57 Wheel Covers

[Tom H.]

Is there a trick to getting wheel covers on that doesn't involve smacking them with a mallet? I may be in trouble anyway because both the wheels (paragon) and the covers (Corvettes of Maryland) are reproductions.

Thanks,
Tom

[John F.]

Re: 57 Wheel Covers

[quote=Tom Hinds (49248);558873]Is there a trick to getting wheel covers on that doesn't involve smacking them with a mallet? I may be in trouble anyway because both the wheels (paragon) and the covers (Corvettes of Maryland) are reproductions.

Tom, Always use a rubber mallet. Each cap has a couple cutouts (not sure that is what they are called) on the backside. They are on either side of the opening where the valve stem is located. Start the cap over the valve stem and tilt the cap to get clearance around the stem. I hold and keep pressure on the spinner.Then hit it on the area that the four nubs are behind. You can tell as it pops on. Sometimes you need a llittle knee to assist. When on go all the wayt around using the mallet to make sure the cap is seated. After loosing a cap at 50 mph this is the way I do it. It works for me!

[Bruce B.]

Re: 57 Wheel Covers

I like to wrap a small towel around my hand and then use the edge of my fist to hit the edge of hubcap.
I've never had a problem or damaged a hubcap installing it this way.

[Steven B.]

Re: 57 Wheel Covers

I've done it Bruce's way since '64 and did it last week again. Way back when I didn't use the towel, just the heel of my hand.

Steve

[Adam S.]

Re: 57 Wheel Covers

Heel of the hand still works for me, but I have tuff hands due to being a mechanical contractor most everyday

But, I did see a younger looking 80yr old guy using a walking alum. stick with the big gray rubber foot & he used his foot on bottom of cap & heel of his hand on the cain handle to push on the top rim of cap & heard it pop on before I could offer assitance ,original cap had no dents in it either & fella did not need the stick for walking, guess saying is true= if there is a will there is a way!