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Hubcap woes [message #298041] Fri, 25 March 2016 15:42 Go to next message
Dan is currently offline  Dan   United States
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Location: Allentown, NJ
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I developed sort of a system for keeping on my original 16.5 inch hubcaps. The day before a trip I take them off and check tire pressure, then I take the coach for a test drive locally. If they are going to fall off they usually will on my 1/4 mile bumpy gravel driveway. When they fall off I retrieve them and try again. Well, apparently the perpetually under major construction eastern portion of the PA turnpike was too much to handle. When we arrived at our campsite in Lancaster county I had lost 2 hubcaps. Is there anyway to make these things stay on? I don't have 3 grand in the motorhome budget for alcoa's and new tires. They sell these caps on eBay for $130 ( http://www.ebay.com/itm/16-5-8-Lug-GMC-RV-MOTORHOME-CHROME-Dual-Steel-Wheel-Simulators-Hub-Caps-Covers-/220951284826?hash=item3371b90c5a:m:mI7SwWf4zD1 zyaT_4c0Tp6A&vxp=mtr) anyone had luck with those? How much are replacement originals going for? My wife says just take them all off and be done with it, but the wheels look horrible and property painting them would cost more then new caps.

Any suggestions?


Dan DeLuca 1978 Eleganza II (http://imgur.com/gallery/YFHhK) Parked at Evil Monkey Farm in Allentown, New Jersey
Re: Hubcap woes [message #298042 is a reply to message #298041] Fri, 25 March 2016 15:46 Go to previous messageGo to next message
A Hamilto is currently offline  A Hamilto   United States
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Dan wrote on Fri, 25 March 2016 15:42
...My wife says just take them all off and be done with it, but the wheels look horrible and property painting them would cost more then new caps.
Any suggestions?
Heed your wife and just rattlecan paint the rims. Good enough. I have never had any use for hubcaps on anything I drive. If they can't stay on and fly off, retrieve them to keep from littering, and sell them on ebay.

[Updated on: Fri, 25 March 2016 15:47]

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Re: [GMCnet] Hubcap woes [message #298043 is a reply to message #298041] Fri, 25 March 2016 15:48 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Emery Stora is currently offline  Emery Stora   United States
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Dan

Back in the days when I had hubcaps (prior to Alcoa wheels), I drilled a 1/4” hole in the center of the cap over the axle nut on the front and in the centers of the rear. I then brazed a 1/4” threaded rod onto the caps. I would think you could just put a nut on each side instead of brazing.

I then drilled a 1/4” hole in the center of the hubcap and after installng the hubcap I put a stainless steel llock washer and a stainless steel acorn nut over the lock washer. I never lost a hubcap again.

Emery Stora
77 Kings;ey
Frederick, CO

> On Mar 25, 2016, at 2:42 PM, Daniel DeLuca wrote:
>
> I developed sort of a system for keeping on my original 16.5 inch hubcaps. The day before a trip I take them off and check tire pressure, then I take
> the coach for a test drive locally. If they are going to fall off they usually will on my 1/4 mile bumpy gravel driveway. When they fall off I
> retrieve them and try again. Well, apparently the perpetually under major construction eastern portion of the PA turnpike was too much to handle.
> When we arrived at our campsite in Lancaster county I had lost 2 hubcaps. Is there anyway to make these things stay on? I don't have 3 grand in the
> motorhome budget for alcoa's and new tires. They sell these caps on eBay for $130
> ( http://www.ebay.com/itm/16-5-8-Lug-GMC-RV-MOTORHOME-CHROME-Dual-Steel-Wheel-Simulators-Hub-Caps-Covers-/220951284826?hash=item3371b90c5a:m:mI7SwWf4zD1 zyaT_4c0Tp6A&vxp=mtr)
> anyone had luck with those? How much are replacement originals going for? My wife says just take them all off and be done with it, but the wheels
> look horrible and property painting them would cost more then new caps.
>
> Any suggestions?
> --
> Dan DeLuca
> 1978 Eleganza II (http://imgur.com/gallery/YFHhK)
> Parked at Evil Monkey Farm in
> Allentown, New Jersey
>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org


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Re: Hubcap woes [message #298045 is a reply to message #298041] Fri, 25 March 2016 16:24 Go to previous messageGo to next message
lqqkatjon is currently offline  lqqkatjon   United States
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my original hub caps on my old 16.5 have been the only one's I could keep on. but now I have 16" steel rims, and the hubcaps are on the shelf, and i have lost a few other caps now on my 16" rims. i do not plan on spending anymore time or money on hub caps, so I am now just tolerating my ugly rims in the rear... you will get used to that.



if you are ever in MN, my OEM one's are yours to have, but I do not have the time or energy to box them up to ship.



