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Is there a way to increase the holding strength on the hub caps? I am investing a serious value in plating original caps and am concerned that they may be susceptible to coming of the tangs on the rim when hitting a pothole or something. Anybody found a way to improve on the simple tang method?
Thanks
Bob J.

Common problem. The tangs are spring steel, but you should be able to bend them outward enough to impart greater pressure on the inner rim of your hubcaps. Also wrap the tangs with friction--not smooth electrical-- tape.

Will do.
Bob J.

Somewhere here there is a service letter which address the problem and offers a fix. As I recall it is something about placing a drill bit between the wheel and tang to bend tang back to better secure the wheel cover. You can probably add gripping to the wheel covers by carefully bending the tangs out from the wheel.

That makes sense. Thanks guys!
Bob J.

Look what finally came back from the platers! Brian at Cambridge Chrome did ask if it was a rush! I said no, to be honest she just passed her safety yesterday so they came in just in time. Got them all re-painted per factory(ish) as much as I am able to do with a brush anyway. I only did 3 as one was in pretty good shape and I like to show off some of the 'survivor' chrome if it is passable.
Bob J.

Attach file:

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  Original Hub Caps.JPG (324.14 KB)


  Original Hub Cap-as is.JPG (201.76 KB)


  Hub Caps Replated-painted.JPG (360.68 KB)

They look great!

Quote:

Look fantastic! Curious Bob, what kind of paint did you use? Did you scuff the areas you painted? How did you apply? I've been contemplating on how to go about painting mine, as well as my bumpers. I wanted to make sure the paint adhered properly without easily coming off. Put some thought into it then got sidetracked.

No prep at all. Just painted on the bright chrome, bumpers too. I know this is less than durable, but I am the one maintaining them and I am very careful.
That said, Packard did the same, all areas under the original paint where standard bright nickel, no texture for 'tooth'.
As to paint, tremclad red spray can, on the bumpers and bumperettes, masked and sprayed the black with a spray bomb too On the hubcaps the black was brushed on with black model paint. I used a desk magnifying lamp to see the edges better, the polishing process on the hubcaps caused the letter stamping and ring grooves to be greatly diminished in height and clarity so careful strokes where needed to key around each letter.
Bob J.

This recent thread on the AACA Forums may be of interest. Scroll up when you open it, to start reading from the beginning.