Hubcap 1961/1980s split rim to solid conversion

[Dazzoman]

This worked perfect , will for you too ! Smooth ride with the 1982 rims yet keep your caps !
Getting out of the 1961 split (8 lug ) rims is essential because they ride bumpy no matter how much you balance them . These are 1982 Chevy rims in my case. It was easier to have tires off so I could poke my eyes and hands to measure how far the springs needed to almost touch to inner edge of rim . I used self tapping screws but don't depend on those or you'll break them off . The rims are way tough/ thick so tap them properly with the right tool , grind off excess after Loctite applied . I got lucky on the thickness of the plastic spacers ,forgot the exact thickness .
1.Punch out rivets out of the old rims .
2. Right on the crease - punch , drill holes like on photo or enough to measure - I always started with two opposing each other until I got the recipe down that the cap would nicely pop on with just two .
Drilling is hard because material is very tough so be cautious , patient .
As shown cut , pre drill plastic spacers .
I thought I posted photos here ?
Will check to see if I can edit that ...

[Dazzoman]

hope this works photo wise :-)

[jayoldschool]

Really looking forward to pics. Try using photobucket!

[Dazzoman]

Did it work this time ? I tried posting pics ...

[Dazzoman]

Originally Posted by jayoldschool

Really looking forward to pics. Try using photobucket!

May have to make an new thread if this doesnt allow photos . Whats photbucket?

[Dazzoman]

How about now on the pics ? I think the admin won't let it post /...

[Dazzoman]

This step is crucial because you don't want high spots here . I dab a little more loctite over it afterword .

[Dazzoman]

Finished product .
Also early shot of removal off split rims .

[Dazzoman]

Uhhh , yah it would be right on the freakin high spot of the crease - Thanks to Murphy law ...

[Dazzoman]

And this ...
You can't see it but on the bottom pic here ,the 4 units are bolted in and ground down . You HAVE to grind them, smush on more loctite so it soaks in nice .
Also (see wheel grinder I used ) so they are square and true .

[factorystock]

Thanks for all your efforts to retain the correct cap. The correct design cap is crucial to the factory look, which the photo of your blue truck proves. As you already discovered, GM never had a one piece 16" 8 lug wheel with clips, we must create our own. Here is a similar link on the subject.http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...e+rims+hubcaps and http://www.laroke.com/larryk4674/smo...er/hubcaps.htm

[Dazzoman]

Originally Posted by factorystock

Thanks for all your efforts to retain the correct cap. The correct design cap is crucial to the factory look, which the photo of your blue truck proves. As you already discovered, GM never had a one piece 16" 8 lug wheel with clips, we must create our own. Here is a similar link on the subject.http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...e+rims+hubcaps and http://www.laroke.com/larryk4674/smo...er/hubcaps.htm

You are welcome !
It looks like that guy suffered like I did B4 I got it figured out too .
Once I saw an early 60s GM solid rim with those style caps but it was an 17 inch and was offered on the milk creamery model trucks , VERY RARE !