'78 Center Caps Keep Falling Off
Thread Starter
4th Gear
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
'78 Center Caps Keep Falling Off
I have a 1978 vette with original aluminum wheels that have plastic center caps. The caps keep falling off. The design is such that tension is the only thing holding the caps on. No clips. Two questions: Were the original '78 caps metal? Does anyone have any ideas as to how I can keep these caps from falling off?
Last edited by jag1902; Nov 25, 2004 at 10:24 PM.
Race Director
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 16,483
Likes: 1
From: The Only Corvette in Gila Bend, Az.
St. Jude Donor '09
The RTV is a good option, you can also wrap the edge with some electrical tape. Go all the way around the inside lip to make it fit tighter into the rim..This is an old trick for the 82CE's..
There is no metal ones, they are all plastic.
There is no metal ones, they are all plastic.
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 30,995
Likes: 99
From: Ontario
You can purchase aftermarket white (pot) metal versions. They are held to the wheel by small Allen screws and do not move. Obviously they are not "correct" but do look very nice. The most glaring difference is the chrome rather than black sides.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 7,493
Likes: 1,501
From: Little Rock AR
I do the RTV thing. Clear is better but Orange was what I had laying around last time. You put it on the gripper teeth and then snap it in place. Wipe off any excess on the outside.
-Mark.
-Mark.
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 4,712
Likes: 299
From: Concord VA, U.S.A.
St. Jude Donor '05 thru '26
Originally Posted by paul67
You can purchase aftermarket white (pot) metal versions. They are held to the wheel by small Allen screws and do not move. Obviously they are not "correct" but do look very nice. The most glaring difference is the chrome rather than black sides.
Team Owner
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 54,204
Likes: 180
From: S.W. Ohio. . . . . . NRA Life Member
I do the RTV thing
The RTV worked by keeping them from falling off on their own - but I didn't find a remedy for those lost to the S.S. (Souvenir Seekers) who remove them with ease with simple downward pressure from ones foot.
Racer
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 451
Likes: 2
From: Toronto On
Originally Posted by paul67
The most glaring difference is the chrome rather than black sides.
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Team Owner
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 30,995
Likes: 99
From: Ontario
They came from Eckler's, a Forum sponsor. They can't fall out as they are installed from the back of the wheel (they are flanged) and then secured with the Allen screws. Even if the screws back off (Note: use LocTite) the caps will just hang loose. Emblems are extra.
http://www.ecklers.com/product.asp?p...1LQNWX774H0KAE
http://www.ecklers.com/product.asp?p...1LQNWX774H0KAE
