steve meltzer

I just lost my second Bolt on Center section in about 4 years. I guess that they just come loose and then they're gone, along with about $175 or so to replace them. At least they're not originals. Any thoughts here on how to prevent this, or am I the only one with this problem? I think it was the other rear wheel when this happened before. I wonder if there's a way to safety wire them or ?? Thanx for your thoughts. steve

65GGvert

Got any pictures? Any info on what car? What piece are you losing? I guess you assume everyone knows what car you have and what you lost, but I don't.

62Jeff

I'm guessing he's talking about the starburst wheel center for a 1967 Bolt On "knock off"

rongold

I have a Corvette America repro bolt on set of wheels that have been on my car for at least 20 years and I never lost a cap. When I originally got the wheels, the retaining clips that came with them were thin & chintzy--I didn't trust them I called C/A, and they sent me a set of clips that were double the thickness of the ones that came with the wheels. You have to squeeze them closed every time you remove a cap, or they become loose. Do you squeeze them ??? Maybe you should get a new set, just to be safe.

65GGvert

Possible, but there are bolt on knockoff styles for other C2's. I hate to have to assume it's the starburst and he's talking about a spinner or cone or cap. It doesn't hurt to be specific when you ask a question. I don't even know what holds a starburst on, so I can't help if that's the question.

gbvette62

I don't have an answer on how to keep from losing the bolt-on center caps, but your not alone. It is a fairly common problem with those wheels.

The factory 76-82 aluminum wheels, use a plastic center cap, that just pushes on the wheel. People are always losing them, too. The aluminum wheel center caps tend to stay on, if you put a thin bead of clear silicone caulk on the wheel. I know the 67 bolt-on center caps are a bit heavier, then the plastic 76-82 caps, but may work?

histoy

I attach the ones on our car using a thin bead of clear silicone as gbvett62 suggested. I carry a small, thin blade screwdriver along with the jack so that I can remove the bead, when I remove the wheel.

steve meltzer

Ooops! Sorry I didn't specify, i just assumed that since they only made
"bolt ons" in '67, that everyone would know what I meant. Me bad...
anyhow, maybe a thin bead of silicone might be in order and also maybe I need to revisit each wheel and its clips. I hate to take them all off, just to "cinch them down", but I'd really hate to lose another center piece. Thanx for the ideas. s

mhanley

I would replace all of the clips on all four wheels. I've never lost a center cap on my 67.

steve meltzer

Earlier this week, i ordered the replacement parts from CC. When they come in, I'll take the other 3 centers off, compare all clips, replace ones that look less than robust, crimp down the rest, and apply either silicone or some such and go from there. thanx s

NURVUS

Once you see the bolt on wheels sold by America's Finest Corvettes you will never want to mess with those original style center caps again. They look completely original when installed, but you won't believe how flawlessly they install!!!