junkyardjeff Posted May 11, 2021 Share Posted May 11, 2021 The last two times I had my strangely optioned 65 Merc out a few wheel covers came off,not wanting to have to chase them down and since its a entry level Montclair I have a set of poverty caps on the way. I found them on Ebay and paid a little more then I wanted bit alot less then some wanted and got all four at one time. Even though I never remember ever seeing any at swapmeets they will now be showing up for a couple dollars each. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted May 11, 2021 Share Posted May 11, 2021 Hmmm? I wonder if it's a "Ford" thing? The fellow I bought my '57 T bird from said he had trouble keeping the covers on as well. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Billy Kingsley Posted May 11, 2021 Share Posted May 11, 2021 Probably anecdotal but the only time I've ever lost one was in our 1990 Aerostar, in New Milford CT. I saw where it went so I got it and put it back on. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
f.f.jones Posted May 11, 2021 Share Posted May 11, 2021 This is not an unusual problem. As I recall, there was quite a lot of discussion about the causes many years ago in some collector car magazine that had a technical editor who answered questions from readers. It may have been Cars and Parts, one of the Hemming's publications or another such. I can't remember for sure, but it might have concerned running radial tires in place of the original bias-plys as somehow the radials affected the rim (flexing??). The problem was more evident in mid-50's Ford products. Some respondents solved the problem on their drivers by drilling three small screw holes through the wheel cover and wheel (at 12, 4, and 8 o'clock) and securing the covers with small screws. I presume, if done carefully, they did not affect the tire bead to any extent or the tires would loose air. It's probably not a solution a lot of people would employ, but it probably works! What I have done on some of my cars is to bend the gripper-teeth on the inside of the covers with pliers to provide a stronger hold on the rim. It messes up the paint on the rims, but keeps the cover on more securely. 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nzcarnerd Posted May 11, 2021 Share Posted May 11, 2021 One memory I have of my trip the the US in 1978 was the wheel covers stacked against the side on freeway clover leafs - probably not able to be retrieved. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pete O Posted May 11, 2021 Share Posted May 11, 2021 (edited) I had the same problem with the wheel covers coming off. I tried splaying out the tabs on the wheel cover and sharpening the teeth on them so they would bite into the wheel more. But it kept happening. It stopped happening after I replaced the brake drums which had been cut too many times. My theory is that the thin brake drums didn't have the meat on them to absorb the heat from braking, and the heat transferred to the wheel causing the wheel to expand, loosening the wheel cover. Edited May 12, 2021 by Pete O (see edit history) 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
junkyardjeff Posted May 11, 2021 Author Share Posted May 11, 2021 Drums looked thick enough when I had them apart but might have to measure them,its the fronts that are coming off. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rocketraider Posted May 11, 2021 Share Posted May 11, 2021 Pics of the Merc dogbowls please 😺. Don't think I've ever seen any. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JACK M Posted May 11, 2021 Share Posted May 11, 2021 I agree on the radial tire thing. I have had the same issues with full covers on older wheels. 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
plymouthcranbrook Posted May 11, 2021 Share Posted May 11, 2021 The “fake” chrome mags on the 2001 Astro I had fell off so many times I just gave up and took them off. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
viv w Posted May 11, 2021 Share Posted May 11, 2021 Wheel covers normally run into the grass and lie shiny side down, making them hard to find. Spray the inside of them with bright flourescent pink or orange, it will make them easier to find if they do come off. 3 1 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TexRiv_63 Posted May 11, 2021 Share Posted May 11, 2021 Only time this happened to me was on a 57 Lincoln, yes it had radial tires. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steve_Mack_CT Posted May 11, 2021 Share Posted May 11, 2021 Lost a packard hubcap once, it rolled a good few hundred feet and ended up on the Litchfield green for anyone from CT. A bit embarassing actually... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The 55er Posted May 11, 2021 Share Posted May 11, 2021 I've lost my share of hubcaps over the years but my absolute worst car for throwing them was a 1965 Buick Skylark with the 8 round-hole spinner caps on radial tires. They were kind of a flimsy flexible design anyway and even when I left my driveway and drove a few blocks down the street at low speeds to a stop sign it wasn't uncommon for one to come off and roll across the intersection. I tried everything to keep them on but they had a mind of their own! