RPO P02 Deluxe Wheel Covers

[Peter G.]

I am considering purchasing a set of the P02 wheelcovers or hubcaps.

As many of you know this can be quite a expensive purchase, so I am taking a survey and wanting to hear your experiences with these "heavy" hubcaps.

Give it to me! What did you like and what did you not like. Would you have these again on your 69-73 Corvette?

Ratlles, flying off the wheels, prone to damage?

Oh, also do you like the look or prefer the standard rally wheels.

Thanks

[Jack C.]

Re: RPO P02 Deluxe Wheel Covers

I used to be a big fan of the ralley's. I pick up my 68 over 5 years ago. It came with P01's. I immedaitely replaced them with the ralley caps and trim rings and put the P01's on the shelf. Geeting ready for flight judging, I thought I'd put those ugly P01's back on. Since then, I fell in love with them on my 68 and will never take them off. I now have a set of ralley's and trim rings on the shelf. P01's and redlines, nice combination.

[Michael G.]

Re: RPO P02 Deluxe Wheel Covers

My 71 came with the PO2s. The fastaning teeth are very strong and I can't see them flying off very easily. For the short time they were on the car, I did not have any problem with rattling. One of them had "curb-rash" on the outer ring so I guess this can be an issue. I have always been a fan of the rally and have swapped the full covers for trim rings and caps. Of couse, I will retain the PO2s and hopfully aquire a good replacement for the damaged one. Mike

[David D.]

Re: RPO P02 Deluxe Wheel Covers

Heavy and HARD to clean, but they look really good now that the rally wheel craze is past.

[Steven G.]

Re: RPO P02 Deluxe Wheel Covers

I just recieved a set @ $850.00 from chiciago corvette, after 3 month waiting for delivery they arrived. They are original and very heavy as you described. One needs alum. fins (chip) all need center emblems and maybe a center or two? Over all I am pleased because I realized now the price was buying used covers without curb rash and dings. Daily driver parts, pieces, are fairly cheap to purchase. Check, repair clips if necessary they should bite in and they will probably stay on just fine, but wow, they are easy to steal !!! There are too many rally wheels around , PO2's have the matching flags and gives the wheels a wider look or better yet, have both. Good LUCK!! Steve

[D S.]

Re: RPO P02 Deluxe Wheel Covers

I see rally caps and beauty rings on just about every Chevelle, Camaro, Monte Carlo, Impala, rat rod, street rod I see at car shows and swap meets. Kind of makes Corvettes lose distinction. Added to that there is nothing on those caps/rings that say 'Corvette' or even allude to Corvette. Look at the horn button and emblems on '68 and up C-3 Corvettes. Do you see Corvette flags? Look at the center caps on PO2s. Do you see Corvette flags? With the PO2s on the Corvette go stand in front of and behind the Corvette and look at the profile. The car appears lower and wider and sportier. I love 'em. And they were an option. Thank goodness.

Scott Sims
Texas Chapter

[Kenneth B.]

Re: RPO P02 Deluxe Wheel Covers

I am considering purchasing a set of the P02 wheelcovers or hubcaps.

As many of you know this can be quite a expensive purchase, so I am taking a survey and wanting to hear your experiences with these "heavy" hubcaps.

Give it to me! What did you like and what did you not like. Would you have these again on your 69-73 Corvette?

Ratlles, flying off the wheels, prone to damage?

Oh, also do you like the look or prefer the standard rally wheels.

Thanks

If you like them or they were originally on your Corvette get them. Your car who cares what others think. I like the old cars because most were ordered with the options the buyer wanted not the prepack ton of options that GM makes you buy now want them or not. Also you get gray or black only option for interior. They did have some ugly orange/red interior. Why can't there be more interier options.
KEN

[Peter G.]

Re: RPO P02 Deluxe Wheel Covers

Ken thanks for the response.

[Kenneth T.]

Re: RPO P02 Deluxe Wheel Covers

Peter, I do not want to hijack your thread, BUT, I have a PO2 question that I have searched the archives for without result.

I have a nice set of PO2's except they were polished too much and the black finish on the wheel cover is mostly silver. I am trying to figure a way to repaint them, but all the radial lines that are chrome are so thin and difficult to mask. I realize these are a three part unit that can be disassembled to isolate the wheel cover from the turbine and cap. Any brave folks out there tried this?

Thanks...Ken

[Peter G.]

Re: RPO P02 Deluxe Wheel Covers

No problem Ken. I too am starting to learn a lot about this wheel cover option.

I have never done what you need or want to do to your hubcaps, but in the past when I have a painted area and also a polished or chrome area. I put a thin flim of grease on the part I don't want the paint to stick to. Paint then remove grease and any overspary paint with a acetone or paint thinner.

[Harmon C.]

Re: RPO P02 Deluxe Wheel Covers

I tried the painting but never quite could get that factory original look on PO-2's. I'm sure someone has the paint figured out but the labor charge I think would be high if the finished product looked factory.

[Gerard R.]

Re: RPO P02 Deluxe Wheel Covers

I have them on my 70 454 and love the way they look.

[Peter G.]

Re: RPO P02 Deluxe Wheel Covers

Gerard..


I course I know what these hubcaps look like, but wouldn't mind seeing a few sets on different Corvettes.

Do you have a pic of your car you can post for us?

Thanks.

[Garry B.]

Re: RPO P02 Deluxe Wheel Covers

This is a car that is for sale over on the "other" board. I make no claims about the car, don't know the owner, but am sure he wouldn't mind if I show his nice car on this board. Hope I don't offend anyone.

[Paul O.]

Re: RPO P02 Deluxe Wheel Covers

Here are a few photos of my old 71 as it was leaving for its new owner after 33 years with me. I have repainted several PO2 wheel covers can be done but you must have lots of time and patients to complete the restoration. I would use very narrow tape from a paint supply house mask out after dis-assembly of the cover it just takes time. If you have access to a NOS or excellent condition original to see the little nuances of the paint that will help even more. Paul 18046