WHEEL COVERS won't go on - any tricks ? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

Steve Hafner · 10-30-2011, 01:51 PM

. . .

Does anyone know any "tricks" to get a stock full wheel cover on a stock wheel ?

I've been using a rubber mallet and I can get most of it on - but not the final SMACK - it's too tight !!!

THANKS !!!

Johns72C10 · 10-30-2011, 07:45 PM

Steve,
sometimes he tabs on the inside (what actually holds the wheel cover on the wheel) bend outward and actually prevent the cover from going on all the way. Not corrected, the wheel cover will far off while driving down the road. To correct, just remove the cover and bend the tab(s) inward and install again. It may take several trys to get the tab(s) just right.

oldblue1968chevy · 10-30-2011, 09:57 PM

our chevy belair i bent the tabs further out so they would stay on the wheels so maybe need to bend them so there not so tight?

Steve Hafner · 10-31-2011, 03:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Johns72C10

Steve,
sometimes he tabs on the inside (what actually holds the wheel cover on the wheel) bend outward and actually prevent the cover from going on all the way. Not corrected, the wheel cover will far off while driving down the road. To correct, just remove the cover and bend the tab(s) inward and install again. It may take several trys to get the tab(s) just right.

THANKS - that was going to be my next step - silicone spray didn't work.

VA72C10 · 10-31-2011, 02:32 PM

Hit it harder???

Steve Hafner · 11-05-2011, 04:53 PM

. . . .

Still haven't got them to stay on.

Below, is a picture of the back of the wheel cover. Those long tabs don't bend much.

There isn't too much paint on the wheel either, by now it's scratched down to the bare metal.

Any other suggestions on how I can get these things on ?!!!

. . . .

sameyrasmea72 · 11-05-2011, 05:45 PM

Are you sure those are "stock" wheel covers? Are they the backside of highlander covers? They don't look like regular c-10 wheel covers to me.

Steve Hafner · 11-05-2011, 05:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sameyrasmea72

Are you sure those are "stock" wheel covers? Are they the backside of highlander covers? They don't look like regular c-10 wheel covers to me.

Yes, they are Highlander wheel covers but they should fit on the same 15 inch steel wheels that could have has the PO1's on them.

sameyrasmea72 · 11-05-2011, 06:01 PM

Yes they should fit, but when the people above were talking about the bent tabs, I don't think they had in mind highlander covers. I don't know any tricks for those style covers......Good luck.

67chevy1series · 11-05-2011, 11:30 PM

the only thing i can think of is put the side where the valve stem goes on and then do th other sides... i have one 67 68 chevy full wheel cover that wont go on a rim and it is because the tabs are F'd but i havent tried to do a little "persuasion" lol

Steve Hafner · 11-06-2011, 05:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 67chevy1series

the only thing i can think of is put the side where the valve stem goes on and then do th other sides... i have one 67 68 chevy full wheel cover that wont go on a rim and it is because the tabs are F'd but i havent tried to do a little "persuasion" lol

I've been putting the valve stem side on first - it's that last SMACK that just won't go on !!! I'm going to try to bend those edges a little more today and see if it will go on. I thought putting these wheel covers on was going to be the EASIEST thing I had to do !!! ( it's been a week now !!! )

SS Tim · 11-06-2011, 05:58 AM

My father insisted on having a set of Caprice wheelcovers on his G van and they were tight. I'd have to start them at the valve stem (at 6 o clock) but only enough to hook not seat. Then sitting on the ground with two feet holding the cover bottom edge at 5 and 7 o'clock, start wacking it in at the top at 12 then 11 and 1 while holding a lot of foot pressure. They would work into place but it usually took going around the cover twice or thrice to fully seat them. Never lost any though.

Steve Hafner · 11-06-2011, 06:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SS Tim

My father insisted on having a set of Caprice wheelcovers on his G van and they were tight. I'd have to start them at the valve stem (at 6 o clock) but only enough to hook not seat. Then sitting on the ground with two feet holding the cover bottom edge at 5 and 7 o'clock, start wacking it in at the top at 12 then 11 and 1 while holding a lot of foot pressure. They would work into place but it usually took going around the cover twice or thrice to fully seat them. Never lost any though.

I bet they DID stay on !!! I've been doing just what you said - I'm going to try again later today !!! Thanks

cdowns · 11-06-2011, 08:14 AM

wheel design changed starting 1971 to clear disc brakes/ so it might b possible that there is a problen with full hubcaps not fitting properly on some wheels

i dont know for sure as i've never been much of a hubcap guy tho

**Boog** · 11-06-2011, 08:40 AM

A rubber mallet may be of help in making them seat. Alignment and tire shops used to use them regularly back when cars had hubcaps.

Steve Hafner · 11-06-2011, 09:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cdowns

wheel design changed starting 1971 to clear disc brakes/ so it might b possible that there is a problen with full hubcaps not fitting properly on some wheels

i dont know for sure as i've never been much of a hubcap guy tho

These are NOT my original 70 wheels - we changed to front disc's with 5 lug pattern during the restoration and I think these are 71 or 72 wheels. Since these are 72 wheel covers, I thought there shouldn't be a problem. I'll check to see if it's hitting somewhere.

