Had the tail light bezels rechromed for my 70 Bee, they turned out great, but have issues with studs. Some are worse than this picture, but there isn't much "meat" left on them to use the original style pal nuts. The nuts may work fine in areas of the stud, but some places the stud is so deteriorated they will just spin. I don't want to step down a size as I am sure they will snap off. I had this one clip laying around that would work great, but it is a little too big. Any idea where I can get this style of clip, but smaller, or other ideas? This clip is squeezed, slid into place and is spring loaded, this won't twist the studs off.

That would work, but problem is I only have one of these and have no idea where it came from !

I've had some goodluck using JB weld to rebuild the worn potmetal studs for more bite from the pal nuts, plus striking the top of the pal nut with a hammer closes up the hole to cut the worn studs further, the domed cover is removable from some pal nuts, if your using that style

what about filling the cap nut with caulk or seam filler,i noticed on the 72 up side marker lights have some caulk or seam filler in them,seems the plastic threads gets stripped and that helps fill the gaps.just a thought.

it isn't just a 10-24 machine thread stud that screws out of the potmetal casting?

6 studs per bezel, and no, they are not machine thread, they are threadless and rely on the pal nut cutting in to the smooth post. That idea works OK when originally installed, but after on and off a few times, and rechroming, not so well !!

The other issue is the bezel is the only thing that secures the actual tail light housing to the rear panel of the car, so it needs to be held pretty tight. If it were just the bezel, like mentioned above the pal nuts with the sealer in them would probably hold the bezel a lone fine.

I did pick up some these, which I will probably hav to end up using. I was hesitant about using them though as once they are on, removing them in the future would be a major pain. That being said, doubt they would ever have to come out again.

http://www.aaronspushnuts.com/tinnerman_spring_nuts.htm

Must be a cast in stud,.

If so I would do as Dayclona suggested and rebuild the stud with JB weld or similar material

That or if theres enough material (and it really looks like theres plenty) maybe convert them to the 10-24 studs like alot of Mopar tail light bezels used...

Paul - A thin coat of JB weld or 2 part epoxy may work just fine. You could put it on with a small brush. Once it hardens your acorn nuts should work just fine.

Heres another idea I have purchased some small press on clips from Fastenal,they are the same syle used on a wheel barrow to hold the wheels on(they do come in several sizes) If you need PM me and tomorrow Ill get the part numbers