57 hubcap installation problem
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 217
Likes: 8
57 hubcap installation problem
I am still having a problem putting on my hubcaps on my 57. I have reproduction 15" wheels and reproduction hubcaps. The hubcaps line up look right but would need a lot of energy to push them on. I have tried lining them up and hitting the outer edge with a rubber mallet, but they will not snap into place. I am concerned about damaging the hubcaps. Is there any trick to the install, should I cut a few slots in the back ring of the cap to allow more flexibility????? I have attached a few pictures of my wheel and caps. All help appreciated, this is driving me crazy.
Pro
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 606
Likes: 192
From: Lake Norman NC
2020 C1 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
Corvette of the Year Finalist 2018
2017 C1 of Year Finalist
2015 C1 of Year Finalist
I suspect you are fighting the fresh (thick) paint on the nubs. Like I indicated in my early post, be sure to seat the lower half of the hubcap over the lower wheel nubs and secure them with your feet. Then pound the outer rim of the cap over the upper two nubs. I use a rubber dead blow hammer to hit precisely the same positions over the nub.
Quit a bit of force is needed and the paint is well worn off the nubs of my painted wheels. I would NOT cut anything.
Quit a bit of force is needed and the paint is well worn off the nubs of my painted wheels. I would NOT cut anything.
Last edited by 61 Roadster; Feb 7, 2018 at 12:52 PM.
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 4,148
Likes: 642
From: Bandera Texas
I am still having a problem putting on my hubcaps on my 57. I have reproduction 15" wheels and reproduction hubcaps. The hubcaps line up look right but would need a lot of energy to push them on. I have tried lining them up and hitting the outer edge with a rubber mallet, but they will not snap into place. I am concerned about damaging the hubcaps. Is there any trick to the install, should I cut a few slots in the back ring of the cap to allow more flexibility????? I have attached a few pictures of my wheel and caps. All help appreciated, this is driving me crazy.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 217
Likes: 8
I suspect you are fighting the fresh (thick) paint on the nubs. Like I indicated in my early post, be sure to seat the lower half of the hubcap over the lower wheel nubs and secure them with your feet. Then pound the outer rim of the cap over the upper two nubs. I use a rubber dead blow hammer to hit precisely the same positions over the nub.
Quit a bit of force is needed and the paint is well worn off the nubs of my painted wheels. I would NOT cut anything.
Quit a bit of force is needed and the paint is well worn off the nubs of my painted wheels. I would NOT cut anything.
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 3,350
Likes: 765
From: Mint Hill North Carolina
2024 C2 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2023 C2 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
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The nubs look too large compared to originals. You might have to take the paint off of the nubs to make it work. You can't see them with the cap on anyway and it just might buy you enough to make it work. A dab of white grease on each nub once you get the paint off would probably help as well. Good luck.
Racer
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 368
Likes: 48
From: Holland Ohio
By the way I just want to chime in before you do get them on... The word Corvette on your spinner is out of place. It should line up with the hole for the air fill directly under the word Corvette. You need to rotate the spinner 90* right to get in correct position.
Not an expert but others can confirm this for you.
Dennis
Not an expert but others can confirm this for you.
Dennis
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Pro
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 606
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From: Lake Norman NC
2020 C1 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
Corvette of the Year Finalist 2018
2017 C1 of Year Finalist
2015 C1 of Year Finalist
By the way I just want to chime in before you do get them on... The word Corvette on your spinner is out of place. It should line up with the hole for the air fill directly under the word Corvette. You need to rotate the spinner 90* right to get in correct position.
Not an expert but others can confirm this for you.
Dennis
Not an expert but others can confirm this for you.
Dennis
For what it is worth, I have had repro wheels since 2012 and have had both original and repro hubcaps mounted to them. My installation method has always worked on any combination of wheels and hubcaps. Hubcap removal without scratching the wheel is the harder task in my book.