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sleeve-valve Posted May 11, 2021 Share Posted May 11, 2021 The left front hubcap on my 1959 Ford would often fly off. A few years ago it was run over by a car going the other way. I thought it would be a pancake but it really didn't look damaged. It was tight getting back on but has not fallen off since! 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ed Luddy Posted May 12, 2021 Share Posted May 12, 2021 Had this happen on my 1963 Studebaker GT Hawk about 6 weeks ago after going over a RR crossing. Yes, radial tires on it. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rocketraider Posted May 12, 2021 Share Posted May 12, 2021 2 hours ago, sleeve-valve said: The left front hubcap on my 1959 Ford would often fly off. A few years ago it was run over by a car going the other way. I thought it would be a pancake but it really didn't look damaged. It was tight getting back on but has not fallen off since! Maybe it learned its lesson? 😺 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TTR Posted May 12, 2021 Share Posted May 12, 2021 (edited) According to my limited experiences, (full size) hub caps falling off seems relatively common among many ‘50s/‘60s American cars, but even more so if or when the wheels aren’t exactly same size/type the car (and its hub caps) originally came with. While many wheels may appear to fit and look (almost) alike from year-to-year make/model, quite often they are not and I believe most OEM hub caps were often designed & made to fit only a specific wheels design. One of the most notable examples I’ve experienced is 1960 Chrysler wheels, which feature details to accommodate only 1960 Chrysler hub caps and not found in any other same era MoPars, including ‘59 or ‘61 Chryslers. Edited May 12, 2021 by TTR (see edit history) 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John348 Posted May 12, 2021 Share Posted May 12, 2021 (edited) 8 minutes ago, TTR said: According to my limited experiences, (full size) hub caps falling off seems relatively common among many ‘50s/‘60s American cars, but even more so if or when the wheels aren’t exactly same size/type the car (and its hub caps) originally came with. While many wheels may appear to fit and look (almost) alike from year-to-year make/model, quite often they are not and I believe most OEM hub caps were often designed & made to fit only a specific wheels design. I have come upon this with Chevy 14" rims, and the full size wheel covers. The 57-61 rims have four raised 'nubs' on the edge of the rim to secure the cover. Without those 'nubs' the wheelcovers will fly off. Maybe this si the case with Ford's as well? Edited May 12, 2021 by John348 (see edit history) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TTR Posted May 12, 2021 Share Posted May 12, 2021 (edited) 5 minutes ago, John348 said: I have come upon this with Chevy 14" rims, and the full size wheel covers. The 57-61 rims have four raised 'nubs' on the edge of the rim to secure the cover. Without those 'nubs' the wheelcovers will fly off. Maybe this si the case with Ford's as well? I’m not familiar with Chevys or Fords, but my afore-referenced 1960 Chrysler hub caps & wheels have same/similar “nubs” and “clocked” accordingly by valve stem location. Edited May 12, 2021 by TTR (see edit history) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AL1630 Posted May 12, 2021 Share Posted May 12, 2021 I have radials and full size wheel covers. I had one roll off while pulling out of a parking lot once (I don't think that one was on all the way though), and another when I had to brake hard. I check periodically to make sure they're still on there tight. However, the covers do like to rotate around until the valve stem stops them. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Frank DuVal Posted May 12, 2021 Share Posted May 12, 2021 When I bought my 94 Caprice wagon, it came with the wheel covers with the large black center. I didn't think they looked good, and they kept flyiing off! Chased some down, had to buy more replacements other times. So I went to Mincz Tire (Richmond, VA) and traded (with some cash) for a set with the open design and bowtie center. Haven't lost another wheel cover in 200 K more miles! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
58L-Y8 Posted May 12, 2021 Share Posted May 12, 2021 On 5/10/2021 at 11:46 PM, junkyardjeff said: The last two times I had my strangely optioned 65 Merc out a few wheel covers came off,not wanting to have to chase them down and since its a entry level Montclair I have a set of poverty caps on the way. I found them on Ebay and paid a little more then I wanted bit alot less then some wanted and got all four at one time. Even though I never remember ever seeing any at swapmeets they will now be showing up for a couple dollars each. So, how did that stick shift '65 Montclair turn out? Is it a good daily driver? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
