BP Posted February 25, 2007 Share Posted February 25, 2007 OK, it?s been awhile since I?ve addressed the forum with an issue. I would like to refinish the hubcaps for my 1989 Reatta. I?m looking for successful methods for removing the center emblems from hubcaps without damaging them. I have cautiously pried 2 center caps off and the foil backing which creates the ?Sunburst? flakes off and stayed stuck to the cap. I was able to salvage the pieces of foil and piece it back together, but I was wondering if there was a better removal method? I tried heat too to soften the silicone ? but that didn?t work either. Has anyone performed this procedure with success? I?m sure the collective wisdom here will deliver a success path.Thanks! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Roadster90 Posted February 25, 2007 Share Posted February 25, 2007 I plan of restoring some caps as well, but wouldn't dare attempt logo removal.....will double apply tape, and be careful (go lightly and not totally to the logo with the paint remover, and remove tape immediately afterwards...works fine. Re tape and do prep and finish work. I have access to a Vietnam Era Naval Southbend Lathe, and will experiment with "re tooling" the circular lines (will use emory cloth as the metal is very thin to actually tool). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jonlabree Posted February 25, 2007 Share Posted February 25, 2007 I have done two sets of center caps with no problem.Here's what I did:First thing to do is turn the cap over on a soft cloth, then take a large punch(one with a fat tip)Take a plastic hammer and the punch and tap all around the center cap, including the holes. Keep doing it until the center comes loose. Then I clean the back carefully and when it's time to replace it I use JB Weld.I have done eight caps and have not had one peel off the gold.Good Luck.Jon... <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Barney Eaton Posted February 25, 2007 Share Posted February 25, 2007 I would soak the entire hub cap in hot water. Something less than boiling, maybe around 180....soak for at least 10 minutes, this should soften the adhesive some. Since the hole in the back is in the center, pushing from there is the hardest way of getting them out. Prying on the edge is the easiest but you must use something that will not damage the paint. I use plastic paint scrapers. I have taken a 1"inch one and cut in half....now it is 2 scrapers that are 1/2" wide. Carefully work one under the emblem and lift. When you get some space, slip a small wedge in...even a toothpick will work. Work your way around the emblem and it will come out. Peeling some of the silver backing is a risk..... however, there is at least one vendor selling wheel emblems. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jonlabree Posted February 25, 2007 Share Posted February 25, 2007 Do it any way you want to.I'm just telling you what worked for me 8 (EIGHT) times!by the way that's rude..... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
89REATTAJIM Posted February 25, 2007 Share Posted February 25, 2007 Like most procedures, there is always more than one way to "skin a cat". If your way works for you & Barney's way works for him I am happy to know of both methods. If I ever have to do this job I'll have both methods to try. I see no reason to imply that someone is "rude" for offering their suggestions. That's what our forum is for. Ideas. <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Reatta45 Posted February 25, 2007 Share Posted February 25, 2007 I guess I?m confused? <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" /> What was rude?? Giving an alternate way of removing them, or pointing out that there is at least one source, to find new replacements. ??? I like to explore every possible way anyone has done a particular task? then if one is not quite successful, <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/shocked.gif" alt="" /> I could try another, OR combine several methods, forming a new ?combination? approach. Also it?s nice to know that there is a source for parts? <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" /> KennyV. ??? just confused? <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" /> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jonlabree Posted February 25, 2007 Share Posted February 25, 2007 Since the hole in the back is in the center, pushing from there is the hardest way of getting them out. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jonlabree Posted February 25, 2007 Share Posted February 25, 2007 All I'm saying is "Dont' knock it unless you have tried it" Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BP Posted February 25, 2007 Author Share Posted February 25, 2007 Thanks for the feedback. I'll try both methods and post back the results. Barney who is the vendor selling new emblems? There is no better forum on the planet! I love you guys <span style="font-style: italic"> (Platonically speaking of course)</span> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BP Posted February 27, 2007 Author Share Posted February 27, 2007 I tried the methods referenced earlier, the soft cloth and tap method and the hot water soak method. For me, the hot water soak worked best. (I?m not passing judgement here just stating what worked best for me)I brought a pot of water to boil and then went into the garage. With water temperature at 200 degrees I inserted a cap with NO Emblem just to see what the hot water would do to the remaining silicone. After 3 minutes I removed the cap and detected minimal softening and little change in adhesion. Whatever that stuff is, its tough!I inserted another cap With Emblem into the bath (now approximately 190 degrees) I let it soak for 30 minutes. (temp at removal was about 160 degrees) Removed it from the water and pressed gently on the back all around the circumference and then in the center. The Emblem popped out only a tiny piece of foil clung to the cap I was able to use a razor blade and scrape the ?cling-on? free and the emblem looks perfect.Can?t say for sure if the hot water was a fluke or a success. But it seems as though the long soak was certainly an aid. Presently, I?m out of caps to practice on anyway. I?ll have to talk to ?Reverend Jim? before continuing any experiments.I also played a bit with the damaged ones and noted that rubbing a piece of tinfoil onto the peeled areas appears to have restored the Sunburst to some degree (Attached is my 3 minute attempt at ?re-foiling?)I?m also working on a Jig to put the caps in and spin them on a drill press. I hope that will aid in polishing and phonograph finishing. Thanks everyone for your input. I?m also looking for sources for new Emblems. I know Jim mentioned he had some not sure who else may be a source. Any info there will be appreciated. Also if anyone cares to experiment on there own I welcome any feedback! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest MauiWowee Posted February 27, 2007 Share Posted February 27, 2007 Congrats on your success. This may be a little too late, and may not work on these emblems, but a trick used to remove stick-on tank emblems on Harleys is to use a piece of fishing line to nicely slice through the adhesive. <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" /> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rawja Posted February 27, 2007 Share Posted February 27, 2007 There was someone selling centercap emblems for literally years and years. I haven't been regularly monitoring Reatta stuff on ebay lately, but when I just checked they weren't listed.Any of you know how long ago they stopped being available there, or better yet who that seller was? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BP Posted March 3, 2007 Author Share Posted March 3, 2007 The mandrel worked pretty well. (pics attached) now I need to reapply the phono finish and clear coat Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BP Posted March 3, 2007 Author Share Posted March 3, 2007 Before and after Pic Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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