A few questions about wheels...
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Joined: Apr 2008
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From: Sunnyvale CA
A few questions about wheels...
I feel really, really embarrassed to have to ask this, but do the wheel caps on my '99 coupe (factory wagons) simply pop right off? They seem a little too deep in the wheel to get a good angle with a screwdriver, plus I don't want to scratch the wheel.
Also, having bought the car used the wheel lock key is missing and I cannot locate the special card that accompanies it. After searching here, I read a post that someone was able to send their VIN to a company which was able to sell new wheel lock keys. Anyone know what company can do this?
I know these are really novice questions, thanks for bearing with me.
Save the wave!
Also, having bought the car used the wheel lock key is missing and I cannot locate the special card that accompanies it. After searching here, I read a post that someone was able to send their VIN to a company which was able to sell new wheel lock keys. Anyone know what company can do this?
I know these are really novice questions, thanks for bearing with me.
Save the wave!
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2007
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From: This is not a Song, It's an Outburst: Or, The Establishment Blues; Sixto Diaz Rodriguez
Never paid much attention to the wagon wheels, but you should be able to take the wheel off without popping out the center cap, maybe? I usually removed my wheel first, than popped them out. As for the lock, did you look in the rear compartment, under the left rear storage bin? There's an indentation where the locking key should be stored. 
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 2,561
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From: Oakland Ca
St. Jude Donor '09
Never paid much attention to the wagon wheels, but you should be able to take the wheel off without popping out the center cap, maybe? I usually removed my wheel first, than popped them out. As for the lock, did you look in the rear compartment, under the left rear storage bin? There's an indentation where the locking key should be stored.
Pop them out from the inside of the wheel.
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Joined: Apr 2008
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From: Sunnyvale CA
Remove the wheel first? on the wagons the center cap covers the nuts as well. They're the factory chrome wagons if that makes a difference. Just went out to the garage, no way I can push them from behind inside the wheel. Come to think of it, I might be able to get some string or wire behind the part of the cap that covers the socket and pull, unless anyone knows a better way?
And yes, I found the indentation in the back, checked all of the rear storage areas, and peeked under some of the lose carpeting just to be thorough. No lock key =/. Anyone know a way to order a new one using the VIN?
Thanks for all the responses!
And yes, I found the indentation in the back, checked all of the rear storage areas, and peeked under some of the lose carpeting just to be thorough. No lock key =/. Anyone know a way to order a new one using the VIN?
Thanks for all the responses!
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 4,506
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From: This is not a Song, It's an Outburst: Or, The Establishment Blues; Sixto Diaz Rodriguez
That's what I thought also, like I told the OP, I usually take my wheel off first, but they were "thinspokes," and the ones I have on now, than pop them from the rear after wheel is off. I'm not sure, but you "can't" take the wagon wheel off without removing the center cap? 
Never mind, I see what you just posted, yep, the center cap covers the lugs.
If you have wagon wheels, you may have OEM locks, don't dealerships have a "universal key" to use? Check with your Chevy dealership(?)
Never mind, I see what you just posted, yep, the center cap covers the lugs.
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2009
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From: Ottawa Ontario
Yes just pry the center caps off with a flat blade screwdriver covered with a rag. The locks can be removed with a universal set that your local GM dealer will have. In my service dept. thats all we use as the customers never remember where their key is. This will only work if you have the factory lock nuts. If not just hammer an old smaller socket on the nut and wrench them off.
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They do come off with a small flat blade screwdriver. 
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Thread Starter
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Joined: Apr 2008
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From: Sunnyvale CA
Thanks for the pic! I guess the previous owner must have put on a black/grey checkered cover in the center of the wheelcap, I never noticed the little tabs under there.
Universal key at the dealership? sounds great. I've been meaning to get these wheels off and bleed my brakes all summer.
Thanks again for all the help
Universal key at the dealership? sounds great. I've been meaning to get these wheels off and bleed my brakes all summer.
Thanks again for all the help
Drifting
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 1,411
Likes: 111
From: Chandler AZ
Stevovette has the right idea.....at this time I have factory wagon wheels & a flat blade screwdriver covered with a shop rag will pop them loose for removal. Get one area loose & then work around & they will come off. LOL
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 2,336
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From: NW Arkansas
St. Jude Donor '08-'09
there is a dark colored ring that attaches to the cap. tabs on the ring fit into the slots to secure the ring.
this is the caps I had on my wagons way back when.....
a set of these come in handy removing trim pieces without damage
Last edited by 10U 99; Sep 5, 2009 at 11:46 AM.