Jon Roche 75 palm beach EBL EFI, manny headers, Micro Level, rebuilt most of coach now. St. Cloud, MN http://lqqkatjon.blogspot.com/
Re: [GMCnet] Hubcap woes [message #298051 is a reply to message #298043] Fri, 25 March 2016 17:51 Go to previous messageGo to next message
jimk is currently offline  jimk   United States
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You need to make sure the lead weights are the style that will be shallow
so the cap can slide over it and get a wood block 1" x 2-3" 5 inch long and
use to as a ram and hit it all along the outside perimeter of the cap.
You'll need to inspect it frequently to make sure it does not walk out.

On Fri, Mar 25, 2016 at 1:48 PM, Emery Stora wrote:

> Dan
>
> Back in the days when I had hubcaps (prior to Alcoa wheels), I drilled a
> 1/4” hole in the center of the cap over the axle nut on the front and in
> the centers of the rear. I then brazed a 1/4” threaded rod onto the caps.
> I would think you could just put a nut on each side instead of brazing.
>
> I then drilled a 1/4” hole in the center of the hubcap and after installng
> the hubcap I put a stainless steel llock washer and a stainless steel acorn
> nut over the lock washer. I never lost a hubcap again.
>
> Emery Stora
> 77 Kings;ey
> Frederick, CO
>
>> On Mar 25, 2016, at 2:42 PM, Daniel DeLuca wrote:
>>
>> I developed sort of a system for keeping on my original 16.5 inch
> hubcaps. The day before a trip I take them off and check tire pressure,
> then I take
>> the coach for a test drive locally. If they are going to fall off they
> usually will on my 1/4 mile bumpy gravel driveway. When they fall off I
>> retrieve them and try again. Well, apparently the perpetually under
> major construction eastern portion of the PA turnpike was too much to
> handle.
>> When we arrived at our campsite in Lancaster county I had lost 2
> hubcaps. Is there anyway to make these things stay on? I don't have 3
> grand in the
>> motorhome budget for alcoa's and new tires. They sell these caps on
> eBay for $130
>> (
> http://www.ebay.com/itm/16-5-8-Lug-GMC-RV-MOTORHOME-CHROME-Dual-Steel-Wheel-Simulators-Hub-Caps-Covers-/220951284826?hash=item3371b90c5a:m:mI7SwWf4zD1 zyaT_4c0Tp6A&vxp=mtr
> )
>> anyone had luck with those? How much are replacement originals going
> for? My wife says just take them all off and be done with it, but the wheels
>> look horrible and property painting them would cost more then new caps.
>>
>> Any suggestions?
>> --
>> Dan DeLuca
>> 1978 Eleganza II (http://imgur.com/gallery/YFHhK)
>> Parked at Evil Monkey Farm in
>> Allentown, New Jersey
>>
>> _______________________________________________
>> GMCnet mailing list
>> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
>> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
>



--
Jim Kanomata
Applied/GMC, Fremont,CA
jimk@appliedairfilters.com
http://www.appliedgmc.com
1-800-752-7502
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Jim Kanomata
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jimk@appliedairfilters.com
www.appliedgmc.com
1-800-752-7502
Re: Hubcap woes [message #298057 is a reply to message #298041] Fri, 25 March 2016 18:42 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Jim Wagner is currently offline  Jim Wagner   United States
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Dan, I drilled and tapped two wheel studs per wheel for 1/4-20 SS bolts. No more lost hubcaps

http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/g5308-gmc-spare-tire-mount.html

Jim Wagner
Brook Park, oh
76 GMC500
71 Vega355
69 Vette383 (The toad)
Re: Hubcap woes [message #298059 is a reply to message #298057] Fri, 25 March 2016 19:12 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Bullitthead is currently offline  Bullitthead   United States
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I wouldn't drill holes in the factory caps unless you're addicted to having that look. If you're not,sell them to someone that is and use that to buy new caps or paint. I went with paint. The wheels are very easy to paint and repaint with them mounted and spinning at idle speed(maybe 800 engine rpm). Clean them good with SuperClean right before you paint(make sure they are dry)to make it stick well. Found trim rings at mens mall, but I don't have 16.5 inchers on there, so YMMV on that. Bolt the new caps on if you go that route Smile

Terry Kelpien ASE Master Technician 73 Glacier 260 Smithfield, Va.
Re: Hubcap woes [message #298073 is a reply to message #298059] Fri, 25 March 2016 22:23 Go to previous messageGo to next message
pjburt is currently offline  pjburt   United States
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Be different. Loose the caps and paint your wheels. Find a complimentary color for your coach and spray bomb the wheels. (Not silver or black) You don't even have to dismount the tires. Make sure the wheels are clean and sand down the chips and scratches. Using 3x5 cards around the perimeter will keep the paint off the tires. Sorry I don't have pix but I repaint a set of wheels for our Celica when ever the need arises.

I'll probably do the gouged and pitted Alcoas on our coach soon also.


Jerry Burt Fresno, CA.
73 Gmc 26' Canyon Lands
Members: FMCA - GMCMI - GMCWS
A truly happy person is one who can enjoy the scenery on a detour.

