Stupid ?? Center Cap Question
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 1,166
Likes: 0
From: Beautiful Grand Rapids MI
Stupid ?? Center Cap Question
Today was a perfect day to tackle the job of taking the wheels off of my '81 and polishing them. (50 and rainy all day)
This is probably one of those stupid questions..but...
I noticed that the center caps pulled off very easily. Are these supposed to be tight on the rim, or is it normal to just be able to tug a little and pop them off?? Seems like one little pot hole would cause them to fall off.
BTW...the rims look super.......Busch Heavy Duty Aluminum Wash and Buff Kit. :D
This is probably one of those stupid questions..but...
I noticed that the center caps pulled off very easily. Are these supposed to be tight on the rim, or is it normal to just be able to tug a little and pop them off?? Seems like one little pot hole would cause them to fall off.
BTW...the rims look super.......Busch Heavy Duty Aluminum Wash and Buff Kit. :D
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 6,161
Likes: 0
From: Easton PA
Re: Stupid ?? Center Cap Question (rmadlem)
They are supposed to snap onto the rim and be tight. You might want to use a couple of dabs of clear silicone on the back side to majke sure they stay on. if you need to take them off, you just cut the silicone out.
Pro
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 608
Likes: 0
Re: Stupid ?? Center Cap Question (rmadlem)
I had alum. rims until about 2 months after purchasing the car. The seller gave me an extra, brand new center cap with the car.
One morning, I pulled out into traffic, and I saw a blur zip away to my left.
2 miles later, at a stoplight, a Harley rider "walked" his bike between the lanes to pass about 10 cars. Once he caught up to me, he told me that I had launched a spinner to the median and across the opposite lanes. I thanked him and looked for it at lunchtime, with no luck.
I know I didn't encounter any large bumps, 'cause this happened a stone's throw from my home.
I did notice, however, that the previous owner superglued the other spinners into the rims. I did the same when I put on the extra cap that he gave me.
I guess that glueing the caps in can't hurt, if you do it right. Plus, it might save you some $$ in replacing the ones that'll get loose, and probably damaged.
Even though that's my only experience with the center caps, I would advise you to glue them in.
Unless someone here has good reason not to.
One morning, I pulled out into traffic, and I saw a blur zip away to my left.
2 miles later, at a stoplight, a Harley rider "walked" his bike between the lanes to pass about 10 cars. Once he caught up to me, he told me that I had launched a spinner to the median and across the opposite lanes. I thanked him and looked for it at lunchtime, with no luck.
I know I didn't encounter any large bumps, 'cause this happened a stone's throw from my home.
I did notice, however, that the previous owner superglued the other spinners into the rims. I did the same when I put on the extra cap that he gave me.
I guess that glueing the caps in can't hurt, if you do it right. Plus, it might save you some $$ in replacing the ones that'll get loose, and probably damaged.
Even though that's my only experience with the center caps, I would advise you to glue them in.
Unless someone here has good reason not to.
Pro
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 560
Likes: 0
From: Camino CA
Re: Stupid ?? Center Cap Question ('75 383 ElkGrove)
When you get new tires, or get them balanced, you have to take the center cap off to put the wheel on the balancing machine.
[Modified by Ben Taylor, 12:24 AM 5/12/2002]
[Modified by Ben Taylor, 12:24 AM 5/12/2002]
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 30,995
Likes: 98
From: Ontario
Re: Stupid ?? Center Cap Question (rmadlem)
If originality is not a major issue with you, then this type of cap is the solution. It is metal rather than plastic and is held to the rim by three set/Allen screws. Once installed it does not move.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 854
Likes: 7
From: dudley ma
Re: Stupid ?? Center Cap Question (rmadlem)
be careful when you put spinners on the front tires i learned the hard way. what happens is when you tighten down the front lugs the side of the wheel bearing cap can push out on the spinner cone even just one spot say on the bottom where you might not notice what i had to do was take dremel tool with grinding wheel and with cone on tire shave some of the back of cone where it meets the rim my cone sat just a bit higher than the hole on the rim.
of course they dont sell single spinners had to buy new set
of course they dont sell single spinners had to buy new set
Pro
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 560
Likes: 0
From: Camino CA
Re: Stupid ?? Center Cap Question (paul79)
I got those chrome caps, and the allen screws don't line up with grooves on the wheels, and you can see the gap between the wheel and the cap.
I thought I had them all on as secure as they could be, and one day I noticed one was missing. I got some new plastic caps, and they are more secure in my opinon, and you don't need to take the wheel off to install them.
I thought I had them all on as secure as they could be, and one day I noticed one was missing. I got some new plastic caps, and they are more secure in my opinon, and you don't need to take the wheel off to install them.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 1,166
Likes: 0
From: Beautiful Grand Rapids MI
Re: Stupid ?? Center Cap Question (rmadlem)
Thanks for your thoughts everyone. I have the plastic caps, it just seems that they should fit a little tighter. I may try using the silicone for added security. I guess I never thought about the caps until I took the wheels off for the first time.....I've had the car for two years and just now decided to polish the rims. I think I'll also stock up on some extra caps as well.
Thanks again :seeya
Thanks again :seeya
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