Hubcap Availability

[M Towsley]

I know this has been discussed before, but nothing came of fruition from the previous discussions. Anyone have a pair of hubcaps available for sale and/or the ability to make them? I've attempted contact with one person who stated they could make them, but no response as of yet. Thanks!

[Mark Julicher]

Re: Hubcap Availability

Unless you are a stickler for everything being OEM, take two frisbees, cut to size and spray paint the color of your choice.

[VictorBravo]

Re: Hubcap Availability

Chrome polished frying pan covers, for the 1950's hot rod look

Cut to size and drill for the screws. Take off the center "handle" and find a nice plastic letter T or something to glue over the center.

It will look like a million bucks!

[M Towsley]

Re: Hubcap Availability

Thanks for the tips, but I would prefer they be original.

[larrysmith1016]

Re: Hubcap Availability

A few years ago when we were using the previous mail list, several of those original hubcaps appeared on Ebay from an old and hidden stash. Pictures showed them to be in mint condition. I had the honor of bidding on them for three of us, but somebody on the list outbid us. Anyway, the proud owner swooped those things up at a high price and I felt like we had been jilted. Shot out of the saddle.

So then I bought several from Acroeric and they have languished in the basement all these years. Hank Jarrett, are you still around and tapping on that leather shot bag? They need some tamping and tapping done on them. Otherwise, they're mint. Hahahha.

[Robert Lees]

Re: Hubcap Availability

I looked at getting mine re-made.

Any aluminium-skilled spinner can produce the shape, and even the wire-reinforced rim.

The difficulty is in the recessed "flats" for the screws.

I could not get anyone to quote to reproduce as the originals were.

An option would be to get a spinner to produce the "blanks", but then male and female press moulds would be required to make the screw recesses.

I gave up at that point, the moment the price for mine went above £600 for the pair (actually before that point!)

But for an order of 30 or so units, it might be feasible.

[1948TCARTDRIVER]

Re: Hubcap Availability

I modified a set of hub caps that I found at Oshkosh when they still had a lot of "used " parts vendors. They were stamped out of aluminum and had a single hole in the center for attachment. They were the right diameter for a 6" wheel and had enough depth to clear the axle nut and shin wheel half nuts. I made a cardboard template that fit inside the hub cap and centered up on the axle. From this I picked up the spacing for the wheel nuts and transferred this to the hub cap for the mounting screw holes. I then put a screw with a washer and nut thru the holes and with a rod over the threaded portion of the screw "tipped" the holes to vertical. The aluminum was soft enough to allow me to do this without cracking. I then plugged the center hole with a rivet, polished and installed. The whole deal cost me about $40 back in 1992. In all my Oshkosh travels since I have never found an original set of hub caps or another set with the right shape to modify.

[Len Petterson]

Re: Hubcap Availability

Hub caps Ahh I would like to make me a set what is the material thicknes in them? .032".
Len

[M Towsley]

Re: Hubcap Availability

T-Cart Driver,

I spoke with Forrest yesterday, I believe he said he had some with the center hole if you were looking.

[midniteflyer52]

Re: Hubcap Availability

HI Folks,
I may be wrong here, Tom Baker correct me please, but I believe that the single hole hubcap went on the pre-war models with a little three legged stand-off in the center under it to fasten it to the wheel. I had a set on my '40 BC and I think Tom B. made a set for his '41 BL. The post war versions had three holes around the perimeter of the cap to attach it to the wheel. Not to start a stampede here but I have some of the three hole units that are WELL used, maybe a little beat up. I will share them with anyone that needs a set. Keep them,copy them, pass them around. They're not going on my '41 BL and I need to thin my inventory anyway. I don't need any money for them, just pay the shipping. Fair enough?
Glen Brodeur
Putnam, CT

[Ragwing nut]

Re: Hubcap Availability

They used both styles. The center hole style used what looked like a washer with 3 short legs on it that pk'd to the wheel . I have 6 sets of that style NOS that have not had the lip rolled into them yet and carry a Shinn p/n. I have a pattern for the attachment bracket as well. $50 per set shipped to the board. Anyone else $80 per set. Does not include the bracket. If enough people wanted them, I would consider making a bunch of the brackets.

Mike

[M Towsley]

Re: Hubcap Availability

Mike,

Changed my mind decided I would like a set with the center hole for my L-2. Brackets would be great if someone has them. Please let me know, Mike. Please keep me in mind for the two sets of glass fuel gauges, also. Thanks!

[Hank Jarrett]

Re: Hubcap Availability

I bought several from Acroeric and they have languished in the basement all these years. Hank Jarrett, are you still around and tapping on that leather shot bag? They need some tamping and tapping done on them. Otherwise, they're mint. Hahahha.

Still here but not tapping lately. I would still be interested in seeing if they could be tapped smooth again. I'm NOT fast (the Pretzel wheel centers are STILL on the list to be done) but they will look good when I'm done (if they can be fixed). It would be kind of fun to drive the neighbors crazy with the tapping again. The parrot is still making the noise from the last time.
Contact me direct and I will get you my new email.
Hank

[stormman]

Re: Hubcap Availability

Mine were stolen while parked on the ramp along with the engine dipstick

[Ron Coleman]

Re: Hubcap Availability

Hi Norman......
glad you are back..
to stay I hope.

Ron C
N96995