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Center caps keep falling off.

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Old Nov 6, 2006 | 08:01 PM
  #1  
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Default Center caps keep falling off.

Any secrets to keep the center caps from falling off, i have lost one the last two times I have driven the car. Its a 79. these little devils aren't too expensive but the emblems are ..
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Old Nov 6, 2006 | 08:08 PM
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Default After market center caps ?

They have little set screws that hold them in place on the wheel, 3 screws per center cap. You will need to install them with the wheels off so you can tighten the set screws from behind, then reinstall the wheels.

Mine spinners flew off the first time I spun the rear wheels. The car sat still but the spinners went bouncing down the road ahead of me.

I never did find them.
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Old Nov 6, 2006 | 08:10 PM
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I have found that just a very small dab of "JB weld" in 2 spots will keep them on. If you ever have to remove them, just a light tap with a rubber hammer and bingo, no damage and you are $35 better off by not having to replace it!
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Old Nov 6, 2006 | 08:20 PM
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Mine are the cheap fake chrome ones with no set screws, I will try the jb weld, I was concerned about removing them if you need to.

Thanks
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Old Nov 6, 2006 | 08:23 PM
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I hate to admit it, but I have a Bubba repair for this and it really works well. Wrap the inside of the cap where it contacts the wheel with a couple layers of duct tape. The additional thickness and friction will hold them on very well, I'm not kidding they won't falll off and you still be able to pull them off if needed. I learned this a long time ago when I worked at the dealer.

Read this quickly because in 10 minutes I'm deleting it.
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Old Nov 6, 2006 | 08:56 PM
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Black silicone RTV
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Old Nov 6, 2006 | 09:06 PM
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BEST ADVICE EVER !!

I too used the screws and tightened them, then using a knife, I applied a 2-3 mm thick line of JB WELD to the outer rim of the cap, where it meets the inner rim of the Wheel opening. hold it for 15 minutes. Those caps will never come off without a good tapping.. !
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Old Nov 6, 2006 | 09:10 PM
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Originally Posted by ahoover
I hate to admit it, but I have a Bubba repair for this and it really works well. Wrap the inside of the cap where it contacts the wheel with a couple layers of duct tape. The additional thickness and friction will hold them on very well, I'm not kidding they won't falll off and you still be able to pull them off if needed. I learned this a long time ago when I worked at the dealer.

Read this quickly because in 10 minutes I'm deleting it.
Too late!! Can't delete what I quoted in this post!! I agree with the duct tape.. That would be my 2nd choice. Myself, I have the small plastic caps and my front right isde is or I should say, was loose. I did the JB Weld thing. I plan to re-install my original Rallys very soon. I now think that they will look much better on the car and my caps are the originals!
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Old Nov 6, 2006 | 09:20 PM
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I use masking tape instead of duct tape. Have done this for 20 years and never lost a center cap and you can get them off with just a firm yank.
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Old Nov 6, 2006 | 09:26 PM
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I have never lost a center cap but after losing 2 trim rings (One I was able to retrieve) I bought a set of aftermarket rings, and stored my other 3 original rings

Another great design by GM
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Old Nov 6, 2006 | 09:37 PM
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Originally Posted by SIXFOOTER
Black silicone RTV
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Old Nov 6, 2006 | 11:28 PM
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The color of the rtv depends on what year aluminum wheels you are using, my 80 has a clear center,,, I use a bead of clear silicone applied on the inner part,,, works real good and almost un-noticeable.
Peace,,, Moosie
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