Seat hinge cover acorn nuts

[trevbeadle]

Hi,

is there a technique or knack to removing the seat hinge cover acorn nuts? They seem to be push fit and won't screw off, does anyone have the secret to getting them off safely with out destroying them or have you made a tool or utilised something to make the job easier? I just need them removed to clean them and the hinges while the seats are out and I'm re-carpeting the interior. At £20 + a seat for replacements I thought I'd just clean the old ones up (they are not bad, just a couple of rust specks) and leave new one until I can afford new seat covers and I need to paint the seat shells then.

 

[curious bystander]

They are hollow with three very small "claws" to hold them on to the seat stud - which is smooth and not threaded.
The "claws" are very brittle and easily break off which makes them almost single use. That said if you want to remove them, a couple
of small screwdrivers either side will lever them off very easily and if you are lucky they will be re-usable. But not every one
Shop round and a packet of new ones enough to do both sides of both seats should be found at a reasonable price

https://www.mamotorworks.com/Corvette/product/corvette-1979-1982-seat-hinge-cover-acorn-nuts-24-pieces-602303

 

[Martinshort]

They are hollow with three very small "claws" to hold them on to the seat stud - which is smooth and not threaded.
The "claws" are very brittle and easily break off which makes them almost single use. That said if you want to remove them, a couple
of small screwdrivers either side will lever them off very easily and if you are lucky they will be re-usable. But not every one
Shop round and a packet of new ones enough to do both sides of both seats should be found at a reasonable price

https://www.mamotorworks.com/Corvette/product/corvette-1979-1982-seat-hinge-cover-acorn-nuts-24-pieces-602303

To remove them, remove the cushions then simply unscrew the Phillips screws on the inside ,just loosen and the acorn nut will fall off

 

[trevbeadle]

Corvette Kingdom £36.24 plus postage!!!!! I'll try the dual small screwdriver route...cheers cb!

 

[trevbeadle]

To remove them, remove the cushions then simply unscrew the Phillips screws on the inside ,just loosen and the acorn nut will fall off

Thanks Martin, didn't really want to strip the seats until I have enough saved for new cushions/covers but thanks.

 

[Martinshort]

Thanks Martin, didn't really want to strip the seats until I have enough saved for new cushions/covers but thanks.

No need to strip the seats the cushions clip in in minutes

 

[trevbeadle]

Thanks Martin, have just discovered that. The cushions aren't in too bad a fettle and have cleaned up well with upholstery cleaner. Now the shells are bare I'm going to attempt to spray them with a vinyl paint.I am attempting to get the runners off and the nuts have had a good soaking with Plusgas so hoping they'll undo this morning and I can de-rust, paint and lube the sliders. Oh so many things to do in Lockdown!!