junkyardjeff Posted May 12, 2021 Author Share Posted May 12, 2021 2 hours ago, 58L-Y8 said: So, how did that stick shift '65 Montclair turn out? Is it a good daily driver? Tires are too bad to drive much so I am cleaning up another set of rims to paint and install the new tires on. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HarryLime Posted May 12, 2021 Share Posted May 12, 2021 It isn't a solution, but sympathize. The Dodge Charger in the film "Bullitt" lost FIVE hubcaps in the big chase scene. I'm sure they just bought more . 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JimKB1MCV Posted May 12, 2021 Share Posted May 12, 2021 My '55 President exhibited the same wheel cover shedding on the left front only, cured with some blobs of silicone on the retaining clips.The silicone wheel cover treatment also is effective on 'walking' or rotating covers threatening tubeless valve stems, a problem I have had on Larks. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Buffalowed Bill Posted May 12, 2021 Share Posted May 12, 2021 I agree with radial tires on older rims, however, some rims just flex more the others. It may be age, or the long term use to which a wheel was subjected. I usually switch caps from wheel to wheel to see if that in any way changes to cap's tendency to walk. I have also rotated my tires to see if a different axle/spindle, mount will make a difference. I have also used two sided tape, which often holds well enough to keep it secure. As a last resort I use another wheel. Every car/wheel and tire combination seems a little different, so what works for one may not work for another. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Paul Dobbin Posted May 12, 2021 Share Posted May 12, 2021 I'v recently lost two actual hub caps off #1 off my 35 Buick an the other #2 off my GMC Yukon with Escalade Chrome wheels. In both losses it was after a repair shop had taken the wheels off for tire replacement. Not wheel covers, but the small hub cap. Searched but had to buy replacements. In the futrue I'll leave the hub caps at home if having work done. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jimy Posted May 12, 2021 Share Posted May 12, 2021 They kept falling off my Saab decades ago so I wrote my name/phone number on the back with a grease pencil. I did get one back because of it! jim 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AnniesSS Posted May 13, 2021 Share Posted May 13, 2021 On 5/11/2021 at 11:38 PM, Frank DuVal said: When I bought my 94 Caprice wagon, it came with the wheel covers with the large black center. I didn't think they looked good, and they kept flyiing off! Chased some down, had to buy more replacements other times. So I went to Mincz Tire (Richmond, VA) and traded (with some cash) for a set with the open design and bowtie center. Haven't lost another wheel cover in 200 K more miles! I've got a 95 wagon that has the wire wheel covers and I cannot stand them lol I want to change them to one like the bottom over but am not sure if they were a stock option in 1995. Do you, by chance, know? Thanks either way! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
junkyardjeff Posted May 14, 2021 Author Share Posted May 14, 2021 Here are the Merc poverty caps 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rocketraider Posted May 14, 2021 Share Posted May 14, 2021 From a time when "poverty caps" didn't look cheap! 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
junkyardjeff Posted May 14, 2021 Author Share Posted May 14, 2021 Might put on trim rings if I still have them and wonder of they would stay on,its getting late 80s police rims when it gets new tires. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Frank DuVal Posted May 14, 2021 Share Posted May 14, 2021 15 hours ago, AnniesSS said: I want to change them to one like the bottom over but am not sure if they were a stock option in 1995. Do you, by chance, know? Thanks either way! They are interchange number 3213. "Might" be a GM 10194310, but picture is lousy, and the same part numbers show for 1992 to 1996 Caprice, so I am not sure. I do not think anyone will challenge you if you run these in place of the wire covers.😉 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AnniesSS Posted May 14, 2021 Share Posted May 14, 2021 12 hours ago, Frank DuVal said: They are interchange number 3213. "Might" be a GM 10194310, but picture is lousy, and the same part numbers show for 1992 to 1996 Caprice, so I am not sure. I do not think anyone will challenge you if you run these in place of the wire covers.😉 Great. Thanks Frank! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mrspeedyt Posted May 15, 2021 Share Posted May 15, 2021 I guess I’ve been lucky. I’ve never had a hubcap or wheel cover fly off that i can remember since 1966. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
padgett Posted May 15, 2021 Share Posted May 15, 2021 Thought the Charger in Bulitt lost the same hubcap many times and sometimes the same hubcap comes off from different angles (how many times do you see the VW ?). One post says eight are shown. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John_Mereness Posted May 16, 2021 Share Posted May 16, 2021 Duct Tape on the rims so the teeth have something to bite into 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John_Mereness Posted May 16, 2021 Share Posted May 16, 2021 There are no such things as Aliens - just Packards throwing hubcaps 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
junkyardjeff Posted June 8, 2021 Author Share Posted June 8, 2021 Got the new tires on along with the poverty caps. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now