The Stovebolt Site Forums The Parking Lot Big Bolts Stripped Wheel Lug on my '35 1.5 ton

So. I took Qubie down to the local tire guys to see if they could balance the wheels. A couple of the wheels are so warped that the guys were cracking up just watching them wobble back and forth on the machine...

The real problem occurred at the right rear. One of the wheel studs is totally stripped, you can rotate it with your fingers. So, I can't remove the rear wheels on that side. If I ever get a flat, I'm screwed.

First question; is there any chance that it's only the knurling on the stud that's damaged, and that the hub may still be Ok?

Next, I have a spare set of FRONT hubs. Are those studs the same as the rears? Or alternately, is there any chance of finding a good wheel stud for the rear of a 1935 1.5 ton?

And finally, how can I get that bad stud out? Can I break it off? Can it be drilled out, or is the steel too hard for anything but diamond drills? I was thinking that maybe if I could attach a slide hammer, I could reseat the stud enough to get the lug off...

Opinions anyone?

Split the nut to remove it. Probably by drilling a 1/4" or so hole in the nut parallel with the stud on one side or two opposite so it's weak enough to split with a cold chisel. Or you may have a nut splitter shaped such and strong enough to get in there and do the job.
Very unlikely that the stud is reusable.
Possible no damage was done to the hub, you won't know until you get it apart.

Replacement stud is likely available from NAPA or your favorite auto parts store. First try looking it up by application, then by dimensions if no luck by application.
Here's the original parts book page about hub studs and dimensions.
http://chevy.oldcarmanualproject.com/parts/1929_54/370.htm

The parts catalog will be your friend, introduce yourself.
http://chevy.oldcarmanualproject.com/parts/1929_54/index.htm

More good manuals and literature found here
http://chevy.oldcarmanualproject.com/

Thanks Grigg, I'll try the drill and split, and report back. I tried taking off the other nine... Turns out that at least 4 lugs have threads damaged enough to prevent them from keeping the wheel tight. I've been driving around with only half the lug nuts doing their job. It's a good thing I haven't been working the truck!

Thurman, can you take all of the nuts off other than the problem stud then use the wedging force of the wheel to put tension on the loose stud - you might get lucky enough that the nut can be backed off.