Knock Off Removal

[Daniel K.]

I have a 65 396 coupe that has reproduction knock off wheels installed. I need to remove the wheels and have removed the pins from the knock off/hubs. It appears that the spinners have not been off the hubs for some time. There is evidence of some rust where the stainless steel metal cap insert resides and I can not detect any rust on the threads.

I have soaked the threads (as best as possible) with penetrating oil and have let the oil stand for a couple of days now.

No matter how hard I pound on the spinner (in the direction of the “OFF Arrow”) the spinners refuse to budge for me.

I have used the lead hammer to no avail, then, graduated to an 8 pound hammer and a ½ inch piece of plywood to cushion the blows to the spinner. Still, the spinners refuse to move.

Would the next step be to use heat on the spinner/hub combination or should I try dry ice applied the hub and heat to the spinner? Would it be recommended to use the aftermarket “Spinner Wrench” in lieu of the heat/cold application?

Thanks for your advice. Your help will be appreciated.

Dan K. 37814

[Mike Yager]

Re: Knock Off Removal

Are you using an aftermarket lead hammer, instead of the original? When I bought my car, the wheels had not been off in a long time. I found a heavy lead hammer (not the original style) made a big difference. If you cannot get the wheels off with this type of hammer, I don't think the K/O wrench will help much.

A source for a good lead K/O hammer is www.cobrasbyxks.com. They sell Cobra parts (sorry). However their lead K/O hammer is excellent. I have had one for years. It does not fall apart.

[G B.]

Re: Knock Off Removal

The wrench tool is a geat help, especially with a 6' long hollow pipe cheater bar on the handle.

Check the archives for a discussion of the tool and how to use it.

I don't think heat is the way to go. And while I accept the "bigger hammer" approach works with some things in life, I don't hold out much hope for that removing your spinners.

[Bill Stephenson]

Re: Knock Off Removal

Dan

------Im not sure if anything has changed but the aftermarket KOs I have seen dont have stainless center caps,as the originals did.The repros are chrome-plated and when the chrome cracks as one removes or installs them it allows some rust to appear over time..........Bill S

[Tom G.]

Re: Knock Off Removal

I had the same problem with KO's on a '65. Like you, I tried all the obvious things. What worked for me was to heat the inside of the hub with a torch. This worked and I kept those hubs well lubed after that.

[John L.]

Re: Knock Off Removal

Dan -- just a coule things. Check to make sure the previous owner has not installed any set screws on the inside of the hub in an attempt to further prevent the spinners from coming off. Also make sure the aluminum pins did not break off inside the spinner/hub when you removed them. I am not sure what brand of penetrating oil you used. I would try PB Blaster over a couple of days and then use the lead hammer. Take a permanant black felt tip pen and scribe a line on the spinner and the cone to make sure it is not really turning when you hit it.
When you put them back -- make sure you use plenty of anitsieze compund.

[Craig S.]

Re: Knock Off Removal

Mike - thx for the tip. I wonder if the Bronze/Rawhide KO hammer works as well but is more durable? It's only a few $ more...Craig

[Michael S.]

Re: Knock Off Removal

If you want a bigger hammer, and who doesn't, make your own. I've had the same stuck KO problem before and nothing works like a BIG hammer. Remember, if it won't come loose force it! If it breaks, you need a new one anyway!

The best hammer I have found is one you make. Use a pipe or an old KO hammer handle for the start of you hammer. Get a Campbells soup can or a corn/bean can and drill/cut a hole in the can in the middle of the side so you can stick the handle in the side of the can. I have found it best to drill a hole in the end of the hammer handle that will stick in the can and maybe stick a bolt in there. This will give the lead something to grab on to when you make your hammer.

Go to you friendly tire installation guy and get a bunch of "used wheel weights". Get a crummy pan from your wife and melt the wheel weights. Pour the melted lead in the open end of the can with you handle installed in the car. Fill the car with lead and let it cool. When it is cool, cut the can off the lead and you have one bad ass lead hammer. If you flatten or ruin the hammer by wailing on the KO's, just recyle and make another hammer head.

I have always been able to remove KO's with this homemade hammer.

Sometimes a better idea really is a bigger hammer!

Mike Strinich

[Jack H.]

Shop the catalogs....

you'll eventually find a listing for SS spinner center caps. They're out there. I know-I got tired of seeing the notorious thin rust line around the interference fit contacts of the chromed steel caps....

[Michael H.]

Re: Knock Off Removal

Hey Dan -

Tool supply shops sell plastic dead blow hammers filled with lead shot. You can get them in longer lengths than traditional metal hammers so you can use both arms when you swing. Also, I modified the hubs based on an article I found on the NCRS Restorer CD ROM that has been effective. Basically, you drill and tap the hub and insert a set screw once the spinner is locked in with the pin. I have had my wheel come off once and I am meticuluous about making sure the spinners are set properly. I can send you a photo if you e-mail me at mghaluska@aol.com.