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Old 09-06-2020, 01:58 PM   #1
shew01
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Default 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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Old 09-06-2020, 02:10 PM   #2
1931 flamingo
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Default Re: New Hub Cap Installation

I thought the hubcaps had about 6 tabs on them not a multitude like you show.
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Old 09-06-2020, 02:31 PM   #3
Bob from Northport
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Default Re: New Hub Cap Installation

Bratton's sells a different type than the others
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Old 09-06-2020, 02:32 PM   #4
daveymc29
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Default 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.
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Old 09-06-2020, 02:35 PM   #5
shew01
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Default Re: New Hub Cap Installation

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Originally Posted by daveymc29 View Post
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.

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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Old 09-06-2020, 02:43 PM   #6
Patrick L.
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Default Re: New Hub Cap Installation

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Once in awhile the tabs will break. Thats why there are so many of them.
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Old 09-06-2020, 02:58 PM   #7
Purdy Swoft
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Default 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 .
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Old 09-06-2020, 03:41 PM   #8
duke36
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Default 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.
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Old 09-06-2020, 04:21 PM   #9
Y-Blockhead
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Default Re: New Hub Cap Installation

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Originally Posted by Purdy Swoft View Post
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 .
The special tool is for the 10 tab caps and is no longer available. I haven't had a loose cap in 6 years since I used the tool, no rubber bands, no silicon.

Last edited by Y-Blockhead; 09-06-2020 at 05:20 PM.
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Old 09-06-2020, 04:49 PM   #10
McMimmcs
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Default Re: New Hub Cap Installation

Quote:
Originally Posted by duke36 View Post
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.
Follow this you can't go wrong !
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Old 09-06-2020, 07:48 PM   #11
Cpuckett
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Default 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
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Old 09-07-2020, 10:37 AM   #12
shew01
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Default 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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