Any tips on how to keep rallye wheel center caps ON???

OK- I'm having a problem with keeping the ralleye wheel center caps-(specifically the ribbed cones that are correct for '66-'70 full size Buicks) ON. I can get repros of these and the clips that are supposed to hold them on. I know you have to get the correct clip/retainer ring for the opening (2" or 2 1/8"), but even with the right clips, they never seem to fit tightly. Then, if you don't get the prongs of the retainer rings centered just right when you try to install them, they bend back and you have to tweek them all with pliers. :af: I'm sick of losing these caps and having to buy replacements. Has anybody come up with a solution that keeps these things on? David

 

Mitch Romanowski's reproduction 66-70 center caps use a much better mounting system than the original style caps. You have to have the rim off your car. There are 2 SS bolts that pass thru the opening in the rim, and a SS metal strap is bolted on the backside of the wheel with nylock nuts. Very secure system. I have his 66-70 ribbed style center caps on my 68, and they look great. If you want to contact Mitch, his user name here is mitchr. I'm not sure of current pricing, but mine were about $150 for the set of 4 a couple years ago.

 

Rally Wheel Center Caps

I just bought a set from Mitch and I have to say I'm very pleased with them.
The mounting system he uses is very secure.

Harry:TU:

 

you can safety wire them, you would have to drill small holes in your wheels and your caps

 

My repros came with a bar that goes across the rear of each cap when it's on the wheel. You must remove each wheel to install the bar, but it's just a chunk of steel with holes in it that traps the center cap on. They are anti-theft devices but they sure would keep the caps from falling off

 

Here's the drawing of the mounting that Mitch Romanowski uses:

 

Thanks for the tip-I'll have to get some of those locks from Mitch. I knew somebody had to have devised a better system!:TU: David

 

On my 72 I have been using rubber expandable freeze plugs. May sound weird, but I haven't lost a cap since I installed them. I think it is a 2 inch plug. Just take your cap with the next time you go to Home Depot, and pick the ones that fit the tightest. Once home install them on the wheel and check to see if you have to cut/grind the stud down. Might be $10.00 to keep the caps. This works on the old spring clips, wont work on the caps you just got.

Mike

 

What Mike said:Smarty:

 

lock kits

I have some lock kits available that will work with the large Buick caps in case anyone is interested. They are the same two-strap system I used on my earlier Skylark centers. You have to have a retainer to help center the cap. The retainer doesn't need to be perfect as the straps really hold the cap onto the wheel. Only problem is once you mount those large center caps on the big Buick rallys, you'll need to use a universal socket to tighten the lugs. Figure $5 per rally. Mitch

 

are teh big buick center caps made of aluminum?

 

Mitch, is there any way to make a 2" cone type black with trishield center cap work with a big chevy 5x5 rim?

 

Full size originals are chromed diecast pot metal, not sure about Mitch's repros. :TU:
I've never had problems with the original spring steel retainers and they fit good 'n snug. They are prone to rusting, and the spring steel tabs on the retainers can break easily - I use a little wheel bearing grease to protect the steel clips, and it makes it much easier to pull them off, or put em back on, as you do have to remove them to get a socket over the acorn lug nuts to remove a wheel on full size '66-'70 wheels!
Using a universal socket to torque these wheel nuts tight is somewhat awkward, but so is removing and replacing the centre cap each time you remove or replace a chrome rally wheel. o No:

 

Gary, I can send you one if you want to try out. If it doesn't work, send it back and you pay postage both ways, about $15 total I would guess.

 

A trick I have used for years is to put a bead of silicone on the back side of the center cap before you put it on the rim. After you place it on the rim and center it just wait for the silicone to dry and clean off any that squeezed out. When you go to take them off take a razor blade and cut underneath the cap all the way around and pull off. I have never lost one since doing this.

Mike

 

I was hoping you would already know and I wouldnt have to do my own experimenting and fabricating.