What are you "Knock Off Wheel" people using to remove/install your knock off spinners? What is the best and easiest way to perform this task? Is the good old lead hammer the way to go? And will the lead hammer hold up after using it time after time? I see that there is a removal tool that fits over the spinner and is turned like a lug wrench.(Expensive $250.00) Has anyone tried to make something similar to this tool? Does it work? Thanks
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Re: Knock Off Spinner Removal Tool
For me the tool you reference is well worth the cost in terms of protecting my original spinners from damage, protecting the fender and wheel from an errant lead hammer and allowing a reliable way to apply the appropriate torque to the spinner. I have used the tool for 5 years and am quite pleased. Iy is of high quality an is a pleasure to use. -
Re: Knock Off Spinner Removal Tool
The knock of removal tool does work very well. It's made by Dennis Portka. You might save a few $$$ if you buy it directly from him. He advertises in hemmings, or you can find his number in the archives.Comment
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Re: Knock Off Spinner Removal Tool
Also - Tom at International Axle has an outstanding billet CNC milled tool with a long bar that inserts.....very nice....Craig
International AxleComment
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Re: Knock Off Spinner Removal Tool
I had one of the Portka tools that was included when I bought my 65 coupe. Was never happy with it. When it came to feeling safe while on the road, the lead hammer gave much more confidence. Since I drive my car fairly often, the confidence is important to me. Fact, after installing with GM recommended number of blows with a lead hammer, in my experience, the tool would not loosen the KO retaining nut, which tells me that it doesn't create the same tightness. Maybe I'm gun shy after reading all the occurences of the KO's coming off, but I'll stick with the lead hammer. I sold the KO tool on ebay for more than a new one would cost.Comment
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Re: Knock Off Spinner Removal Tool
Steve - if I recall, there was an article in the restorer on using the Portka tool with an extension bar to gain leverage. I know it has a short shaft on it as delivered...CraigComment
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Re: Knock Off Spinner Removal Tool
A couple of words here... First, the lead hammer that Chevy packed with these cars new from the factory is a ROAD EMERGENCY item and was NOT intended to be used as an everyday shop tool. After a handful of uses, you'll find the lead deforms and ultimately you'll be down to the steel cup of the hammer BITING into your spinners! So, put square pegs in square holes and use this hammer as it was intended (ONLY in a bona fide highway emergency situation).
For routine shop use, I use a low cost lead hammer that has a LOT more lead and is easily replaceable/disposable. Search the archives as there was a good older thread on the '***** of all hammers' which gave particulars for vendor/source on a nice/heafty, lead ended dead blow for this job!
On the special tool from Portka, yes 1-2 of our Chapter members have purchased this and found it to work WHEN an extention shaft was installed onto the handle. The 'plus' factor is you're not swinging a hammer near your outer fender lips + center cones. The 'negative' factors are: (1) cost and (2) without an extention handle and CARE in actuation, it's possible to slip off the spinner and have the handle scrape the wheel well lips. Pick your poison!Comment
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Re: Knock Off Spinner Removal Tool
There was an article in The Restorer by Bill Sangray about "the mother of all hammers" and the proper technique to use it -- weight of the car off the wheel. Check it out in The Restorer index on the publications page of this site. I know it is within the last five years, because I published it in my term as editor.TerryComment
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I've asked this question before.
"Was there a Kent-Moore tool released for service in the dealerships? Would seem like there would be but I've not seen a record of it.Comment
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Re: I've asked this question before.
Try this - helluva 6# lead hammer!
"Mother-Thumper" Lead HammerComment
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Re: Knock Off Spinner Removal Tool
Anyone contemplating the removal of the rear KO spinners might want to re-think the " weight off the wheel " thing. On two occasions in the past, while attemping to secure a spinner ( different cars ), with the wheel off the floor, the necessary blows to the spinner caused the C-clip on the axle to pop off, requiring the removal of the rear cover, along with all it's inconviences.Comment
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Re: I've asked this question before.
That's the hammer I bought and currently use on my '64 KO wheels, it works great!
Regards,
James West
Omaha, NE.Comment
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