68-? Center Cap Differences?

[Greg L.]

I was just wondering if there are any differences between the 68 and later center caps and also if there is any noticable differences between these caps and the current repops?

Were these caps the same part number as was used on the Chevelles and Monte Carlo's, etc of the day or were they specific to Corvette's?

[Joe L.]

Re: 68-? Center Cap Differences?

I was just wondering if there are any differences between the 68 and later center caps and also if there is any noticable differences between these caps and the current repops?

Were these caps the same part number as was used on the Chevelles and Monte Carlo's, etc of the day or were they specific to Corvette's?

Greg-----

The wheel caps were the same for 1968 to 1982 Corvettes-----GM #3925801 for all. There were no differences that I've ever noted, but I've never really compared a sampling of caps used in PRODUCTION over the years or sold in SERVICE over the years. So, there may be some nuances of difference.

The same cap used on Corvettes was also used for 1968-70 full size passenger cars with rally wheels, but I can't find any other application for them.

They are still available from GM------for about 250 bucks, each, GM list.

[Greg L.]

Re: 68-? Center Cap Differences?

Thanks Joe, So it would appear that the 71 and later passenger car caps were different than the rest of them or that you just have no data in that regard?

The reason I am wondering about these caps is that I'd like to pic up a nice spare set for my 69 and I just want to make sure that I get the right ones. If they are all the same then it's easy but if there are some variations then I'd like to educate myself so that I don't waste my money.

I know of the cheap plastic "repops" so they are obvious. I've also seen some wirhout the lettering on the center section so they are obvious too.

So would it be safe then to assume that as long as they are of the heavy stainless, galvanized and die cast contruction with the "Chevrolet Motor Division" inscribed into the center piece that they would be correct for a 69?

I used to think that the trim rings were all the same for those years but as we all know they are not.

If anyone else could also shed some insight on this I'd appreciate it.

[Jack H.]

Re: 68-? Center Cap Differences?

Just go to a local scrap yard and pickup a rally wheel center cap (Monte Carlo, Camaro) and compare it to your original 'Corvette' part...

[Steven G.]

Re: 68-? Center Cap Differences?

1970 corvette and 1976 elcamino center caps look identical.

[Joe L.]

Re: 68-? Center Cap Differences?

1970 corvette and 1976 elcamino center caps look identical.

Steven-----


I checked further. Previously, I only checked as far as 1975 for non-Corvette usage of the Corvette center caps. So, now I checked from 1976 onward. It turns out that 1976-77 "A" body Chevrolets (e.g. Chevelles, El Caminos, and Monte Carlos) with rally wheels also used the same cap as 68-82 Corvette.

[Joe L.]

Re: 68-? Center Cap Differences?

Thanks Joe, So it would appear that the 71 and later passenger car caps were different than the rest of them or that you just have no data in that regard?

The reason I am wondering about these caps is that I'd like to pic up a nice spare set for my 69 and I just want to make sure that I get the right ones. If they are all the same then it's easy but if there are some variations then I'd like to educate myself so that I don't waste my money.

I know of the cheap plastic "repops" so they are obvious. I've also seen some wirhout the lettering on the center section so they are obvious too.

So would it be safe then to assume that as long as they are of the heavy stainless, galvanized and die cast contruction with the "Chevrolet Motor Division" inscribed into the center piece that they would be correct for a 69?

I used to think that the trim rings were all the same for those years but as we all know they are not.

If anyone else could also shed some insight on this I'd appreciate it.

Greg-----

Note that I have added the 1976-77 "A" body Chevrolets with rally wheels as using the same cap as Corvette. However, other than those applications and the ones I have previously mentioned, I can find no others.

There were a lot of different part numbers for these caps over the period and used on other Chevrolet models. Some of those did use caps with a "Bow Tie" emblem and MAY have been otherwise similar to the Corvette cap. I just don't have enough familiarity with the non-Corvette caps to say one way or the other.

Don't rule out the plastic caps. They make a good choice for "on road" use when your car has to be parked in areas (motels, hotels, etc.) where the car is subject to theft of components. Remember, these caps are easy to "rip off" and are VERY, VERY popular (= easy to sell for good money). So, temporarily replacing original caps with these inexpensive plastic versions can be a good idea under certain circumstances.

[Greg L.]

Re: 68-? Center Cap Differences?

Okay thanks guys. I guess it's safe then to assume that in this case if it looks,walks and quacks like a duck then it must be a duck!

It's just that I was at a swap meet last weekend(Turlock) and saw quite a few of these caps and was going to try and pick up a nice set but backed off because I didn't want to grab a set that looks "right" only to get home and find there was a slight variation from my originals. You know slightly different fonts, ribs, height, you name it...

Sounds like they are all the same and if there is any variations it is so slight that it's not obvious anyways.

[Bryan M.]

Re: 68-? Center Cap Differences?

Greg,
I can understand your caution given the 68's uniqueness. I don't understand the reasoning for the differences in a PO1 vs a PO2 hubcap.