'60 hubcaps

[Matt F.]

I have never before owned any car that had hubcaps. I've just gotten my '60 to the point where I'm putting the hubcaps on. One is impossible to get on - like putting the lid back on a paint can - one side seats, the other lifts up, and vice-versa. Is there any hope for this cap? Additionally, what's the best way to get 'em off without screwing 'em up?

thanks
-Matt

[Gary Bishop]

Re: '60 hubcaps

I also have one that gives me trouble. I start at the Valve stem and work my way around with a Rubber Hammer or a Dead Blow Hammer.

[Dennis C.]

Matt, Just for fun...

...hubcaps are 7" "dog dish" style cheapie things. Wheel covers are 15" big things. Which are you trying to install?

[Robert D.]

Re: '60 hubcaps

Matt,
The best way I have found to remove wheel coovers is with a plastic spatula. It may take a little more time but it is well worth it. Also place a towel down in case it pops right off. Hope this helps.

Bob

[Mike B.]

Re: '60 hubcaps

Just an idea but perhaps that troubling rim is incorrect. Make sure that it has the raised "nibs" and that it has the same depth around the outer flange as the others. There are lots of other 15" rims out there that will fit the car but won't hold the hubcaps. The best way to get them off is to use a broad, flat thin prybar and pry around the hubcap at a few points to pop it off. A good autoparts store might have the correct tool - it has a slightly curved tip to aid in prying without hitting the tire (some even have a rubber mallet on the other end for putting the hubcap back on).

[Nicholas L.]

Re: '60 hubcaps

I had the same problem with my '60. I put the problem wheel cover on another wheel and it went on fine. The wheel cover that I took off then went on the problem wheel with no trouble. Go figure.

[Matt F.]

Re: Matt, Just for fun...

Sorry, it's the full wheel cover. It won't fit on any of the other wheels, so I know it's not the wheels. I guess I'll send it back & get a replacement...

thanks
-Matt

[Dennis A.]

Hubcap Rotation works *NM*

[Tom P.]

Re: Matt, Just for fun...

Some hubcaps cover the whole wheel. Some hubcaps cover just the center section of the wheel. In the 50s we called them hubcaps. In the 60s we called them hubcaps. In the 70s we called them hubcaps. In the 80s we called them hubcaps. In the 90s we called them hubcaps. We still call them hubcaps. Only the auto manufactures call the big ones Wheel covers!
And also, try to tell someone like Jr. Johnson or Richard Petty that they can't call an engine a motor! Or, that boat racing, auto racing, motorcycle racing, etc, is not motor sports!
If it pops onto the wheel somehow, its a hubcap (unless it's a trim ring).

[Dennis C.]

Well, excuse me for asking a question... *NM*

[Tom P.]

Re: Well, excuse me for asking a question...

Little humor there son, a little humor.
By the way Dennis, did you ever locate one of the add on siphon breakers for that 58 FI unit?

[Dennis C.]

Tom, As a matter of fact, I did...

Really enjoyed putting that baby on the '58 I was restoring. That particular item seemed so much a part of early FI history with GM & Rochester trying to sort out the bugs as fast as they could. The silly thing actually seemed to work pretty well and, of course, the judges usually could only look at it in awe, not always sure what it was, so it never received a judging deduction. Of course, I never deduct for a well hidden modern day electric fuel shut off, but those old add-on siphon breakers were pretty neat. I'd be tempted to give a few points extra credit if I saw one on a '58... Best, Dennis