Security of Starburst on 1967 bolton wheels

[Robert M.]

I am about to install my original KH bolton wheels on my 1967 coupe. I have heard of starburts coming off while driving. Is there something in particular in installing them, to ensure they are secure and won't come off? Thanks

[Michael H.]

Re: Security of Starburst on 1967 bolton wheels

Bob,

I've never had one come off, make sure you have new spring clips as that will help.

Mike

[Greg H.]

Re: Security of Starburst on 1967 bolton wheels

Hi Robert,

I have lost one of my caps while driving at freeway speeds. Glad to report that no damage was done to anyone, the cap was trashed. After that loss, I always apply a bead of structural silicone on each spring clip and allow it to cure for 24 hours before driving. I have 100,000 plus miles on this combo without another cap launch. I still have a calk tube left in my shop with the part number and will follow up with you tomorrow.

Greg

[Robert M.]

Re: Security of Starburst on 1967 bolton wheels

Greg, I look forward to hearing about what silicne product you use.

Rob

[Greg H.]

Re: Security of Starburst on 1967 bolton wheels

Hi Rob,

DOW CORNING 995

You will not find this silicone at your local Home Depot. Its a common material used by window glaziers in commercial construction so look for your local commercial glazing supply source. Here is LA we have a company called R.S. Hughes.

It has worked for me and I now have 4 new NOS caps that will get the same fixing.

Thanks - Greg

[Robert M.]

Re: Security of Starburst on 1967 bolton wheels

Thanks Greg. Do you apply it to each of the four clips, install it on the wheels and let it sit for 24 hours?

[Greg H.]

Re: Security of Starburst on 1967 bolton wheels

Yes I use my standard caulk gun to push out a bead on to all of the springs clips and then snap the caps on to the attachment ring. That action forces the silicone on to the attachment ring and completes the bonding cycle. The attachment rings must be free of any oil or dirt.


As far as the curing cycle, I have just read the tube and they make no reference to the required drying time. I recommend you make your own test by pushing some of this silicone out on to a surface so it can dry and keep track of the cure time. Silicone requires oxygen to cure and this is a good application because the caps clips are exposed and not inclosed in a cavity. You will need to re-seal the tube so that you don't activate the remaining material.

My car has been down for years now so I recall waiting 24 hours before my burn outs. A test bead will be worth the time.

Greg

[Robert M.]

Re: Security of Starburst on 1967 bolton wheels

I found a local distributor of the product and it is available in a squeeze tube for eleven dollars and change. Thank you Greg.

Rob

[Kenneth B.]

Re: Security of Starburst on 1967 bolton wheels

HI ROB
If you found the high $ caps you were looking for why not use some driver repop caps to drive on & save the originals for shows. Also not much of a loss if someone gets a 5 finger discount for them when your out an not by your car.

[Robert M.]

Re: Security of Starburst on 1967 bolton wheels

Excellent idea Ken. The new ones are almost a perfect match to the originals.

[Robert M.]

Re: Security of Starburst on 1967 bolton wheels

Since the ring on the wheel is a complete circle and the starburst has four spring clips, can the starburst be installed with no regard to a specific position?

[Greg H.]

Re: Security of Starburst on 1967 bolton wheels

Hi Rob,
My wheels, caps and attachment rings are the original production type. The caps have 4 male projections that index into the 4 female slots that are cut into the attachment rings. That indexing fixes the attachment IMG_0445.jpgIMG_0440.jpgIMG_0441.jpgIMG_0443.jpglocation of the spring clips that get the silicone.