Nobel wheel nuts on ebay

[Bob Purton]

Looks like our Mike Ayriss has had some good looking Nobel wheel nuts made here.
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Wheel-Bolt-Front-or-Rear-for-the-Nobel-200-Fuldamobil-Fram-King-Alta-Bambi-/191058633918?pt=UK_CarsParts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM&hash=item2c7bfb64be

[Big Al]

I like Nobbys Nuts, but these look unsalted  .

[Rusty Chrome (Malcolm Parker)]

Obviously the product of years of selective breeding, they look peculiarly complicated for such a fundimental item. Clearly there must be a reason why ordinary bolts wouldn't do, so what purpose does the gap in the thread serve?

[Big Al]

The stepped plain area is to locate the wheel firmly in position. The next gap as area between the rim and the start of the thread in the hub. It needs no thread and if it had some it would attract crude and corrosion. The Goggo wheel bolt is similarly well made but uses a chamfered/tapered edge to center the wheel and thus need not have a locking washer and is self adjusting for correct length.