. . . and I HAVE been using a rubber hammer !!!

Below, are some pictures of the wheel - maybe someone will know what year it is for ( or what year it ISN'T !!! ) THANKS !!!

. . . .

sleepingbag · 11-06-2011, 10:02 AM

Possible clearance issue on hub or wheel weight?

Steve Hafner · 11-07-2011, 04:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sleepingbag

Possible clearance issue on hub or wheel weight?

They aren't hitting the hub ( I can't get one to go on the back EITHER - no hub there ) and they clear the wheel weight.

*stich626* · 11-07-2011, 05:01 AM

put some heat behind that swing brotha..
think your just being a tad to carefull

Steve Hafner · 11-07-2011, 05:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stich626

put some heat behind that swing brotha..
think your just being a tad to carefull

I've been hitting HARD !!!

I've already added a few more dents to the edge of it !!!

*stich626* · 11-07-2011, 06:57 AM

are the covers for 16" wheels

Steve Hafner · 11-07-2011, 10:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stich626

are the covers for 16" wheels

I just got off of the phone with the guy who did the restoration ( and supplied the 5 lug wheels ) He said they were off of a 72 pickup that he used to have - SO, these Highlander wheel covers SHOULD go right on !!!

*stich626* · 11-07-2011, 01:27 PM

maybe the trucks telling you something

Steve Hafner · 11-07-2011, 01:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stich626

maybe the trucks telling you something

I'm sure it's trying to tell me to put some "cool wheels" on it.

I just bought these tires and don't have the money now to change it all over - it's just going to have to wait !!!

Below, is a picture of what it had from the factory - I thought the Highlander wheel covers would be an IMPROVEMENT !!!

. . . .

Sicklajoie · 11-07-2011, 07:50 PM

When I originally got my C/20, I got some (what I thought were) new replacement rims from Autogeek.com. Turns out they were cheap chinese knockoffs and the nubs for the hubcaps didn't quite lineup and the caps never fit. They weren't off by much, I was able to get 3/4 of the cap on, but it wouldn't go all the way. I got some used F*rd rims and they popped right on.
BTW, I think the dogdish hubcaps look better than the full ones, but that's just me...

10-30-2011, 01:51 PM	#1
Steve Hafner Registered User Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Northport, Alabama Posts: 1,353	WHEEL COVERS won't go on - any tricks ? . . . Does anyone know any "tricks" to get a stock full wheel cover on a stock wheel ? I've been using a rubber mallet and I can get most of it on - but not the final SMACK - it's too tight !!! THANKS !!!

10-30-2011, 07:45 PM	#2
Johns72C10 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Littlestown,PA Posts: 55	Re: WHEEL COVERS won't go on - any tricks ? Steve, sometimes he tabs on the inside (what actually holds the wheel cover on the wheel) bend outward and actually prevent the cover from going on all the way. Not corrected, the wheel cover will far off while driving down the road. To correct, just remove the cover and bend the tab(s) inward and install again. It may take several trys to get the tab(s) just right.

10-30-2011, 09:57 PM	#3
oldblue1968chevy Grandpa in the rustmobile... Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Spokane WA/Viola TN Posts: 11,422	Re: WHEEL COVERS won't go on - any tricks ? our chevy belair i bent the tabs further out so they would stay on the wheels so maybe need to bend them so there not so tight? __________________ John Goose-1968 C10 355,9.32-1CR, Vortec Heads ,262 voodoo, 3.73:1 3OTT (HS ride/beater/farm truck) http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=317684 Grams 53-1953 Chevrolet Belair http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...=1#post4327784 1969 Chevy C10 Shortbed 4.5/6?" Frame off resto http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=548136 1999 Toyota Tacoma 4x4

10-31-2011, 02:32 PM	#5
VA72C10 VA72C10 Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Midlothian, VA Posts: 25,269	Re: WHEEL COVERS won't go on - any tricks ? Hit it harder??? __________________ Looking for a 67-72 swb or blazer project in or around VA.

11-05-2011, 04:53 PM	#6
Steve Hafner Registered User Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Northport, Alabama Posts: 1,353	Re: WHEEL COVERS won't go on - any tricks ? . . . . Still haven't got them to stay on. Below, is a picture of the back of the wheel cover. Those long tabs don't bend much. There isn't too much paint on the wheel either, by now it's scratched down to the bare metal. Any other suggestions on how I can get these things on ?!!! . . . . Attached Images

11-05-2011, 05:45 PM	#7
sameyrasmea72 Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Lubbock, Texas Posts: 2,443	Re: WHEEL COVERS won't go on - any tricks ? Are you sure those are "stock" wheel covers? Are they the backside of highlander covers? They don't look like regular c-10 wheel covers to me. __________________ 72 Cheyenne Super 80 Silverado Blazer 2wd

