C1 Wheelcovers and restoration

[Michael S.]

Is there any way to tell 1959 repro wheelcovers from original ?

Any opinions on the top body off restorers for C1s ? I live in Connecticut but wouild have no issues sending the car long distance.

thanks

[Don H.]

Re: C1 Wheelcovers and restoration

There are many great shops but be sure to check references. In the midwest, Todd Spain does Top Flight work (563-678-2706). Don H.

[Mike E.]

Re: C1 Wheelcovers and restoration

There are differences between the caps, primarily in two areas:
1) the stamped in "fins" that are raised and radiate from the circular denter crown terminate near the crown with a slightly different profile than the originals (I'm talking about the good repros--the cheapies aren't even worth consiering)
2) the original caps were an "ice-blue" hue,. while the repros generally have a slightly yellow-gold hue to them. (And originals that have been polished too much also end up with a yellow-gold hue to them--when that's the case, go back to 1) above.)

[Chris H.]

Re: C1 Wheelcovers and restoration

Why yhe difference in hue?

[Jerry C.]

Re: C1 Wheelcovers and restoration

Todd Spain is one of the best.

[Tracy C.]

Re: C1 Wheelcovers and restoration

I imagine the cheap repops do not flash chrome the hubcaps as did the General. Also, prolonged buffing will wear through the flash chrome of an original therby producing the yellowish tint.

Oddly enough, this effect is most noticable on cloudy days. Here is a pic that clearly shows the difference flash chrome makes on stainless.

tc

[John T.]

Re: C1 Wheelcovers and restoration

Difference in hue is because the originals were "flash" chromed while the reproductions are not.

John

[Michael S.]

Re: C1 Wheelcovers and restoration

Thanks for all of the help guys.

[Rob M.]

Re: C1 Wheelcovers and restoration

Quote: Also, prolonged buffing will wear through the flash chrome of an original therby producing the yellowish tint.

This would mean you can't tell an original from a repro wouldn't it ?

I've also heard that repro's have sharper edges at the slots (> 1958), is this indeed the case?

greetings,
Rob.

[Jim K.]

Re: C1 Wheelcovers and restoration

Contact Ron's Restorations in Fitchberg, Mass. his team does an outstanding job. Check his references and see his work. He is relatively close to you. You can find him on the New England NCRS website. Jim