Question on wheel center cap removal and installation

[Guest Kitskaboodle]

Since Iv'e only had my Reatta 1.5 weeks, there is much I dont know about this car yet.

Anyways, I plan on replacing the wheel center caps. (two are toast, two are just ok)

I heard that they are hard to remove so I would like input on whether it is better to but used ones

that are already attached to the disk or buy the new center caps only and put them on myself.

(Most of you probably already know of the guy that sells the NOS caps on Ebay in sets of 4)

Thanks in advance, Kit <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

[Howard]

I'm not clear on what you are trying to replace. Are you talking about the caps that cover the lug nuts? (thats what I call the center cap). Or, are you talking about the "R" in the center of the center cap so to speak. If you are talking about the center cap that covers the lug nuts, these are very simply to remove. The tire tool or a stout screw driver will do the trick. If you are talking about the "R" in the center of the caps, I'm not sure how easy they are to replace.

[jonlabree]

Buy new centers and use JB Weld to attach them.

To remove use a dremel tool and cut off the back of the pins

[Roadster90]

Out of curiousity (and need), is there a factory or decent hub cap removal tool available anywhere that actually works without damaging the cap and wheel?

[Barney Eaton]

On removing the hub cap (that covers the lug nuts) I use two average size screw drivers. First carefully lift the edge of the cap with one screwdriver.

Then insert the second past the edge of the wheel/cap so you can pry in an area that is not visible from the outside. The second screwdriver now gives you a much wider/larger gap....reposition the first screwdriver and pry again inside where potential damage cannot be seen.

I have seen flat plastic pry tools advertised in some auto magazines and it might be possible to make them also.

[Guest F14CRAZY]

The ultimate solution

[89REATTAJIM]

Really doesn't look bad. I've been told that it is in very poor taste to show your nutz in public. Who's Fiero? Several members have/had them. <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

[Guest F14CRAZY]

That's actually Ryan's. Was taken when I went to his place for S/C tuning

[Guest Kitskaboodle]

Funny you should mention Fiero's. Im absolutely crazy about them!

I have one as well.(86 GT)I just entered it last weekend in the Pacific Grove Concours Auto Rally (near Pebble Beach/Carmel). I would post a pic but I barely even know how to post text (to my shame... ) Besides....that would be getting way too off topic. Gotta stay Reatta-focused...

Kit (90 Red Coupe) or as the wife calls it "a tube of red lipstick"

[jonlabree]

Glass installers have a plastic piece that they use to push the sealer into tight places. And this works very well to remove hub caps, WITHOUT scratching them.

All Screwdrivers will leave a mark on the wheels.

[Guest waxbgone]

Tools for center cap removal (My company makes 2 versions) are made for wheels that have a small recess cast into them so the tool can get behind the cap. None will work on the Reatta because there is no recess. Using any screwdriver, you run the risk of nicking the clear coat on the wheel and causing corrosion. The best thing I have found was recommended in this forum some time ago. Use a small screwdriver (or 2) and cover the tip with masking tape.