63 hubcaps

[Jack Trissel]

I would like to know the correct orientation of the spinner to the valve stem opening of the 63 hubcap. I have seen many with it the lettering horizontal to the stem opening and I have seen a top flight car with it 90degrees off. which is correct? Thanks for the info
Jack
22847

[Michael H.]

Re: 63 hubcaps

Jack,

Actually, there is no factory right/wrong way that these were assembled. I can only tell you that the majority of originals that I've seen over the years has the valve stem opening at around 10:00 o'clock when the ornament is in a horizontal position. A pic in the AIM may show a certain clock position but it didn't happen at St. Louis, at least not consistantly.

[Tracy C.]

agree with random clocking..

I would imagine any given installer had a configuration they frequently repeated, but I've never heard of a factory specification for spinner clocking.

I like to place the valve core slot at 6 o'clock myself. But who cares about my personal preference...

tc

[Mike M.]

Re: agree with random clocking..

we ll care about yer perosnal preference, tc. mike

[Tracy C.]

thanks Mikie.. yu make me feel special..

What award did you win anyway? Best legs?.. lets see now, where is that picture?

[Art A.]

Re: 63 hubcaps

Jack, The hub caps were not installed at the assembly plant they were " placed in the luggage compartment area" and installed at the dealer. See Miscellanous shipping list in the AIM section 14...............I think section A3 or there abouts.

As far as the correct orientation of the spinner to the valve stem opening to the 63 hubcap, the 65 AIM (it's the only one I have available at the moment, but probably the same as 63)shows the valve stem at about the 7 o'clock position and the spinner at 2,6, and 10 o'clock, but doesn't show details. So I would summarize that the only way we could be positive, would be to see the drawings.

Art

[Mike M.]

Re: thanks Mikie.. yu make me feel special..

the award was for the ncrs member most likely to be cannonized. soon to be St. Michael.mikie

[Michael H.]

Re: 63 hubcaps

The 63 AIM drawing is vague and doesn't even show an opening in the cover for a valve stem so no specific index would be possible from that drawing. Also, in cases where a specific clock position or installation is required, there would have been a note that instructed the worker: "install as shown", or "align ear with valve stem opening" etc. These parts were random assembled in any position.

[Tracy C.]

Re: thanks Mikie.. yu make me feel special..

I'm just a podunk baptist, but I never dreamed they would shoot you from a cannon just to be a Saint ??

Holy Powderburns Batman!!... I hope you have a soft landing..

[John D.]

Re: 63 hubcaps

Mikie, So glad you found AIMS with no hole for valve stem. Maybe the early '63's didn't use valve stem?? It's a thought. hee. So at least my wheel covers are right (hubcaps). 087 Coil make a good paper weight though. Thought my post on cols was going to be a really long record breaking ont until I saw the one on judging. Whew. I have some more '63 qts but I believe the boys need a break. Amen. Thanks again, John

[Art A.]

Re: 63 hubcaps

Michael, I wasn't referring to the AIM drawing, I was referring to the Engineering drawing.

Art

[Michael H.]

Re: 63 hubcaps

Art,

Ok, I assumed you meant the AIM. I think the results would be the same though as the ornament was assembled to the cover in the St. Louis plant. I know those guys probably wouldn't have done anything special with it unless there were specific instructions. I'm going to check the 66 AIM just to see if things may have changed for that MY.

[Chris H.]

Re: 63 hubcaps

I have the drawings for part numbers 3725237 (released 1955 with changes thru '57) which is for covers w/o vent holes. I do not know the years used.

Also number 3759119(released 1958 w/ changes thru '60). This drawing is identical to 3725237 except vents are added and I believe a brush finish at the center to be used untill '62?

Also have drawing 3964511 which is released 1968. This cover is a spinnerless cover same as 3759119 except the wings are gone for, I presume, service to meet the "get rid of wings" laws.

Anyways the first two drawings show the wings in the 3:00 and 9:00 position relative to the valve hole at the 6:00 position. the flags are also at the 3:00 and 9:00 positions.

There is a note "Cross arms of hub to be at right angles to valve stem hole centerline" which was added on the 3759119 drawing in 1955.

Well, I just went and looked at what a 63 cover looks like and it has three wings. Oh well it took so much time to do the above I will leave it here for prosperity.

[Michael H.]

Re: 63 hubcaps

John,

Yup, mikey needs the rest of the night off. I can't believe I spent this whole entire day on the discussion board and looking up info. I've had enough Corvette for one day. Good thing the Kelly girl is in Ft Lauderdale till Friday. I'd never get away with this nonsense if she was here.

There is a pic of a 65 wheel cover in the first printing of the Adams book that has no valve stem hole at all. Not sure if the later editions have the same pic.

Believe it or not, there have been wheels that have inflated tires on them but have no valve stems. Have no holes in the wheel for the valve stems either. No means of inflating the tire at all. I've seen one. Bet John Hinckley has too.

[Loren L.]

If ALL of the people who believe that the

the '63 hub cap assemblers paid attention to the above - and that the 57-62 hubcap assemblers actually POINTED the spinner to the valve stem hole - please send me your name, address, checking account # and financial references because I believe I can get you into a RARE Plymouth Prowler for less than 25K! Take action quickly - a limited time offer....