Knock off wheel spinner

[Ruud Z.]

A few weeks ago I mounted a set of (used Western) knock off wheels on my '63 convertible. They look great but the right rear spinner is not staying tight and loosens after even a short drive. All the other 3 are OK but this one worries me so much that I consider putting my original steel bolt on back on. Is there a simple remedy or product (e.g. loctite) that will cure this (dangerous) problem? The wheel adapter and spinners do not have a groove for the locking pins. Thanks Ruud

[Wayne P.]

Re: Knock off wheel spinner

A few weeks ago I mounted a set of (used Western) knock off wheels on my '63 convertible. They look great but the right rear spinner is not staying tight and loosens after even a short drive. All the other 3 are OK but this one worries me so much that I consider putting my original steel bolt on back on. Is there a simple remedy or product (e.g. loctite) that will cure this (dangerous) problem? The wheel adapter and spinners do not have a groove for the locking pins. Thanks Ruud

Ruud.
What procedure did you use to install ? Archive has a lot of info to help.
I would not use loctite . Think about the next time you need to get it off.
You might require a new spinner or hub. Check the threads might be worn.
Do you have the spinner and hub on the correct side of car ? I believe off you have to spin it to the front of car.
Good luck.

[John N.]

Re: Knock off wheel spinner

This may not apply to your spinner. I had a set of rechromed spinners on my 56 Sebring car. They looked great but the clamping surface had been polished with a crown instead of a correct flat surface. I lost a spinner at turn eleven of Laguna Seca, the wheel came off at turn two.
Regards

[Alan D.]

Re: Knock off wheel spinner

Do not .... Do not use Loctite, at least the red stuff.

Made that mistake some 20 years ago then wanted to remove. Called Loctite and their remarks were - get a torch and heat it off, thus wrecking chrome and more.

Loctite did recommend using their 592 PST Pipe Sealant, #59241. Which I still use a little of however read the stuff that Wayne gave you since a sealant is not necessary if done correctly.

[Wayne W.]

Re: Knock off wheel spinner

Do exactly the opposite. Use Never Seize, and most importantly knock the hell out of them with that lead hammer.

[Gary C.]

Re: Knock off wheel spinner

Rudd, you can drill and tap the hub for a set screw. Reinstall the knock off wheel and make sure you have the big holes over the lug nuts and small holes over the pins. Tighten the spinner with your lead hammer multiple times with the wheel on the ground. Drive around a block or two. Stop re-hammer. Repeat this process a couple of times. Then installed the set screw from the inside of the hub. Last use silicon to attach the cap. This process works great on the old Western Wheels. Gary....

[Douglas G.]

Re: Knock off wheel spinner

I had the exact problem with the right rear on my '63 and for my money the only solution is to the have the necessary machining done on the adapter and nut and use locking pins.I have not had a problem since the work was done and I feel safe on the highway.Your life is worth more than a few dollars spent at the local machine shop.

[Jean C.]

Re: Knock off wheel spinner

Rudd,
Perhaps you have already checked this, but have you positioned the wheel on the adapter in the correct manner? Item 8 in the list of instructions you attached to your note refers.

It is physically possible to improperly position the wheel on the adapter wherein the holes in the wheel are on the ends of lug bolts rather than on the pins on the adapter.

Incorrect installation of the wheel as noted above results in the wheel not being properly seated on the adapter and the situation you are experiencing will certainly be the result.

I have Western K/O's w/o pins on my '64 and have never had a problem. I do suggest you buy a 5 pound lead hammer to use on the spinners and not rely on the on original type hammer that comes with the wheels.

Best regards,

[Jack H.]

Re: Knock off wheel spinner

I have Western K/O's w/o pins on my '64 and have never had a problem. I do suggest you buy a 5 pound lead hammer to use on the spinners and not rely on the on original type hammer that comes with the wheels.

Amen, Charlie! That hammer the factory packed with the jack SHOULD have been clearly labeled "ROAD SIDE EMERGENCY TOOL" "Do NOT use for routine maintenance!"

[John H.]

Re: Knock off wheel spinner

Check the wheel indexing to the adapter - if you don't have the correct "long" lug nuts, there are ten ways to index the wheel, and five of them are wrong, and will only allow engagement of two or three threads on the spinner and adapter; then the wheel falls off.

[Jean C.]

Re: Knock off wheel spinner

I have Western K/O's w/o pins on my '64 and have never had a problem. I do suggest you buy a 5 pound lead hammer to use on the spinners and not rely on the on original type hammer that comes with the wheels.

Amen, Charlie! That hammer the factory packed with the jack SHOULD have been clearly labeled "ROAD SIDE EMERGENCY TOOL" "Do NOT use for routine maintenance!"

And after you buy the 5 pound lead hammer, don't be bashful....hit like you live, long and hard.
Best rergards

[Wayne P.]

Re: Knock off wheel spinner

Just be careful not to hit the fender lip . I came close not good for the nerves or pocket book. Rudd Did you solve the problem with info provided ?

[Ruud Z.]

Re: Knock off wheel spinner

Yes thanks you it seems to be solved for now. I have not driven it far., just about 30 miles and the rightrear spinners seems to be not moving.
I re-did the mounting procedure and did hold back while hitting the spinner with a heavier hammer. So far so good.
Thanks a lot everybody for the advise you gave.
Ruud

[Jack R.]

Re: Knock off wheel spinner

For peace of mind, once properly secured, I take a black magic marker and make a straight line on the spinner and cone. No one every noticed this in 17 years. I made it a habit every time I am getting into the car, I glance at that black mark to check alignment hence no movement.

[Wayne M.]

Re: Knock off wheel spinner

And after you buy the 5 pound lead hammer, don't be bashful....hit like you live, long and hard.
Best rergards

Here it is, on the left, obviously -- the ***** Thumper.

DB software wouldn't let me say "m-u-t-h-a", hence the asterisks .