Are these hubcaps reproductions?

[Donald H.]

For my 60 I have three very good hubcaps (need to replace spinners), and one that has some issues.

Is there a way to tell if the hubcaps are originals or period correct GM service replacements versus more recent reproductions?

There are no markings on the hubcaps that I can find, but inside the spinner (on at least the one I have taken off) there is the part number 3725239 and molded into the casting is Made USA in a circle with the initials BLC in the center (see photo)

Thanks,

Don

[Bruce B.]

Re: Are these hubcaps reproductions?

Don,
Check the flat ring that engages the rim when put on the wheel. At or on either side of the valve stem opening is some text which typically indicated they are original hubcaps.

[Terry R.]

Re: Are these hubcaps reproductions?

On the spinners my experience is two casting lugs are origional four casting lugs reproduction.

[Donald H.]

Re: Are these hubcaps reproductions?

Don,
Check the flat ring that engages the rim when put on the wheel. At or on either side of the valve stem opening is some text which typically indicated they are original hubcaps.

I can't find any marking/text of any kind on the hubcap, so I assume these are reproductions.

Thanks,

Don

[Donald H.]

Re: Are these hubcaps reproductions?

On the spinners my experience is two casting lugs are origional four casting lugs reproduction.

Now that is strange! The one spinner that I took of only has two casting lugs, but I suspect these are reproductions as I can't find any text on the hubcaps.

Thanks,

Don

[Bruce B.]

Re: Are these hubcaps reproductions?

Attached are a few pictures of the stamped markings on an original hubcap.
The markings are in the area of the valve stem cutout.

Does anyone know what the letters signify?

[Donald H.]

Re: Are these hubcaps reproductions?

Attached are a few pictures of the stamped markings on an original hubcap.
The markings are in the area of the valve stem cutout.

Does anyone know what the letters signify?

Thanks, I don't have those stamping on my hubcaps. But the spinner (photo above) does have the Made - BLC - USA. I would assume that BLC is the supplier that made the hubcaps.

Don

[Terry R.]

Re: Are these hubcaps reproductions?

My research on hubcaps determined the origional hubcaps had the stamping but the replacement hubcap you bought over the counter from Chevy didn't have it.

[Gary B.]

Re: Are these hubcaps reproductions?

On my `62... 3 hubcaps had the stamping, 1 did not. It could have been a GM replacement from the `60s-`70s.
Other than the stamping I could not see a difference.

[Bill M.]

Re: Are these hubcaps reproductions?

My research on hubcaps determined the origional hubcaps had the stamping but the replacement hubcap you bought over the counter from Chevy didn't have it.

My '59 originals were stolen in 1963. The 1963 service replacements don't have the stamping.

[Erich C.]

Re: Are these hubcaps reproductions?

There was a good article in the Winter 2007-2008 Restorer ( volume 34 Number 3 ) by Tom Howey, MD #35508. In the article he cited three distinct differences: (1) Originals are ice blue in hue, repo's yellowish when compared side by side. (2) Orig.'s weigh 1.5 oz. more but are the same thickness (gauge). (3) Orig.'s have a distinct rim on the inside of the rock slots and the edges that are folded over are much smoother and less prominent. It also stated in the article that Dave Heitzman had checked over 100+ covers and found that a strong magnet will detect a repo cover. If anyone wants a copy of the article let me know.
Erich

[Donald H.]

Re: Are these hubcaps reproductions?

There was a good article in the Winter 2007-2008 Restorer ( volume 34 Number 3 ) by Tom Howey, MD #35508. In the article he cited three distinct differences: (1) Originals are ice blue in hue, repo's yellowish when compared side by side. (2) Orig.'s weigh 1.5 oz. more but are the same thickness (gauge). (3) Orig.'s have a distinct rim on the inside of the rock slots and the edges that are folded over are much smoother and less prominent. It also stated in the article that Dave Heitzman had checked over 100+ covers and found that a strong magnet will detect a repo cover. If anyone wants a copy of the article let me know.
Erich

Erich,

I would like a copy. I joined NCRS in 2009, so I don't have the winter 2007-2008 Restorer. I have it on the CD, but when reading it there and looking at the black and white photos, it is hard to make sense of some of the comments especially the photos where it says to look at the cover on the right, but there is only one cover in the photo.

If you have a PDF version, please send to donh45@yahoo.com

Thanks,
Don.

[Erich C.]

Re: Are these hubcaps reproductions?

Don,
I sent a copy of the article to your E-mail. The article in the Restorer is printed in B + W.

Erich

[Richard T.]

Re: Are these hubcaps reproductions?

My research on hubcaps determined the origional hubcaps had the stamping but the replacement hubcap you bought over the counter from Chevy didn't have it.

Terry I believe your correct , I have an NOS wheelcover in the GM box that I've had since long before repo covers were available. There are no stamped markings on it. Rich

[Donald H.]

Re: Are these hubcaps reproductions?

Don,
I sent a copy of the article to your E-mail. The article in the Restorer is printed in B + W.

Erich

Thanks,

Got the articles, and mine are reproductions. I used a magnet on the inside and do get a faint attraction. Also, from the description in the article mine would seem to be repros.

Now that I know, I will just go with one of the US made repros to replace the one in my set that needs replacing.

That does bring up another question to any who have used the reproductions. I see that Corvette Central for one sells hubcaps that are imported and ones that are US made. Can anyone tell me the difference in quality between the Import and the US made?

Thanks,
Don