WWII Cad I Nylon Lock Nuts

[warbird_patrick]

Hello All,

Kind of curious about the color of the nylon inserts in the cad I lock nuts. Did the color in the nylon differ by the manufacture of the nuts or was it a specific order from the aircraft manufacture? Also what would be the proper color or colors used in 1940's NAA aircraft?

Thanks,
Patrick

[Taylor Stevenson]

The AN365/4 nuts during WWII did not have nylon inserts. They were fiber inserts and were mainly a pastel red in color. I have seen some black fiberlock inserts, but without a doubt the red is more prevalent. Today, many people use re-plated nylon nuts in their aircraft, while it is arguably safer, it is nevertheless incorrect. In my opinion, the only fighter done right lately (with regards to hardware) is Bob Baker's "Little Rebel". Go take a look at the hardware in it! The locknuts are becoming more difficult to find. I have been collecting the original fiber insert AN locknuts along with original head marked bolts for some restorations on the docket, so if you come across any you want to part with, let me know.

Last edited by Taylor Stevenson on Mon Feb 27, 2012 1:38 am, edited 2 times in total.

[Taylor Stevenson]

Here's a photo of a fiber insert on a Klixon PSM breaker. It'll give you an idea of the color you're looking for. Sorry, the breaker was the only thing with a good fibernut on it in my dorm room and the shot is a bit blurry due to the my cell's camera. Hope this helps.



If you'd like to use new nylon insert nuts, be sure to use ones with red inserts as they'll look the part!