Getting C1 hubcaps off
Has anyone got a crafty way of getting hubcaps off a 1960 corvette without scratching the rims. The gap between the cap and the rims are really really tight. My mechanic refused to take them off because he was not going to scratch the rims he handed me the tools and said you take the paint off. Has anyone got a sneaky way of getting them off without killing the rims.
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Re: Getting C1 hubcaps off
Normally they pop pretty easy once started, due to the way they're held on. Use a paint paddle, bondo spreader, or some other small object to lay between the wheel edge and a large sharp screw driver. Pry against the edge with pressure, not to drive into the crack. Once started move a little and pry one more time. Then you should be able to remove by hand. Before starting look around the edge for a spot with the largest gap. There is usually a place where the cap and wheel don't completely touch. That's the place to pry. -
Re: Getting C1 hubcaps off
Harbor Freight sells a set of nylon pry tools that are intended to remove interior panels on modern cars. There are a few that are crowbar shaped with a thin leading edge that would probably work well to pry off the hubcaps without scratching anything. The set costs around $6.
The next trick will be to put the rims back on without denting the perimeters!Comment
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Re: Getting C1 hubcaps off
Stewart,
I have found that the best way is to use a plastic spatula. You can find them with a very sharp edge and just wedge it underneath and tap the handle. I have been doing this for many years and it works great!
BobComment
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Re: Getting C1 hubcaps off
Robert's idea sounds good. I will try it next time. I have done as Wayne does, since '64, but in addition I fold duct tape over the end of the screw driver a couple of times and only inset it in as far as necessary.
Good Luck!
SteveComment
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Re: Getting C1 hubcaps off
Hi Stewart,
This isn't very crafty, but I just took mine off recently. Used a pry bar with a tape wrapped end, inserted end around edge and tapped gently with a rubber mallet most of the way around the edge and they came off pretty easy. No dents.
Cheers, SandraComment
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Re: Getting C1 hubcaps off
Thanks guys I'll now I will go ang scratch my rims. Isn't it funny when you have a car that has crappy paint the stress is nil but when the paint is great all I seem to do is stress about the car where to park it, don't drive to close to that guy and so forh. It makes you wish you never painted the darn thing.Comment
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Re: Getting C1 hubcaps off
My rims were repainted a number of years ago and my hubcaps have been on and off more times than I care to remember. I finally got to the point where I gave up trying to preserve either w/o some level of damage. My paint was too nice and probably too thick. Instead of scratching, it would flake off due to pressure being applied to leverage off the Hub Cap. No matter what I would use to try and insulate it or spread out the leverage pressure. I have touched them up every time to the point where they no longer pass the 10 ft test. The hub caps (wheel discs) too have come in for their share of dents or distortion due to reapplication with a rubber mallet. I've tried to use wood blocks to spread the impact with little or no help. As for the engagement of cap to wheel, well even the exposed metal of the wheel is gouged. I don't like driving with the caps off and certainly couldn't consider using dog dish caps w/o another wheel repaint.
It's a lost cause.
Stu FoxComment
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