56-57 hupcap identification

[Garry Barnes]

Can someone help me with identifying original from reproduction hubaps for 56-57? I know that they are not slotted and the finish is of less quality. I need to know if there are any identifying stampings,markings etc. that identify them as made by the original equipment manufacturer. Thanks.
Garry Barnes

[James F.]

Re: 56-57 hupcap identification

Garry,
This is a tough question. There are (now) some pretty good repro's out. The originals stainless was flash plated and gives a blue cast shine. I think the hole where the tube stem pokes though has a rolled edge. The repor's may not. The Spinners have cast part number on the backside but that info is covered up unless they are unscrewed from the cap. The originls spinners have a molded ridge line on the outer ends of the spinners but (I recall) the repro's are pretty good in this area as well. The best thing for you to do if you can, is compare an original with a repro one in each hand. Regards,

[Garry Barnes]

Re: 56-57 hupcap identification

Jim,
Thanks for the repsonse and information. I have what I believe to be three original covers with spinners because they meet all of the criteria you mentioned. Additionally, I have uncovered a stamping on the inside edge (the side that actually touches the wheel where the tangs are) that says BLC US PAT.PENDING. John McGraw says that the original spinners have this marking BLC as well. Could someone check their covers to see if they have this stamping? Thanks.

Garry Barnes

[ROB DAME MEM# 36211]

Re: 56-57 hupcap identification

Garry, I just took one of mine (56) off and checked. The outer
lip of the wheel cover says MADE BLC-U PAT.PENDING.and has the
lip inside of the valve stem opening.
The inside of the spinner does not have the BLC-U just a cast or
part# 3725239 may be repo spinners? Rob

[Garry Barnes]

Re: 56-57 hupcap identification

Rob,
I can barely make out what appears to be an S after the U. Can you see anything on yours like this? It in fact may not be an S but a stray scratch. If yours is a clear stamping then I would go with yours. Thanks for the help. I assume that yours are original correct? Thanks again.

Garry

[Joe Pennington]

Re: 56-57 hupcap identification

I checked a couple of my 56 hubcaps and I can faintly see the "s" after the "u".
The stamping is centered on the mounting lip at the valve stem hole.
If they are the original caps, they are the only things original on my car. Inside the spinner is 3725239, not stamped evenly or straight and a "BLC" with "MADE" arched on top and "USA" arched under the "BLC" in the center of the spinner that reads the same at the "Chevrolet Corvette" on the outside. Above the part # between the two top tapped mounting pads are two ejector pin pads.
Joe