1954 hub caps

[Ted K.]

Dumb question, but I am having a difficult time installing the correct 1954 hub caps on my 54. I have a set of 54 chevy caps and they fit on fairly easy but the corvette caps a a real "mother". I'm afraid to hit them too hard with a rubber hammer and dent them. Any 54 guys have any experience with this?
Thanks

[Michael L.]

Re: 1954 hub caps

Ted,I had the same issue with my repro caps on my '55. Finally just put them in position and thumped them with the rubber mallet. Now on tight and no damage.I understand your concern.

[James L.]

Re: 1954 hub caps

Ted

They're all hard to refit. On my '54 I try to "tip in" the bottom of ahe cap and then hit it pretty firmly with the rubber mallet at the top. Once each cap is set you can work around the perimeter until the cap is on as well as can be expected (which often isn't that well).

Jim

[John F.]

Re: 1954 hub caps

On my 62 you can't hit them hard enough with a rubber mallet. If you have the nubs on the wheel like we do you need to tilt the hub cap in and work your way around, also use your knee to brace the starting point, then go all the way around to make sure the cap is seated. Nothing like watching your hub cap go down the road in front of you when not installed properly. Took me two days to find one.

[Michael L.]

Re: 1954 hub caps

Mine are very tight fit,I use the "tip and mallet" method too.