New Hub Cap Installation
 

A while back, I noticed a crack on one of my wire wheels, and I moved that wheel to the spare tire position until I could find a replacement wheel. A couple of months ago, I found a couple of used wheels at Bratton’s, and I had a local shop powder coat them. I finally got the wheels back from powder coating, and they look very nice. So, it’s time to get at least one of them of the car to replace the cracked wheel.

I purchased some new hub caps and the Bratton’s O rings that are supposed to prevent rattles.

For whatever reason, I expected the new hub cap to snap right into place, but it looks like it’s going to chew up the new powder coating instead because the hub cap tabs are set wider than the hub cap opening. Before taking a pair of needle nose pliers to the hub caps to straighten the hub cap tabs (and reduce tension so the the hub cap will go onto the wheel), I thought I would check on the forum to see if there is a better way to install a new hub cap. Once I monkey with the tabs, I don’t know if I’ll be able to get enough tension on them to keep them from falling off while driving.

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Re: New Hub Cap Installation
 

I thought the hubcaps had about 6 tabs on them not a multitude like you show.
Paul in CT

Re: New Hub Cap Installation
 

Bratton's sells a different type than the others

Re: New Hub Cap Installation
 

If I understand the hub cap correctly, the tabs should all go into the center opening of the wheel, then the wheel should be reversed and you bend perhaps four tabs to fasten the cap the wheel. I have never worried about them making noise as I bent the four tabs tight enough to prevent any movement. Never have used the rubber band or O-ring your picture showed. Let us know how you r old ones were and what you do to the new ones.

Re: New Hub Cap Installation
 

The reason I bought new hub caps is that I would like them to match. I’m guessing the tabs on the old hub caps will break when I bend them to get them off.


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Re: New Hub Cap Installation
 

Once in awhile the tabs will break. Thats why there are so many of them.

Re: New Hub Cap Installation
 

There is a special tool to use for bending the tabs. I bend the tabs in a V shape with slip joint pliers and they will snap on . Some have problems with bending the tabs for a good tight fit .

Re: New Hub Cap Installation
 

Pry the tabs very slightly just to get a loose friction fit. Bend over about 5 tabs while centering the cap in the opng. Have never had success with the o rings.
Then take clear GE or others silicon sealant to help hold the tabs and perhaps a little around the inside edge. It wipes off and doesn't mar the powder coat.

Re: New Hub Cap Installation
 

Re: New Hub Cap Installation
 

Re: New Hub Cap Installation
 

I just did 5 on mine. Put hub cap and o ring on, flip over on carpet. Put knees on tire and tap tabs down with a long flat screwdriver

Re: New Hub Cap Installation
 

I got the new hub cap on. The O ring does not fit. Thanks for the help. I think I have enough tabs bent over to keep it fastened to the wheel.


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