11-05-2011, 06:01 PM	#9
sameyrasmea72 Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Lubbock, Texas Posts: 2,443	Re: WHEEL COVERS won't go on - any tricks ? Yes they should fit, but when the people above were talking about the bent tabs, I don't think they had in mind highlander covers. I don't know any tricks for those style covers......Good luck. Attached Images __________________ 72 Cheyenne Super 80 Silverado Blazer 2wd

11-05-2011, 11:30 PM	#10
67chevy1series Registered User Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: a t w a t e r cali 95301 Posts: 10,713	Re: WHEEL COVERS won't go on - any tricks ? the only thing i can think of is put the side where the valve stem goes on and then do th other sides... i have one 67 68 chevy full wheel cover that wont go on a rim and it is because the tabs are F'd but i havent tried to do a little "persuasion" lol

11-06-2011, 05:58 AM	#12
SS Tim Registered User Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Edwards, CA Posts: 7,503	Re: WHEEL COVERS won't go on - any tricks ? My father insisted on having a set of Caprice wheelcovers on his G van and they were tight. I'd have to start them at the valve stem (at 6 o clock) but only enough to hook not seat. Then sitting on the ground with two feet holding the cover bottom edge at 5 and 7 o'clock, start wacking it in at the top at 12 then 11 and 1 while holding a lot of foot pressure. They would work into place but it usually took going around the cover twice or thrice to fully seat them. Never lost any though. __________________ Thanks, Tim * VIN/Model Decoders * Power Team Charts (engine/transmission/gear ratio) * Post Your Pickup SPID Blazer SPID Suburban/Panel SPID * RTFM ... Read The Factory Manuals... download 'em here Highlanders Do you have a 1972 Plaid Pickup? Plaid Blazer ** Plaid Suburban

11-06-2011, 08:14 AM	#14
cdowns Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: daytonabeach Posts: 22,956	Re: WHEEL COVERS won't go on - any tricks ? wheel design changed starting 1971 to clear disc brakes/ so it might b possible that there is a problen with full hubcaps not fitting properly on some wheels i dont know for sure as i've never been much of a hubcap guy tho __________________ 71c-10 350/2004r/4:11 lowered3/4 longbed/dead by hurricane MEANING OF DEATH::::: SOMEBODY ELSE GETS YOUR STUFF DONT BELIEVE EVERYTHING YOU THINK TAKE MY ADVISE;I DON'T USE IT ANYWAY

11-06-2011, 08:40 AM	#15
Boog laying low Join Date: Mar 2001 Location: Searcy, Ark. USA Posts: 13,462	Re: WHEEL COVERS won't go on - any tricks ? A rubber mallet may be of help in making them seat. Alignment and tire shops used to use them regularly back when cars had hubcaps. __________________ Boog 69 Chevy stepside, 358/T350, 4.11 posi, 4.5/4 drop, rallys, poboy driver primer is finer 91 Chevy sportside, Tahoe, Yukon & GMC Crewcab All GM..'nuff said. I stand for the flag and kneel at the cross

11-06-2011, 10:02 AM	#17
sleepingbag Registered User Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Pomona Park, FL Posts: 151	Re: WHEEL COVERS won't go on - any tricks ? Possible clearance issue on hub or wheel weight? __________________ 1967 GMC 3/4 ton Fleetside 350 ci Chevy I'd rather do it myself and spend the extra 500 dollars

11-07-2011, 05:01 AM	#19
stich626 Account Suspended Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: hingham ma Posts: 1,721	Re: WHEEL COVERS won't go on - any tricks ? put some heat behind that swing brotha.. think your just being a tad to carefull

11-07-2011, 06:57 AM	#21
stich626 Account Suspended Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: hingham ma Posts: 1,721	Re: WHEEL COVERS won't go on - any tricks ? are the covers for 16" wheels

11-07-2011, 01:27 PM	#23
stich626 Account Suspended Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: hingham ma Posts: 1,721	Re: WHEEL COVERS won't go on - any tricks ? maybe the trucks telling you something



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11-07-2011, 07:50 PM	#25
Sicklajoie The Niner Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Broad Brook, CT Posts: 2,498	Re: WHEEL COVERS won't go on - any tricks ? When I originally got my C/20, I got some (what I thought were) new replacement rims from Autogeek.com. Turns out they were cheap chinese knockoffs and the nubs for the hubcaps didn't quite lineup and the caps never fit. They weren't off by much, I was able to get 3/4 of the cap on, but it wouldn't go all the way. I got some used F*rd rims and they popped right on. BTW, I think the dogdish hubcaps look better than the full ones, but that's just me... __________________ "A good racer is one whose head is in communication with his balls." - Richie Evans 1970 C/20 - 402/TH400/3.54s - 74K miles 2003 GMC Sierra 2500 - Wheatland Yellow Niner Progression Thread: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=697183 Classic Trucks article: https://www.motortrend.com/features/...et-c20-driven/

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