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MG MGA - Taller Studs for Alloy Valve Cover?

Hello, I have an alloy valve cover that someone made copying the stock shape as much as possible(including the two plate mounting surfaces. Problem is the mounting surface is thicker making it difficult to thread the mounting nuts on the rocker studs. Does anyone know where I can get long studs? Local auto shops don't seem to have fine threaded studs.
Thanks,
JoeM
'56 MGA 1500
Santa Clara, CA
Joe Mulqueen

I don't know right offhand where you can get longer studs, or exactly how long you need. Originals were 6-1/4" long, so you may need 6-1/2" long. Those could be cut back a little if necessary.

On the flip side, have you tried leaving out the thick flat spacer washer? In a pinch you could have some longer cap nuts machined up, and use the standard length studs.
Barney Gaylord

Joe, that is very strange indeed, not to sell fine thread studs. Often they are coarse one end and fine the other.
Art Pearse

Turns out Northwest sell longer nuts.
http://northwestimportparts.com/MGA-Aluminum-valve-cover-bolts-d940.aspx
Regarding stud availability, it's been a few yrs but aren't all the rocker pedestal studs fine threaded on both ends? Pretty much every auto parts store selling studs only has fine on one end and coarse at end threading into the casting.
Thanks to everyone for comments and suggestions.
Joe Mulqueen
'56 MGA
Joe Mulqueen

Cool find on the longer cap nuts off the shelf.

Manifold studs and water valve studs on sides of the cylinder head are double fine threaded. All head studs and rocker studs are coarse thread on bottom end and fine thread on top. The longer rocker stud for securing the valve cover is nice to have one extra piece. It is an appropriate tool for R&R of the distributor drive gear.

There is a very good reason why studs are coarse thread on the bottom end. Anyone want to take a stab at it?
Barney Gaylord

Barney, I think it has something to do with the studs being threaded into a casting (the cylinder head)....?
G Goeppner

Coarser threads are less susceptible to galling during assembly. They are stronger for pull-out in the parent material. The tapping of the hole in the parent material is easier and faster. etc.......
Chuck Schaefer

This thread was discussed between 15/11/2011 and 18/11/2011

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