Recently purchased a 1970 Riviera and wanted to clean rims and replace rusty lug nuts, but the center cap (cone shaped with an "R" in the center) will not come off. I do not want to break anything - does anyone know how these are supposed to be removed?
They should just yank off (with some force). Can you spin them? I know there are some aftermarket "locks" you can buy that lock the cap to the wheel, but that's more the exception than the norm. Try pulling them off by pushing down on the cap while pulling away from the wheel. It does take a good tug. If not, try to take the wheel off using a shallow socket with a swivel attachment to clear the cap. Then you can look to see if there is more than just prongs holding it on.
And by the way, I see that is your first post, so welcome to the board! Don't be afraid to use your first name, we're all friends here (usually). Welcome to our community! :beer
Hi- I used to take a wooden dowel rod and tap them from the inside of the wheel to push them out. Trying to pull them off can cause damage to their edges. Tap softly though because if you hit them too hard you can cause them to dimple outwards. Also spray some WD40 from the inside of the wheel before you try it. Tom
Hi- I used to take a wooden dowel rod and tap them from the inside of the wheel to push them out. Trying to pull them off can cause damage to their edges. Tap softly though because if you hit them too hard you can cause them to dimple outwards. Also spray some WD40 from the inside of the wheel before you try it. Tom <!-- / message -->
Welcome to v8buick ! The spring steel retainers on the centre caps do get rusted on, and can be difficult to remove. The WD40 or some spray lube will certainly help. Spin them till they turn freely, then try popping them off. The small teeth on the spring steel retainers get brittle with age and will break off if you use too much force. When you do get them off, a little coating of wheel bearing grease on the retainer teeth and around the edge of the wheel centre hole will keep them from rusting, and make it easier the next time you try to remove them ! Also, check out the Riviera Owners Association at www.rivowners.org when you get a chance ! :TU:
