Hub Cap Install Made Easy
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 2,569
Likes: 126
From: San Diego California
Hub Cap Install Made Easy
One of those revelations I discovered on my own, that's probably been published since the design was invented (but damn if I can find it). 
Always had a hell of a time installing the center Hub Cap. Discovered this:
Set the Cap's gripping edge into #1 area, then rubber mallet the Cap at #2 area. Pops right on. Even easier with a tiny dab of grease on that #2 area nub.
Big Deal.
Steve
Always had a hell of a time installing the center Hub Cap. Discovered this:
Set the Cap's gripping edge into #1 area, then rubber mallet the Cap at #2 area. Pops right on. Even easier with a tiny dab of grease on that #2 area nub.
Big Deal.
Steve
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
Likes: 3,116
From: Crossville TN
Actually, you can pop it on with the heel of your palm...and that won't bend anything. Then, you can grab under an edge with fingertips of both hands and pull it loose with no problem. (No...the thumbs don't count.)
Pro
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 689
Likes: 169
From: Palm Bay Florida
My problem is with the outside trim ring.. It seems like by the time I get it installed it has local dents around the edge. What's the secret on installing the outer ring anybody?
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
Likes: 3,116
From: Crossville TN
I pop those on with the heel of my palm, too. Getting them off? It's a tougher job needing 2 screwdrivers, and being careful not to bend any metal.
The important thing is to 'tinker' with the clips so that they are shaped properly to go on...but not too hard...and stay on, but still be able to carefully pry them off without damaging them. If you pry one off, record which clips gave you the most trouble and which were the easiest (put a piece of tape with a number near each clip so you can keep them straight). Once removed, inspect the clips and notice differences between those that pop off like you want. Then, 'massage' the others to look the same. When moving or bending a clip, hold it firmly with one tool while reshaping it with another. That way you are only stressing the clip...and not the ring.
The important thing is to 'tinker' with the clips so that they are shaped properly to go on...but not too hard...and stay on, but still be able to carefully pry them off without damaging them. If you pry one off, record which clips gave you the most trouble and which were the easiest (put a piece of tape with a number near each clip so you can keep them straight). Once removed, inspect the clips and notice differences between those that pop off like you want. Then, 'massage' the others to look the same. When moving or bending a clip, hold it firmly with one tool while reshaping it with another. That way you are only stressing the clip...and not the ring.
Last edited by 7T1vette; Nov 16, 2016 at 12:29 AM.
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