[Updated on: Fri, 25 March 2016 22:24]

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Re: Hubcap woes [message #298077 is a reply to message #298041] Sat, 26 March 2016 00:27 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Chr$ is currently offline  Chr$   United States
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Ty-wraps


-Chr$: Perpetual SmartAss
Scottsdale, AZ

77 Ex-Kingsley 455 SOLD!
2010 Nomad 24 Ft TT 390W PV W/MPPT, EV4010 and custom cargo door.
Photosite: Chrisc GMC:"It has Begun" TT: "The Other Woman"
Re: Hubcap woes [message #298078 is a reply to message #298042] Sat, 26 March 2016 01:05 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Ken Burton is currently offline  Ken Burton   United States
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Translucent (white) nylon cable ties work very well.

Ken Burton - N9KB
76 Palm Beach
Hebron, Indiana
Re: Hubcap woes [message #298081 is a reply to message #298078] Sat, 26 March 2016 06:43 Go to previous messageGo to next message
tphipps is currently offline  tphipps   United States
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Powder coat rim.
Tom, MS II


2012 Phoenix Cruiser model 2552 KA4CSG
Re: Hubcap woes [message #298092 is a reply to message #298081] Sat, 26 March 2016 11:08 Go to previous messageGo to next message
A Hamilto is currently offline  A Hamilto   United States
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tphipps wrote on Sat, 26 March 2016 06:43
Powder coat rim.
Tom, MS II
Too expensive and time consuming. Hit 'em with a wire brush, mask off the tire with painters tape and newspaper, and spray 'em with a rattlecan.
Re: Hubcap woes [message #298105 is a reply to message #298041] Sat, 26 March 2016 16:39 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Steve is currently offline  Steve   United States
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Dan,
I have a set of the plastic "simulated" chrome hubcaps that came with my coach. If you are interested in them you can have them. Not worth shipping but I am near Allentown PA.


1978 GMC Royal
Eastern Pennslyvania
1968 Chevrolet C20 396 Camper Special
1969 Chevrolet C20 Camper Special
1985 Buick Electra Park Avenue
1992 Camaro 25th Anniversary Heretage Edition Black
Re: Hubcap woes [message #298120 is a reply to message #298041] Sat, 26 March 2016 20:51 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Dan is currently offline  Dan   United States
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Thanks for all the ideas guys. Steve,I might take you up on that my dad plays golf in Allentown weekly. Driving home tomorrow from Lancaster, a nice trip and the coach has been working flawlessly save a random deflating of the passenger side airbag. I turned on the key to refill it and its been holding air for the last 24 hours, so go figure.

Dan DeLuca 1978 Eleganza II (http://imgur.com/gallery/YFHhK) Parked at Evil Monkey Farm in Allentown, New Jersey
Re: Hubcap woes [message #298121 is a reply to message #298041] Sat, 26 March 2016 21:03 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Steve is currently offline  Steve   United States
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Dan,
Just let me know. Good luck coming back from Lancaster. The GMC Colonial Travelers usually do Lancaster once a year. We are having a joint rally with the Tide Water Crabs in Gettysburg in May if you are interested. There should be quite a few coaches there. You can attend one rally prior to joining.


1978 GMC Royal
Eastern Pennslyvania
1968 Chevrolet C20 396 Camper Special
1969 Chevrolet C20 Camper Special
1985 Buick Electra Park Avenue
1992 Camaro 25th Anniversary Heretage Edition Black
Re: Hubcap woes [message #298184 is a reply to message #298121] Sun, 27 March 2016 20:24 Go to previous message
Carl S. is currently offline  Carl S.   United States
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When I first got my coach, it had 16" steel wheels on it with SS wheel covers. The two on the front were 'premium' covers and the four on the rear were less expensive ones. After having one fall off on our first trip to the sand dunes, which my son recovered (he was following me in the truck), I made a habit of bending the tabs out each time I had them off. That worked pretty well, but I eventually lost two of the rear ones. Not a serious problem since I run those Dodge truck wheels on the front, I still had four covers.

When I put Eagle wheels on the rear, I had the four, plus one I had bought second hand, sitting in the garage, I made what I thought was a smokin' deal on them to Jon R, but he has since lost two of them and given up on them (sorry that didn't work out Jon). I assume the two he lost were the cheaper ones and not the 'premium' ones. At the time Jon bought the covers from me, Dan Gregg suggested that he "wire them on". In retrospect, I'm guessing that was good advice, and I think it would have worked. I think one could either run a piece of stainless steel tie wire or a cable tie through two of the slots, on opposite sides, on the wheel through the holes in the wheel covers. This would almost certainly hold the wheel covers on.


Carl Stouffer '75 ex Palm Beach Tucson, AZ. Chuck Aulgur Reaction Arm Disc Brakes, Quadrabags, 3.70 LSD final drive, Lenzi knuckles/hubs, Dodge Truck 16" X 8" front wheels, Rear American Eagles, Solar battery charging. GMCSJ and GMCMI member
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