The Ford Barn

WABOOM · 08-08-2020, 11:30 PM

I am having a difficult time removing the center cap of the steering wheel on my '51. I am using 2 putty knives and I'm terrified of damaging the cap or steering wheel. Maybe not terrified but I'd like to avoid it... lol. I've applied ATF with a needle oiler hoping it would loosen things up. Is there spring clips holding it on?
Any input would be appreciated.

deuce lover · 08-09-2020, 12:17 AM

It might be a slight push in and twist of a turn and should pop off.

51 MERC-CT · 08-09-2020, 07:18 AM

As stated, using a rubber jar top remover pad (or something similar),to get some grip, turn the nut cover counter clockwise to remove.

WABOOM · 08-09-2020, 10:34 AM

Thank you very much!

19Fordy · 08-09-2020, 10:42 AM

WABOOM: Really glad you found out. My idea was incorrect. Funny, I thought I took mine apart by prying it off. Glad you got right info.

JSeery · 08-09-2020, 09:53 PM

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Quote:

Originally Posted by 19Fordy

WABOOM: Really glad you found out. My idea was incorrect. Funny, I thought I took mine apart by prying it off. Glad you got right info.

I'm sure it would come off prying it, if you pried hard enough. It would be getting it back on that would be difficult!

deuce lover · 08-10-2020, 12:20 AM

Never try prying it off.It wasn't designed that way

WABOOM · 08-17-2020, 07:20 PM

Update. I got the center cap off! I thought the entire bezel came off counter clockwise... I was wrong. Just the center bullet comes off first. Then there is screws underneath to unbolt the bezel. I just about ruptured the tendons in my wrists trying to twist something that doesn't turn. My dumb mistake.
Next I will make a fixture to pull the steering wheel from the column.
Thank you for your replies gentlemen.

08-08-2020, 11:30 PM	#1
WABOOM Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2018 Location: Minnesota Posts: 348	Removing steering wheel center cap I am having a difficult time removing the center cap of the steering wheel on my '51. I am using 2 putty knives and I'm terrified of damaging the cap or steering wheel. Maybe not terrified but I'd like to avoid it... lol. I've applied ATF with a needle oiler hoping it would loosen things up. Is there spring clips holding it on? Any input would be appreciated.

08-09-2020, 12:17 AM	#2
deuce lover Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Southern France Posts: 5,837	Re: Removing steering wheel center cap It might be a slight push in and twist of a turn and should pop off.

08-09-2020, 07:18 AM	#3
51 MERC-CT Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: East Hartford, Ct Posts: 5,898	Re: Removing steering wheel center cap As stated, using a rubber jar top remover pad (or something similar),to get some grip, turn the nut cover counter clockwise to remove. __________________ DON'T RECALL DOING SOMETHING FOR MYSELF BASED ON SOMEONE ELSE'S LIKES OR DISLIKES

08-09-2020, 10:34 AM	#4
WABOOM Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2018 Location: Minnesota Posts: 348	Re: Removing steering wheel center cap Thank you very much!

08-09-2020, 10:42 AM	#5
19Fordy Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Coral Springs FL Posts: 11,605	Re: Removing steering wheel center cap WABOOM: Really glad you found out. My idea was incorrect. Funny, I thought I took mine apart by prying it off. Glad you got right info.

08-10-2020, 12:20 AM	#7
deuce lover Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Southern France Posts: 5,837	Re: Removing steering wheel center cap Never try prying it off.It wasn't designed that way

08-17-2020, 07:20 PM	#8
WABOOM Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2018 Location: Minnesota Posts: 348	Re: Removing steering wheel center cap Update. I got the center cap off! I thought the entire bezel came off counter clockwise... I was wrong. Just the center bullet comes off first. Then there is screws underneath to unbolt the bezel. I just about ruptured the tendons in my wrists trying to twist something that doesn't turn. My dumb mistake. Next I will make a fixture to pull the steering wheel from the column. Thank you for your replies gentlemen.