BulldogDriver Posted October 29, 2019 Share Posted October 29, 2019 Question, what is the best tool available today to remove our precious hubcaps without damaging them? I’ve looked at the stuff readily listed but not sure what would be the best to get. Don’t want to keep using a very large screwdriver unless that it is the best solution. Ray Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
39BuickEight Posted October 29, 2019 Share Posted October 29, 2019 I use a plastic drywall mud spreader to start them, then a screwdriver wrapped in a shop towel for further convincing. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rivman Posted October 29, 2019 Share Posted October 29, 2019 You might try one of these ... They are available all over the place and work for removing and installing. If that is not an option, I try to use a large/wide pry bar. That way it kind of spreads out the prying and isn't as likely to cause dents. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RivNut Posted October 29, 2019 Share Posted October 29, 2019 I've used these panel removal tools - the wider ones, 3rd and 4th from the left - to remove beauty rings. With a couple of them, you can leapfrog them. That means that you don't need to put all the pressure in one spot. But, unlike the tool that Randall showed, you'll have to put the covers back on using the heel of your hand. But if you have them, you'll also then have the tools you need for door panels, etc. I just used a couple of the narrower ones to remove the plastic facia from the dash of my '90 so I could get to the instrument cluster. They're stronger than they look. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bill Stoneberg Posted October 29, 2019 Share Posted October 29, 2019 I always put a moving blanket where the hubcap will fall if and when I drop it as it comes off the wheel. Have saved numerous scratches that way. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Seafoam65 Posted October 29, 2019 Share Posted October 29, 2019 20 hours ago, RivNut said: I've used these panel removal tools - the wider ones, 3rd and 4th from the left - to remove beauty rings. With a couple of them, you can leapfrog them. That means that you don't need to put all the pressure in one spot. But, unlike the tool that Randall showed, you'll have to put the covers back on using the heel of your hand. But if you have them, you'll also then have the tools you need for door panels, etc. I just used a couple of the narrower ones to remove the plastic facia from the dash of my '90 so I could get to the instrument cluster. They're stronger than they look. Ed's solution is best.....standard hubcap tools and scredrivers will bend the covers on the edge because they are not wide enough 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BulldogDriver Posted October 30, 2019 Author Share Posted October 30, 2019 Ed’s idea looks good to me. Where did you source them from? Just picked up a pair of 6” rims from the repair shop and they came back “as new”! Turbinator Bob had the rims and I want to thank him for them. I’m waiting on a disc conversion kit and sway bars from Fatbuick Tony to start replacing everything on the brake system except for the rear wheel cylinders. Hoping to have all of the brake/suspension/steering systems updated by spring. Even though the car sat inside for almost 20 years, some of the rubber parts need attention so I’m doing everything at one time. Ray Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dr914 Posted October 30, 2019 Share Posted October 30, 2019 I always pry off my turbine wheel covers with a tire tool (LOL) 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RivNut Posted October 30, 2019 Share Posted October 30, 2019 Harbor Freight < $10 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BulldogDriver Posted October 30, 2019 Author Share Posted October 30, 2019 Thanks Ed Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pat Curran Posted October 30, 2019 Share Posted October 30, 2019 Of course the factory intended for you to use the tire iron or lug wrench that came with the car, but there are lots of options as stated above. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
1965rivgs Posted October 30, 2019 Share Posted October 30, 2019 (edited) 3 hours ago, dr914 said: I always pry off my turbine wheel covers with a tire tool (LOL) I use my teeth....and patronize the Buick Dentist..... Tom Edited October 30, 2019 by 1965rivgs (see edit history) 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RivNut Posted October 30, 2019 Share Posted October 30, 2019 4 hours ago, dr914 said: I always pry off my turbine wheel covers with a tire tool (LOL) You must have taken one of the turbines off my '63. When I got it, it had a piece missing about the size of a silver dollar. 😎 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MikeJS Posted October 30, 2019 Share Posted October 30, 2019 1 hour ago, RivNut said: When I got it, it had a piece missing about the size of a silver dollar. Good Day. A silver dollar wouldn't be so bad. When I bought my '64 in 1980, I had two attempted "removal scars" of varying size on the aluminium turbines. The 'full-monty cover" I've subsequently replaced and I now use this one on my spare tire. Imagine the thieves head scratching when the entire ring busted off...) The one with the smaller scar, I've located a gentleman locally that I feel confident can fix it. He does some amazing work with metals. I can imagine a lot of these bolt-on turbines ended up with this type of damage when hubcaps (and hubcap theft) were more prevalent than what we see on today's cars... Later, Mike Swick Edmonton, AB ---- Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RivNut Posted October 31, 2019 Share Posted October 31, 2019 That full circle one is unbelievable. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bodayguy Posted October 31, 2019 Share Posted October 31, 2019 I’ve found the area of the hubcap around the air valve is strong enough for a big screwdriver head to start the pull. Then I just do a little in other sides until it pops off. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dr914 Posted October 31, 2019 Share Posted October 31, 2019 21 hours ago, MikeJS said: Good Day. A silver dollar wouldn't be so bad. When I bought my '64 in 1980, I had two attempted "removal scars" of varying size on the aluminium turbines. The 'full-monty cover" I've subsequently replaced and I now use this one on my spare tire. Imagine the thieves head scratching when the entire ring busted off...) The one with the smaller scar, I've located a gentleman locally that I feel confident can fix it. He does some amazing work with metals. I can imagine a lot of these bolt-on turbines ended up with this type of damage when hubcaps (and hubcap theft) were more prevalent than what we see on today's cars... Later, Mike Swick Edmonton, AB ---- that is very sad to see. SO SO Many turbines were broken back then, now one of the reasons that they are so rare. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BulldogDriver Posted October 31, 2019 Author Share Posted October 31, 2019 19 hours ago, bodayguy said: I’ve found the area of the hubcap around the air valve is strong enough for a big screwdriver head to start the pull. Then I just do a little in other sides until it pops off. Rich, good point. Would not have thought of that. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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