of almost any type will not work with a knowledgeable, experienced or determined thief. Use of a strong grip and good channel locks or pump pliers will by pass the lock system. They will only slow him/her down.

So, to slow them down even more, I use a lock on every stud. A total of 20 per vehicle.

Mine are black chrome and also add appearance continuity to the vehicle.

 

Yup. when i was a mech., and i could not either get a lock off, or the customer lost the key, a slightly oversized socket and some emery paper around the lock, made it pretty EZ to remove .

Ain't nuttin thief-proof, but like you said, anything to slow em down, or discourage them is a plus .

I remember back when the CLUB was a big seller, and soon saw on 20/20 or the like, a pro/retired car thief cut/get thru the Club in seconds and prob faster than it took the owner to put it on.

At the beginning of the model yr, the first school we had to attend for GM service techs,started with how to get into the new model cars (slim jim and other methods)and the latest fix for leaky T-tops (quess that dates me, LOL)

I ticked many a cop off when they tried unsuccessfully to open a citizen's locked w/ keys in it car at a gas station, when i would ask nicely if i could try, and popped the lock up inna heartbeat. Made the citizen quite happy, and the nice officer VERY perturbed .

 

I put on 18" aftermarket wheels and got some really nice "tuner lugs" off Ebay. They have splined sides and use a special socket to install/remove them. Nothing is theft-proof, but they would definitely slow down a thief with only regular sockets. Finally, if you lose the key for your lock-nuts, here's a trick.
Tighten the nuts next to the locknut. This will take pressure off the lock-nut and it may even come loose by hand.

Cheers!