The Ford Barn

VinceBlack · 09-20-2019, 07:42 PM

What is the best way to remove and install hub caps? I am installing new tires and would like the centers open.

redmodelt · 09-20-2019, 10:36 PM

You have to take the wheels off and bend the tabs up to remove. Slim chance someone used one of the tools to set the tabs so they could be taken off from the outside, but with out seeing whats there?

VinceBlack · 09-20-2019, 10:56 PM

when I removed the cap from my spare it was not easy to replace it. It looked like it pushed on but then it was loose so I bent the tabs, I don't want to do that to the other 4. I

Charlie Stephens · 09-20-2019, 11:04 PM

I always install mine before I put the wheel on the car. I can't see any reason to ever remove them. Put the wheel upside down on a soft surface and bend over half of the tabs to lock it in place. You can use the other half of the tabs in the future if you need them.

Charlie Stephens

mike657894 · 09-20-2019, 11:35 PM

Are they shiny or are they a little rough? I have 4 originals and they have sprung tabs and pop out with a flat screwdriver. the reproductions have tabs that are soft and bent to retain the cap. I have one my spare.

the reason to remove them is to adjust your wheel bearing with minimal effort. I dont get enough leverage on the drum to shake the wheel to get a good feel on the bearing when the wheel is off.

VinceBlack · 09-21-2019, 10:14 AM

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I sure mine are repos I noticed that tabs are soft, I also like having wheel on for bearing adjustment, and talking about bearing adjustment, is there a nut locker that has a finer adjustment mine are either to tight or too loose.

Purdy Swoft · 09-21-2019, 10:56 AM

I bend the tabs in a V shape with pliers so they can be snapped on and off from the outside without needing to remove the wheel . The only reason that I would HAVE to remove the hubcap would be if it was bent or if one or more of the lug bolts were spinning in the hub . If the lug bolt is spinning it is usually necessary to remove the axle nut , wheel ,hub ,drum and all in one piece to remove . If bearing adjustment is needed I have other bare wheels that I could be used to feel for bearing drag .

09-20-2019, 07:42 PM	#1
VinceBlack Member Join Date: May 2017 Location: Kansas Posts: 47	1930 Hub Cap What is the best way to remove and install hub caps? I am installing new tires and would like the centers open. Last edited by VinceBlack; 09-20-2019 at 07:47 PM. Reason: More information

09-20-2019, 10:36 PM	#2
redmodelt Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Portland OR Posts: 6,340	Re: 1930 Hub Cap You have to take the wheels off and bend the tabs up to remove. Slim chance someone used one of the tools to set the tabs so they could be taken off from the outside, but with out seeing whats there? __________________ I know the voices aren't real but damn they have some good ideas!

09-20-2019, 10:56 PM	#3
VinceBlack Member Join Date: May 2017 Location: Kansas Posts: 47	Re: 1930 Hub Cap when I removed the cap from my spare it was not easy to replace it. It looked like it pushed on but then it was loose so I bent the tabs, I don't want to do that to the other 4. I

09-20-2019, 11:04 PM	#4
Charlie Stephens Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Southern California Posts: 7,030	Re: 1930 Hub Cap I always install mine before I put the wheel on the car. I can't see any reason to ever remove them. Put the wheel upside down on a soft surface and bend over half of the tabs to lock it in place. You can use the other half of the tabs in the future if you need them. Charlie Stephens

09-20-2019, 11:35 PM	#5
mike657894 Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2015 Location: Bay City Michigan Posts: 1,050	Re: 1930 Hub Cap Are they shiny or are they a little rough? I have 4 originals and they have sprung tabs and pop out with a flat screwdriver. the reproductions have tabs that are soft and bent to retain the cap. I have one my spare. the reason to remove them is to adjust your wheel bearing with minimal effort. I dont get enough leverage on the drum to shake the wheel to get a good feel on the bearing when the wheel is off.

09-21-2019, 10:14 AM	#6
VinceBlack Member Join Date: May 2017 Location: Kansas Posts: 47	Re: 1930 Hub Cap Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) I sure mine are repos I noticed that tabs are soft, I also like having wheel on for bearing adjustment, and talking about bearing adjustment, is there a nut locker that has a finer adjustment mine are either to tight or too loose.

09-21-2019, 10:56 AM	#7
Purdy Swoft Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Alabama Posts: 8,099	Re: 1930 Hub Cap I bend the tabs in a V shape with pliers so they can be snapped on and off from the outside without needing to remove the wheel . The only reason that I would HAVE to remove the hubcap would be if it was bent or if one or more of the lug bolts were spinning in the hub . If the lug bolt is spinning it is usually necessary to remove the axle nut , wheel ,hub ,drum and all in one piece to remove . If bearing adjustment is needed I have other bare wheels that I could be used to feel for bearing drag .